Peeps that get to see the phantoms on a regular basis, who on the farm do you see as NHL players? Not counting Hart, Myers and NAK. I don't get to see them play a whole lot. like just the occasional telecast.

They really should be looking at a 2C. Patrick is in over his head right now.
- hereticpride

Bottom line is that they need to pay for another guy -- it's malpractice, to my mind, to try to ride this out and hope that Frost is gonna come in and save you, because what if you run into the same slower developmental curve as Patrick?

They need another guy. They should be able to put a package together and get something. Might cost a little more than we'd like, but it needs to be done -- it would likely help 4-6 other guys to have another 40-point center, someone who can skate and pass

Where would Okafor, Noel, and Fultz play? Those top of the draft studs
- PLindbergh31

Lindblom with what, 5 minutes last game?

Sanheim with 12 and Mac 2nd on that back end? That’s some good D-velopment.

Burn baby burn. The fans are dwindling and maybe the moron will do me another solid and get Holmgren fired.

Internal option! I'm going to go out on a limb and say this isn't going to work.


Philadelphia Flyers
‏Verified account @NHLFlyers

OFFICIAL: The #Flyers have recalled forward Phil Varone from the @LVPhantoms. Varone is currently the Phantoms leading scorer (11g-17a) and was named @TheAHL MVP last season.
- PLindbergh31

Probably won't, but you need to take a look and see -- the leash won't be long, but it's ridiculous to not see what you do or don't have. Just look at it and see

Probably won't, but you need to take a look and see -- the leash won't be long, but it's ridiculous to not see what you do or don't have. Just look at it and see
- AllInForFlyers

28 year old who has played 50 NHL games? I guess... I think I have an idea what he is and I've never seen him play. Hey if this means I don't have to look at Weal or Lehtera it's a positive.

In order of operations, I would like to see the players fit better first. As you say, it can make a big impact. Then, I feel we would have a clearer picture. I don’t see the system as stifling as you described.
- NC Flyers Fan

Where does the system vary from dump the puck, dig out of the corner, pass back to the point for a shot, collapse for a rebound.

Nearly 30 games in, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I feel bad for Hakstol

He had no say whatsoever when it came to 2 of his assistants and his goalie coach and only limited input on the hiring of Knoblauch.

His GM did nothing to improve his options for goaltender in the offseason and also failed to provide with a 3rd legit center.

Hard to see any coach being successful when you had to spend a significant part of the season with Cal Pickard as your top goalie and Jordan Weal your 3C

I have my doubts that Hakstol is the guy that can take this team to the next level, but he deserves the rest of the season to see what he can do.
- BiggE

I agree that Hexy didnt give the team what It needed to be successful and that the GM having full control over the coaching staff isnt great either.

But if Fletcher thinks there are better coaching options out there he should pursue them. I think givingHak the rest of 2018 leaves the proper amount of time for evaluation.

28 year old who has played 50 NHL games? I guess... I think I have an idea what he is and I've never seen him play. Hey if this means I don't have to look at Weal or Lehtera it's a positive.
- PLindbergh31

Hes a plus skater. If nothing else that's a lineup improvement.

When we talk about fit I dont how nobody acknowledges we have a slow team and hasktol system requires speed and a pre req. He has adjusted some but it still will never work as is. Our defenseman cant be our only plus skaters.

Lindblom with what, 5 minutes last game?

Sanheim with 12 and Mac 2nd on that back end? That’s some good D-velopment.

Burn baby burn. The fans are dwindling and maybe the moron will do me another solid and get Holmgren fired.
- flyer_nutter

I don't think Holmgren is going anywhere unfortunately. Scary the guy who gave McDonald a 6 year contract is making the decisions here.

Where does the system vary from dump the puck, dig out of the corner, pass back to the point for a GIVEAWAY.
- Shrike

FTFY

I agree that Hexy didnt give the team what It needed to be successful and that the GM having full control over the coaching staff isnt great either.

But if Fletcher thinks there are better coaching options out there he should pursue them. I think giving him the rest of 2018 leaves the proper amount of time for evaluation.
- Baxter27

My personal opinion is Quenneville must not have wanted the job at least at this stage so instead of forcing a bad hiring we will stay status quo and get a guy wr want in off season. Fletcher and his family ate very close with coach q according to reports.

I don't think Holmgren is going anywhere unfortunately. Scary the guy who gave McDonald a 6 year contract is making the decisions here.
- PLindbergh31

Give it time my friend. A lack of results, will leave him in the same boat as Hextall.

Name me an organization that would continue to trot out this HC after 280+ games.

His defenders can high five each other after every OT loss. Just don’t sit too far apart, because that rink is looking more and more empty with him at the helm.

FTFY
- FlyersGrace

That’s only if the one forechecker can win the board battle against 2 defensemen.

Regarding Varone, he’s probably the extra forward for the trip.

Personally? I hope it’s Lindblom scratched. He’s getting barely any ice time anyway. One of these kids demanding a trade that would become public would leave me in such joy.

I don't think Holmgren is going anywhere unfortunately. Scary the guy who gave McDonald a 6 year contract is making the decisions here.
- PLindbergh31

GMs/Executives cant make mistakes I guess. Yzerman gave an over the hill Callahan a 6 year deal worth more and is the hockey world's dream GM candidate.

Give it time my friend. A lack of results, will leave him in the same boat as Hextall.

Name me an organization that would continue to trot out this HC after 280+ games.

His defenders can high five each other after every OT loss. Just don’t sit too far apart, because that rink is looking more and more empty with him at the helm.
- flyer_nutter

I would love to know who you think we are getting thsts this miraculous coach that will fix all this teams issues thats available in the middle the season ? Coach Q? What if he told us no? You want a guy like Yeo?

GMs/Executives cant make mistakes I guess. Yzerman gave an over the hill Callahan a 6 year deal worth more and is the hockey world's dream GM candidate.
- Baxter27

Marc Staal got a big deal.

Your right. Every GM makes deals they regret

28 year old who has played 50 NHL games? I guess... I think I have an idea what he is and I've never seen him play. Hey if this means I don't have to look at Weal or Lehtera it's a positive.
- PLindbergh31

Again: I agree with you on this, in broad strokes: It probably won't amount to anything at all. But it's pointless to have a farm system and never give guys a look when you clearly have weaknesses at the NHL level

I doubt anybody here feels that Varone is any kind of long-term solution. But as was just noted, is he a plus-skater? Does he care?

Lindblom played under five minutes last night. Lehtera isn't helping us.

They need to start seeing what the hell these guys can do instead of continuing to play guys who the coach doesn't want to use

28 year old who has played 50 NHL games? I guess... I think I have an idea what he is and I've never seen him play. Hey if this means I don't have to look at Weal or Lehtera it's a positive.
- PLindbergh31

Fletcher said he was going to look for possible solutions internally first .
Is that what he is trying with this move?
Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't.

I would love to know who you think we are getting thsts this miraculous coach that will fix all this teams issues thats available in the middle the season ? Coach Q? What if he told us no? You want a guy like Yeo?
- Tfaehner

I don’t want someone else. I really don’t. I want the ticket prices to fall cheaper than a carton of milk.

I’m ready to be a fan again, but there’s nothing left at this point. I won’t cheer for blind incompetence.

Internal option! I'm going to go out on a limb and say this isn't going to work.


Philadelphia Flyers
‏Verified account @NHLFlyers

OFFICIAL: The #Flyers have recalled forward Phil Varone from the @LVPhantoms. Varone is currently the Phantoms leading scorer (11g-17a) and was named @TheAHL MVP last season.
- PLindbergh31

Interesting. He's been a solid player in the AHL.

Play him on the 3rd line and move Raffl down. What's Raffl done to not be moved down or scratched?

Nearly 30 games in, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I feel bad for Hakstol

He had no say whatsoever when it came to 2 of his assistants and his goalie coach and only limited input on the hiring of Knoblauch.

His GM did nothing to improve his options for goaltender in the offseason and also failed to provide him with a 3rd legit center.

Hard to see any coach being successful when you had to spend a significant part of the season with Cal Pickard as your top goalie and Jordan Weal your 3C

I have my doubts that Hakstol is the guy that can take this team to the next level, but he deserves the rest of the season to see what he can do.
- BiggE

Everyone knows where I stand on Hakstol. To this point of the season, this team has underachieved somewhat. Even with the issue you mentioned. The team has regressed in a lot of areas. Hakstol has some culpability in that. Up to this season though, Hakstol has done a solid job with what he has to work with. I keep repeatedly reading about lineups, line combos, defense pairings, and player deployment complaints. Fans will single out one issue and jump on the coach for it. As if there is a magic lineup for this team and the coach is just too stupid to see it. There are holes in the lineup and no perfect remedy for any coach to choose from.

Again: I agree with you on this, in broad strokes: It probably won't amount to anything at all. But it's pointless to have a farm system and never give guys a look when you clearly have weaknesses at the NHL level

I doubt anybody here feels that Varone is any kind of long-term solution. But as was just noted, is he a plus-skater? Does he care?

Lindblom played under five minutes last night. Lehtera isn't helping us.

They need to start seeing what the hell these guys can do instead of continuing to play guys who the coach doesn't want to use
- AllInForFlyers

Wasn't Derek Ryan in Carolina a late bloomer type? Became a solid NHL role player.

I agree that Hexy didnt give the team what It needed to be successful and that the GM having full control over the coaching staff isnt great either.

But if Fletcher thinks there are better coaching options out there he should pursue them. I think givingHak the rest of 2018 leaves the proper amount of time for evaluation.
- Baxter27

I think he needs to evaluate the players first, make the moves that he wants to make, and then find the coach that can work with that lineup.

I think he needs to evaluate the players first, make the moves that he wants to make, and then find the coach that can work with that lineup.
- Scoob

Also this lineup might not look exactly the same after a couple weeks. Maybe they make a move or two and it starts to change this team.