He was a throw in to make the salary work for the Streit deal. Tampa needed to get some cap space to be able to take him and flip him to Pittsburgh.
- dragonoffrost

Filpulla was a guy that the Flyers figured they could use for one season as a possible 3rd line center behind Giroux and Couturier without having to go play in Free agency and overspend or over commit. it was basically a one year 5 million deal.

things changed when the FLyers got Patrick. Giroux moved to wing and Patrick was slowly phased in from 3rd line to 2nd line as the season progressed.

This year the Flyers thought they might have an internal option but that doesn't seem to be the case for that 3rd line center role

He played well in the opener. That was it, apart from the gift-wrapped-with-a-bow first NHL goal in the next game. Otherwise he struggled pretty much in every facet.

Compete level is not a new issue with him. Fairly or unfairly, some Phantoms teammates, vets and rookies alike, took periodic issue with some perceived work habit issues last year as a rookie (in any work environment, there is complaining when there's a feeling that a co-worker doesn't pull his weight and creates more work for them). That info was kept off-the-record last season and the original sources remain off-record but "the compete level" stuff is now open info because Hak directly alluded to it twice.

In fairness, Vorobyev faced a lot of adjustments last season and did well overall. He worked his tail off throughout the summer and had an outstanding training camp and preseason. Then he fell into that cycle where the regular season NHL pace kicked in, he was a little overwhelmed, his confidence dropped (which can be mistaken for low energy), his assertiveness dropped with it, then his ice time dropped and he was in the healthy scratch zone. Struggled in his return game and was sent back to the AHL.

I think he'll be fine. Was most definitely competing last night.
- bmeltzer

your opinion on Weal and the 3C, should it be Laughton?

Filpulla was a guy that the Flyers figured they could use for one season as a possible 3rd line center behind Giroux and Couturier without having to go play in Free agency and overspend or over commit. it was basically a one year 5 million deal.

things changed when the FLyers got Patrick. Giroux moved to wing and Patrick was slowly phased in from 3rd line to 2nd line as the season progressed.

This year the Flyers thought they might have an internal option but that doesn't seem to be the case for that 3rd line center role
- J35Bacher

Why are you guys doing a run down on why Filppula was here? All I did was correct a poster who got a fact a little mixed up.

- Scoob

You just dated yourself

Weal maintains puck possession and does not shy away from plays. May not be the strongest guy but he is in the corners working. wants the puck, doesn't defer to teammates. Also good in the dot like you said.
- ClaudeFather

What does maintain puck possession actually mean? What I see is Weal, normally far away from the actual scoring areas on the ice, far away from the net, normally makes a few turns with the puck, never actually gets the puck to a teammate, nor gets the puck to the net and then eventually gets easily knocked off of the puck. I don't question his effort, I question his ability as an offensive player to make plays on a somewhat consistent basis since he brings little else. He can chip in occasionally, that's about it.

What does maintain puck possession actually mean? What I see is Weal, normally far away from the actual scoring areas on the ice, far away from the net, normally makes a few turns with the puck, never actually gets the puck to a teammate, nor gets the puck to the net and then eventually gets easily knocked off of the puck. I don't question his effort, I question his ability as an offensive player to make plays on a somewhat consistent basis since he brings little else. He can chip in occasionally, that's about it.
- MJL

When would you make a move if you deem you need a 3rd line center? WOuld you wait till the deadline when prices could rise or would you try to get out early and get your piece now. Isn't thanksgiving kind of a trade line time for teams before the holiday break comes?

No, not at all. Lehtera's play has dropped off and I hate him on the PK. that said Weal has been a disappointment but I at least hold out hope he can generate some offense. that 3C really is a gaping hole. Wouldn't mind seeing Laughton there just to give it a look.
- nastyflyergirl

Time to give Laughton a look for sure with extra minutes
JVR-Laughton-Simmonds

Not really sure where Weal fits in nut there will be more injuries no doubt.

He does have decent possession stats, when he cuts back and forth along the side wall, but the problem is he can't do that when someone is actually covering him. He can battle all he wants, but if the end result is Weal losing the battle most of the time..what was the point of the battle.

Weal is the definition of "I have the puck, someone please come over and help me now".
- Glak18

He does have the puck and he needs to get it to his linemates, he does that we actually will have less of a black hole at 3c. Weal can not carry a line. I do think someone like JVR compliments Weals game. I dont think Simmer does. Simmer gave up the puck a lot last game. With JVR it might work.

I will say Weal has been better on the D than I expected.

When would you make a move if you deem you need a 3rd line center? WOuld you wait till the deadline when prices could rise or would you try to get out early and get your piece now. Isn't thanksgiving kind of a trade line time for teams before the holiday break comes?
- J35Bacher

I don't think it's something you can put on a schedule. If you're looking at trade options, the right player has to be available. I'd give Laughton a shot at it before trying to make a trade.

I just feel the below isn't a balanced defensive lineup.

28 Claude Giroux - 14 Sean Couturier - 11 Travis Konecny
23 Oskar Lindblom - 19 Nolan Patrick - 93 Jakub Voracek
25 James van Riemsdyk - 40 Jordan Weal - 17 Wayne Simmonds
22 Dale Weise - 21 Scott Laughton - 62 Nicolas Aube-Kubel

I'm toying with the idea of moving Giroux back to center and how deep the lineup becomes.

25 James van Riemsdyk -28 Claude Giroux - 17 Wayne Simmonds
11 Travis Konecny - 14 Sean Couturier - 93 Jakub Voracek
23 Oskar Lindblom - 19 Nolan Patrick - 40 Jordan Weal
22 Dale Weise - 21 Scott Laughton - 62 Nicolas Aube-Kubel
- youarewrong

I have thought this exact lineup, but agree that it is really super unlikely that they go this drastic. I think they are still going with the offense is our best bet strategy which is probably based on the strengths of our young defenseman core.

Listen, if you read any post I have made about Weal in the last couple weeks, you would know that I don’t think his debut at center is going well. I do think he is an NHL player. Looks mostly like a playmaking RW who would work with a defensive center. Obviously with the depth the Flyers have at RW and lack of a defensive 3C center this becomes a poor fit problem.

This doesn’t mean I won’t give him a fair shot at the gap on 3C. JVR is a different style player than Weise or Laughton. I’m keeping an open mind.

Edit: I guess you could say I’m being patient.
- NC Flyers Fan

Hoping I can do the same.

I just feel the below isn't a balanced defensive lineup.

28 Claude Giroux - 14 Sean Couturier - 11 Travis Konecny
23 Oskar Lindblom - 19 Nolan Patrick - 93 Jakub Voracek
25 James van Riemsdyk - 40 Jordan Weal - 17 Wayne Simmonds
22 Dale Weise - 21 Scott Laughton - 62 Nicolas Aube-Kubel

I'm toying with the idea of moving Giroux back to center and how deep the lineup becomes.

25 James van Riemsdyk -28 Claude Giroux - 17 Wayne Simmonds
11 Travis Konecny - 14 Sean Couturier - 93 Jakub Voracek
23 Oskar Lindblom - 19 Nolan Patrick - 40 Jordan Weal
22 Dale Weise - 21 Scott Laughton - 62 Nicolas Aube-Kubel
- youarewrong

If you're looking at it from a defensive perspective, playing Couturier with Konecny and Voracek is not the way to go.

I have to admit I was one of the people clamoring for Ron to get Weal signed, now I'm thinking..when will this Weal 3C experiment be over with? I also have to admit, the lines look much stronger with G at center on paper, but for what he is bringing on wing, don't do it.

So can we bring in another 3C? Anisimov will probably cost too much.

I don't think it's something you can put on a schedule. If you're looking at trade options, the right player has to be available. I'd give Laughton a shot at it before trying to make a trade.
- MJL

i understand you can't really schedule it but you kind of have to have a little idea of a plan.

I guess they'll see how it looks finally having van Riemsdyk back and then plan accordingly.

He was a throw in to make the salary work for the Streit deal. Tampa needed to get some cap space to be able to take him and flip him to Pittsburgh.
- dragonoffrost

That isn't true.

The Flyers got Filppula as insurance in case Patrick wasn't ready for a top-9 role.

Love the Lindblom love.
- NC Flyers Fan

If you're looking at it from a defensive perspective, playing Couturier with Konecny and Voracek is not the way to go.
- MJL

List all wingers on the Flyers roster you consider defensively plus players.

Caps lost, Bruins got smoked and Schenn didn't get a point, It was a good night

List all wingers on the Flyers roster you consider defensively plus players.
- NC Flyers Fan

Joel Otto
Shjon Podein
Trent Klatt

I have to admit I was one of the people clamoring for Ron to get Weal signed, now I'm thinking..when will this Weal 3C experiment be over with? I also have to admit, the lines look much stronger with G at center on paper, but for what he is bringing on wing, don't do it.

So can we bring in another 3C? Anisimov will probably cost too much.
- bmoreflyer

I don't think he'll cost that much. Still has 2 more years after this year. the Flyers have space so you don't need them to retain anything. Flyers have an extra 3rd rounder. Maybe that alone or something built around 3rd rounder and middling prospect.

Caps lost, Bruins got smoked and Schenn didn't get a point, It was a good night
- wcorvette

Chara got hurt i saw and didn't look good. Might be a knee.

You just dated yourself
- youarewrong

While also showing how hip and in-tune I am with today's music.

boom

Chara got hurt i saw and didn't look good. Might be a knee.
- J35Bacher

big if out for some time

HATE BOSTON

While also showing how hip and in-tune I am with today's music.

boom
- Scoob

I like U2, I'm hip.

Joel Otto
Shjon Podein
Trent Klatt
- jmatchett383

Jim Dowd
Kent Manderville
Eric Wellwood