unless they are trading guys like Simmonds and Voracek for similar trades that brought them here I really hope Fletcher doesn't trade for veteran players at the expense of younger players. this team is too far away. IMHO the first step is firing the coaching staff and see what a new voice can do. look at Edmonton and bringing in Hitch.
- nastyflyergirl

I don’t think he will be stupid....but I’d honestly rather see an atempt at retooling this team rather then having to endure this poop show any longer. To me it will be a breath of fresh air the day they fire Hak and ship out some of these guys.

For all those advocating for Quenneville. Why would you think he wants to come here?
- MBFlyerfan

He is close personal friends with the fletcher family so he would have a boss he knows and trusts. He has a young team with a lot of untapped talent and potential. He could be the leagues highest paid coach. And he would be close to Connecticut for his wives family which I heard is a priority if he decides to come back.

I saw a tweet that stolarz was clapping the ice with his stick to let hakstol know he should be pulled for extra attacker? Is that true?
- Shrike

He did it several times....didn’t look like there was very much communication between him and the bench....I don’t think he was doing it to remind the coach of the situation, he was simply trying to get on the page as the coach.

For all those advocating for Quenneville. Why would you think he wants to come here?
- MBFlyerfan

Serious answer:

First off, the top teams probably aren’t looking to make coaching changes. Second, he has a good relationship with the new GM. Third the team has the cap room and trade ammunition to quickly improve things. Fourth, Comcast knows that they can sell coach Q to the STHs and therefore they will probably be offering to make him the highest paid coach in the NHL. And finally, Quenneville is a competitive guy, the challenge of turning this team’s fortunes around will likely appeal to him.

Cant argue with that.
- MBFlyerfan

How can you?

This is very true. Look at right wing as a prime example:

You have Konecny, Voracek, Simmonds, Weise, Raffl, Weal and call ups like Varone.

Place them where you think they can play to their strengths, pick four best fit options. What do you do if that leaves out Simmonds or a developing player like Konecny?
At this point, it really is addition by subtraction because you are not forcing players outside their ideal roles.

Edit: I am not for trading players 23 and under unless you are getting back the same with at least equal upside.
- NC Flyers Fan

Marner

Serious answer:

First off, the top teams probably aren’t looking to make coaching changes. Second, he has a good relationship with the new GM. Third the team has the cap room and trade ammunition to quickly improve things. Fourth, Comcast knows that they can sell coach Q to the STHs and therefore they will probably be offering to make him the highest paid coach in the NHL. And finally, Quenneville is a competitive guy, the challenge of turning this team’s fortunes around will likely appeal to him.
- BiggE

Well I hope so.

Serious answer:

First off, the top teams probably aren’t looking to make coaching changes. Second, he has a good relationship with the new GM. Third the team has the cap room and trade ammunition to quickly improve things. Fourth, Comcast knows that they can sell coach Q to the STHs and therefore they will probably be offering to make him the highest paid coach in the NHL. And finally, Quenneville is a competitive guy, the challenge of turning this team’s fortunes around will likely appeal to him.
- BiggE

Exactly 8 million reasons. A complete mess will never deter the best to go there, especially in a large market.

If Q just doesn't want to coach anymore then he will enjoy family and retirement. If he does then there isn't many better opportunities out there better than Philly right now.

For all those advocating for Quenneville. Why would you think he wants to come here?
- MBFlyerfan

1) Any coach worth a damn thinks he can be a difference maker. Oilers were a game under .500 when they brought in Hitch. Some fairly minor tweaks later, and they are on a roll.
2) He might see Flyers as a team that had 98 points last season with a good farm system and cap space, so even if this season ends up being a non-playoff year, the long-term picture is better.
3) There isn't much actual difference between the many flawed teams that make the playoffs and the bubble teams that miss. The gap is between the select few legit Cup contenders and the rest of the pack. Then it comes down to whether he believes Fletcher has a workable plan to bridge that gap.

Now, with all that said, he will be able to pick where he goes. Part of it will be how much power he wields in influencing roster moves.

1) Any coach worth a damn thinks he can be a difference maker. Oilers were a game under .500 when they brought in Hitch. Some fairly minor tweaks later, and they are on a roll.
2) He might see Flyers as a team that had 98 points last season with a good farm system and cap space, so even if this season ends up being a non-playoff year, the long-term picture is better.
3) There isn't much actual difference between the many flawed teams that make the playoffs and the bubble teams that miss. The gap is between the select few legit Cup contenders and the rest of the pack. Then it comes down to whether he believes Fletcher has a workable plan to bridge that gap.

Now, with all that said, he will be able to pick where he goes. Part of it will be how much power he wields in influencing roster moves.
- bmeltzer

Exactly, if he is given the Babcock treatment he will be the Flyers new head coach.

1) Any coach worth a damn thinks he can be a difference maker. Oilers were a game under .500 when they brought in Hitch. Some fairly minor tweaks later, and they are on a roll.
2) He might see Flyers as a team that had 98 points last season with a good farm system and cap space, so even if this season ends up being a non-playoff year, the long-term picture is better.
3) There isn't much actual difference between the many flawed teams that make the playoffs and the bubble teams that miss. The gap is between the select few legit Cup contenders and the rest of the pack. Then it comes down to whether he believes Fletcher has a workable plan to bridge that gap.

Now, with all that said, he will be able to pick where he goes. Part of it will be how much power he wields in influencing roster moves.
- bmeltzer

If it’s true that he wants to be close to his wife’s family in CT, than the Flyers would be a strong possibility. I doubt the Rags or Isles are considering a coaching change right now so it would probably come down to us, Boston or NJ. His longstanding relationship with Fletcher and his family probably gives the Flyers an edge over the other 2.

The pens need to get on a run here to bury us
- Just5

The Pens are home against LA tonight so this is likely to happen.

If it’s true that he wants to be close to his wife’s family in CT, than the Flyers would be a strong possibility. I doubt the Rags or Isles are considering a coaching change right now so it would probably come down to us, Boston or NJ. His longstanding relationship with Fletcher and his family probably gives the Flyers an edge over the other 2.
- BiggE

Comcast has enough money to build him his own Q-Jet for fast travel. Invisibility not included.

1) Any coach worth a damn thinks he can be a difference maker. Oilers were a game under .500 when they brought in Hitch. Some fairly minor tweaks later, and they are on a roll.
2) He might see Flyers as a team that had 98 points last season with a good farm system and cap space, so even if this season ends up being a non-playoff year, the long-term picture is better.
3) There isn't much actual difference between the many flawed teams that make the playoffs and the bubble teams that miss. The gap is between the select few legit Cup contenders and the rest of the pack. Then it comes down to whether he believes Fletcher has a workable plan to bridge that gap.

Now, with all that said, he will be able to pick where he goes. Part of it will be how much power he wields in influencing roster moves.
- bmeltzer

All true....it also might have to do with timing...how quick does he want to jump back in ? After Xmas makes sense....if he just wants to kick back for the holidays....pretty sure he hasn’t had that luxury in a long time.
To me he’s a high end coach that will make this team better.

Any one of the assistants can fill in as interim coach. It's really not that big of a stretch for them to fill.

Attendance is going to take a big hit soon. Maybe that will light the fire to get something done.
- hereticpride

Is that really a change. If they're going to make a change, make a change. I think attendance already lit a fire to make a change.

All jokes aside he sounded like what I have been thinking for years. It was somewhat refreshing to hear a player voice the same frustration as the fans, finally acknowledge that the players see it too. What made him sound even more crazy was that frustration was not because they are going through a rough patch or a bad season, it's because he is straight tired of going through this poop year after year after year.

Someone said last night Voracek was the problem, fair enough, but remember this team and these same issues have gone through other players through the years with the same results. He point blank called out the coach AND this organization for not correcting these same issues for 4 years. The problem with this team isn't about getting a new goalie or another defenseman or another forward...it's about having a group that actually plays together as a team for once consistently. This team could be half as skilled, but if they played as a unit and were on the same page every night we wouldn't be talking about how crappy this team is.
- Glak18

If you have a player that is part of the problem calling out the coach and the organization for not fixing the problems, well that's your main problem.

Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Drop 4-1 Decision in Edmonton; Rookies Deliver for Phantoms
- bmeltzer

Flyers are waiting too long for a coaching change. The longer you wait, the more likely the window closes on the playoffs.

Look, there are 20 guys on this roster who at least had some success in their careers. Dave Hakstol has never had success at this level, so when do we call a spade and spade? A lot of the on ice transitions I’m making today, I would make the offseason but the bench boss has to go tomorrow.

Weal, out! Lehtera, out! Folin, out! Raffl, this guy has to go too! You know who I would be buying out this summer finally? Andrew Macdonald!

Wayne Simmonds is the only tricky player for me. Absolutely, he doesn’t agree to a cap friendly deal, gone! At the same, he’s the toughest, grittiest guy we have. When he’s on in scoring, he’s on. In fact, even though it hasn’t translated in recent games, he’s been on the ice with one of those lines putting on the most pressing and doing the most work down low. If you are one who wants Simmonds out, life isn’t going to be much better with JvR.

At this point I’m interested in Simmonds with Giroux because at least Simmonds is working hard. Simmonds should see time with a playmaker but Instead we took Simmonds top PP time away, which doesn’t make sense because he’s been the most effective guy in front of the net for years.

Give Simmonds a chance to succeed, it’s only benefits the team if we do, even if it means trading him. Value just goes up.

I remember back in 06, when we were this bad....but it really only lasted a year or so...the apathy and lack of accountability is astounding. Say what you want about old man Snider, he never would have stood for this. I used to trust that the organization would do everything in its power to fix things....I no longer feel that way....and before someone points out this is how Stanley cup teams are built....save it, that’s revisionist history....the Flyers through all there ultra aggressive style over the years were within the very realistic grasps of the Stanley cup multiple times....how close are we now ?
- landros 2

Well, I believe firing Hextall was the organization (Scott and Holmgren at least) showing they aren't standing for this. You can't just start making trades for the sake of it. they have to make sense

As i said a few posts above, i really believe what needs to happen is firing the coaching staff. I look at last year's team that made the playoffs and really expected this team to take a step forward. Yes, they didn't replace the 3C, however, i expected all of the young players to take a step forward. Provorov and Ghost have not played well for their standards and Patrick has really not been good outside of a 5 game stretch. Lindblom is on the 4th line. at least TK and Sanheim has looked to take steps forward. I guess what I am ultimately saying is I just believe a new voice is needed

If you have a player that is part of the problem calling out the coach and the organization for not fixing the problems, well that's your main problem.
- MJL

Yup, means no one is on the same page.

Well, I believe firing Hextall was the organization (Scott and Holmgren at least) showing they aren't standing for this. You can't just start making trades for the sake of it. they have to make sense

As i said a few posts above, i really believe what needs to happen is firing the coaching staff. I look at last year's team that made the playoffs and really expected this team to take a step forward. Yes, they didn't replace the 3C, however, i expected all of the young players to take a step forward. Provorov and Ghost have not played well for their standards and Patrick has really not been good outside of a 5 game stretch. Lindblom is on the 4th line. at least TK and Sanheim has looked to take steps forward. I guess what I am ultimately saying is I just believe a new voice is needed
- nastyflyergirl

I think a not just a new voice is needed but the right new voice.

Dustin wolf for Everett is sporting a 1.84 GAA with a .930 save pctg in 33 games
- Just5

Hart's stats over his last 7... 2.28 gaa and .924 save %, over the last 4 games is 1.25 GAA and .957 save %.

seems like the kid is finding his game

Well, I believe firing Hextall was the organization (Scott and Holmgren at least) showing they aren't standing for this. You can't just start making trades for the sake of it. they have to make sense

As i said a few posts above, i really believe what needs to happen is firing the coaching staff. I look at last year's team that made the playoffs and really expected this team to take a step forward. Yes, they didn't replace the 3C, however, i expected all of the young players to take a step forward. Provorov and Ghost have not played well for their standards and Patrick has really not been good outside of a 5 game stretch. Lindblom is on the 4th line. at least TK and Sanheim has looked to take steps forward. I guess what I am ultimately saying is I just believe a new voice is needed
- nastyflyergirl

I’m not worried about development. I think most young players end up with a rough season at some point within their careers. I also think entertaining the idea of trading youth is a slippery slope, especially if you have garbage to get rid of.

Rick Wilson, defensive guru. Not working at all. Dave Hakstol, developer of young players. Young players struggle under him. I think the choice is pretty clear.

I think trading Giroux, Voracek or JvR is giving up. None of these guys are scoreless in ten games.

Flyers are waiting too long for a coaching change. The longer you wait, the more likely the window closes on the playoffs.

Look, there are 20 guys on this roster who at least had some success in their careers. Dave Hakstol has never had success at this level, so when do we call a spade and spade? A lot of the on ice transitions I’m making today, I would make the offseason but the bench boss has to go tomorrow.

Weal, out! Lehtera, out! Folin, out! Raffl, this guy has to go too! You know who I would be buying out this summer finally? Andrew Macdonald!

Wayne Simmonds is the only tricky player for me. Absolutely, he doesn’t agree to a cap friendly deal, gone! At the same, he’s the toughest, grittiest guy we have. When he’s on in scoring, he’s on. In fact, even though it hasn’t translated in recent games, he’s been on the ice with one of those lines putting on the most pressing and doing the most work down low. If you are one who wants Simmonds out, life isn’t going to be much better with JvR.

At this point I’m interested in Simmonds with Giroux because at least Simmonds is working hard. Simmonds should see time with a playmaker but Instead we took Simmonds top PP time away, which doesn’t make sense because he’s been the most effective guy in front of the net for years.

Give Simmonds a chance to succeed, it’s only benefits the team if we do, even if it means trading him. Value just goes up.
- SuperSchennBros

In general I agree with all but one thing.

Raffl is a solid 4/3 player so I don't agree with your assessment he needs to go.

It’s a very frustrating time....what is it with you guys from Washington DC? Tweeting and writing blogs in the middle of the night !

- landros 2

Actually living abroad in Africa right now, so I'm +7 hrs from east coast. Never changed the account name. Maybe it would be more fitting to rename to ZamFlyerfan71 for the duration of my stay here.

Coach has to go first, otherwise you don't really know what you need. After a new coach (who can get more out of his players) we can see who is really bad and who was just in the wrong system. Everyones value is down under this coach, we will get fleeced in the long run with any trades we try to make now...