The circus does not stay in town forever. Niskanen has 1 year left, he will be 34 this year. Laughton is an UFA next year. This year Myers and HAgg are RFAs, Pitlick is a UFA. I think Hagg, Myers, Pitlick and Laughton should get decent raises. Giroux has 2 years left on his contract and will surely start slowing down after that, if we can afford to keep him.

On paper I would agree JVR, but for the playoffs I say Ghost. We need JVR much more for a deep playoff run than we need Ghost.
- PT21

I think you should review history. Flyers have lost series due to defense injuries and a lack of depth. Gostisbehere would be far more important in a playoff run than JVR would be.

Need to think about the future. He makes too much money for a reduced role. There are young players coming up where there needs to be spots open for such as Frost. Farabee will be able to take on a bigger role. The window should be open for a significant time. Having some more cap flexibility could be huge for the team moving forward. They have to take advantage of it by using it on JVR.
- MJL

Sure, sure, but sometimes team can constantly think about the future and not grab the present. Guys like Myers, Sanheim, and so on - you will not have them cheap for too long. Lots of players are undervalued right now. If we don't take advantage, we will not be able to keep everyone.

Get rid of Ghost and Braun, and there is $8.1m saved. Friedman replaces Braun. I am not sure who will be the #7 D though.

I think you should review history. Flyers have lost series due to defense injuries and a lack of depth. Gostisbehere would be far more important in a playoff run than JVR would be.
- MJL

Are we referring to that stupid series against Tampa 16 years ago again?

If you thought about your last statement this way "Who is the 7th D man if one of the top 6 gets hurt in the playoff run?" Does that change your answer who is more valuable? I see several options at forward in a pinch, I don't see any on D if Ghost isn't here.
- JW98FlyerFan

Agreed, stating JVR is more important for a playoff run than Gostisbehere is, is shortsighted.

Sure, sure, but sometimes team can constantly think about the future and not grab the present. Guys like Myers, Sanheim, and so on - you will not have them cheap for too long. Lots of players are undervalued right now. If we don't take advantage, we will not be able to keep everyone.

Get rid of Ghost and Braun, and there is $8.1m saved. Friedman replaces Braun. I am not sure who will be the #7 D though.
- PT21

Friedman can't replace Braun. It's questionable whether Friedman will ever be a regular NHL defenseman. One injury to Provorov, Myers or Sanheim and you have Friedman or Haag in a role they should never be in.

Forgot NAK whos is a RFA. Should get a reasonable raise too. 7 goals, 15 points in 36 games translates to about 16 goals, 32 points in a 4rth line role.

Is Patrick ready? How ready? Lot will depend on that. And if Braun leaves, and Ghost is gone, can Friedman play #6 consistently?
- PT21

Your also forgetting NoPA, Morin, and they have to do something with Oskar. Also Elliot or another backup goal tender as we do not have a call up ready yet.

There is a ton of work to do...

Here was how I sorted the RFA/UFAs as i was trying to play GM on using the buyout.

UFAs:
Thompson and Grant I let walk.
Braun I resigned at 3.5M for 2 years
Pitlick I gave 1.2 for 2 years
Elliot I resigned him for 1 year @ 2M

RFA:
NoPA: 2 yrs at 1.8M, we don't know what we have with him and he hasn't earned a big payday
Oskar: 1YR @ 1M just to keep the kid a Flyer right now...there may be other options for his rights that don't impact the cap but I just assumed a number
Morin: 1 YR @ 850K, see what the kid has on a 1 year deal.
Hagg: 1.4M for 2 years
NAK: 1.2M for 2 yrs.
Myers: 1.15M for 2 years, basically Hagg's last deal.

I didn't hand out big raises, but everyone got something. I did not look at the years of the contracts to balance against YRS towards arbitration or UFA status for the RFAs. just wnated some numbers that I thought would be reasonable to look at the issue of the cap not going up and since with the buyouts this year, we only gain ~500K of cap space it is not enough.

Edit....Ignore Morin increase...misread his RFA date...he is not due until next year..

Friedman can't replace Braun. It's questionable whether Friedman will ever be a regular NHL defenseman. One injury to Provorov, Myers or Sanheim and you have Friedman or Haag in a role they should never be in.
- MJL

I do believe this is the reason Gost was not traded, depth for the long playoff drive. JVR has a history of getting hurt at critical times and is not built for the playoffs, he is soft and easily can be replaced by a young guy like Farabee who has shown more grit in his rookie year than JVR has in his career. I was not sold on Braun early on but he has proven to be a pleasant surprise and would be okay to keep him if it can be afforded.

Your also forgetting NoPA, Morin, and they have to do something with Oskar. Also Elliot or another backup goal tender as we do not have a call up ready yet.

There is a ton of work to do...

Here was how I sorted the RFA/UFAs as i was trying to play GM on using the buyout.

UFAs:
Thompson and Grant I let walk.
Braun I resigned at 3.5M for 2 years
Pitlick I gave 1.2 for 2 years
Elliot I resigned him for 1 year @ 2M

RFA:
NoPA: 2 yrs at 1.8M, we don't know what we have with him and he hasn't earned a big payday
Oskar: 1YR @ 1M just to keep the kid a Flyer right now...there may be other options for his rights that don't impact the cap but I just assumed a number
Morin: 1 YR @ 850K, see what the kid has on a 1 year deal.
Hagg: 1.4M for 2 years
NAK: 1.2M for 2 yrs.
Myers: 1.15M for 2 years, basically Hagg's last deal.

I didn't hand out big raises, but everyone got something. I did not look at the years of the contracts to balance against YRS towards arbitration or UFA status for the RFAs. just wnated some numbers that I thought would be reasonable to look at the issue of the cap not going up and since with the buyouts this year, we only gain ~500K of cap space it is not enough.
- JW98FlyerFan

With Patrick, is that 1.8M a year? If so, there is no reason why they have to pay him that much. He has zero leverage.
They don't have to sign Lindblom to keep his rights. They just have to make him a Q offer.
I would try and re-sign Grant.

Your also forgetting NoPA, Morin, and they have to do something with Oskar. Also Elliot or another backup goal tender as we do not have a call up ready yet.

There is a ton of work to do...

Here was how I sorted the RFA/UFAs as i was trying to play GM on using the buyout.

UFAs:
Thompson and Grant I let walk.
Braun I resigned at 3.5M for 2 years
Pitlick I gave 1.2 for 2 years
Elliot I resigned him for 1 year @ 2M

RFA:
NoPA: 2 yrs at 1.8M, we don't know what we have with him and he hasn't earned a big payday
Oskar: 1YR @ 1M just to keep the kid a Flyer right now...there may be other options for his rights that don't impact the cap but I just assumed a number
Morin: 1 YR @ 850K, see what the kid has on a 1 year deal.
Hagg: 1.4M for 2 years
NAK: 1.2M for 2 yrs.
Myers: 1.15M for 2 years, basically Hagg's last deal.

I didn't hand out big raises, but everyone got something. I did not look at the years of the contracts to balance against YRS towards arbitration or UFA status for the RFAs. just wnated some numbers that I thought would be reasonable to look at the issue of the cap not going up and since with the buyouts this year, we only gain ~500K of cap space it is not enough.
- JW98FlyerFan

Can agree with much of that but I would let Morin go, Elliot 1-1.5 max, Grant should be retained at Pitlick numbers. I like Grant over Thompson but both provide the team with positives. Lindblom should be retained but only the Flyers know his stage of recovery, sure hope he can beat this and return. Thanks for the nice response.

Are we referring to that stupid series against Tampa 16 years ago again?
- PT21

That and a silly little series vs Chicago

With Patrick, is that 1.8M a year? If so, there is no reason why they have to pay him that much. He has zero leverage.
They don't have to sign Lindblom to keep his rights. They just have to make him a Q offer.
I would try and re-sign Grant.
- MJL

I thought the same thing about NoPa..yes, sorry that was per year...he has had flashes and the potential is there, just too many questions...will be interesting to see how it goes with him.

I liked Grant's game too, if they do use the buyout, he is the first one I think you sign to fill out your forward lines.

With Patrick, is that 1.8M a year? If so, there is no reason why they have to pay him that much. He has zero leverage.
They don't have to sign Lindblom to keep his rights. They just have to make him a Q offer.
I would try and re-sign Grant.
- MJL

I was assuming Patrick at 1.8 for two years, not one. MJL is correct he has done nothing to deserve a raise and is still a huge question mark.

I thought the same thing about NoPa..yes, sorry that was per year...he has had flashes and the potential is there, just too many questions...will be interesting to see how it goes with him.

I liked Grant's game too, if they do use the buyout, he is the first one I think you sign to fill out your forward lines.
- JW98FlyerFan

They can get Patrick for far less on a one year deal. Do you want to gamble and hope he rebounds and comes back next year strong and then you have him cheap for another year? He's not playing this year if they start back up.

I was assuming Patrick at 1.8 for two years, not one. MJL is correct he has done nothing to deserve a raise and is still a huge question mark.
- joegreif17

This is a historic day on Hockeybuzz.

This is a historic day on Hockeybuzz.
- MJL

lol miracle on ice

Your also forgetting NoPA, Morin, and they have to do something with Oskar. Also Elliot or another backup goal tender as we do not have a call up ready yet.

There is a ton of work to do...

Here was how I sorted the RFA/UFAs as i was trying to play GM on using the buyout.

UFAs:
Thompson and Grant I let walk.
Braun I resigned at 3.5M for 2 years
Pitlick I gave 1.2 for 2 years
Elliot I resigned him for 1 year @ 2M

RFA:
NoPA: 2 yrs at 1.8M, we don't know what we have with him and he hasn't earned a big payday
Oskar: 1YR @ 1M just to keep the kid a Flyer right now...there may be other options for his rights that don't impact the cap but I just assumed a number
Morin: 1 YR @ 850K, see what the kid has on a 1 year deal.
Hagg: 1.4M for 2 years
NAK: 1.2M for 2 yrs.
Myers: 1.15M for 2 years, basically Hagg's last deal.

I didn't hand out big raises, but everyone got something. I did not look at the years of the contracts to balance against YRS towards arbitration or UFA status for the RFAs. just wnated some numbers that I thought would be reasonable to look at the issue of the cap not going up and since with the buyouts this year, we only gain ~500K of cap space it is not enough.

Edit....Ignore Morin increase...misread his RFA date...he is not due until next year..
- JW98FlyerFan

Nopa: Bridge deal: 2 years at 1.4, or 1 year at $1m
Oscar: not playing next season. His bones will be too brittle from chemo. Pay him whatever. Then IR
Hagg will cost more. He has roughly the same stats as Braun, who is getting almost 3 times what you gave Hagg
Morin: Min RFA salary, 2 way contract. Shocked if he plays for Flyers next year.
Myers and NAK will cost more, Myers likely double more what you wrote. He is close to +20 playing solid #4 mins.

That and a silly little series vs Chicago
- KINGKENZO

Oh, the one where our captain cried on tv postgame saying their first line always scored while ours never did? That one?

Hagg will cost more. He has roughly the same stats as Braun, who is getting almost 3 times what you gave Hagg
.
- PT21

Haag and Braun are not comparable. They play in different roles and situations. Haag is an RFA. Braun has UFA leverage. Haag is not going to get 3.5M. I do agree that he will get more. I'm thinking 2M AAV

lol miracle on ice
- joegreif17

A wise man yesterday told me that the only raft that matters is the one you are on. I knew then that something epic was at hand.

Haag and Braun are not comparable. They play in different roles and situations. Haag is an RFA. Braun has UFA leverage. Haag is not going to get 3.5M. I do agree that he will get more. I'm thinking 2M AAV
- MJL

Yeah, ok, but I would keep Hagg over Braun today at those prices.

How much would you give Myers? Don't forget he is a rightie, too.

Yeah, ok, but I would keep Hagg over Braun today at those prices.

How much would you give Myers? Don't forget he is a rightie, too.
- PT21

at the right price you keep Braun, guy is a good D, as long as he has another good year in him you take it.

This is all due to how well the team played this season.

Yeah, ok, but I would keep Hagg over Braun today at those prices.

How much would you give Myers? Don't forget he is a rightie, too.
- PT21

I would keep Braun. He's a much better player. With the potential for the Cap to stay flat, players like Braun are going to have to make decision. Do they take a more lucrative deal both in terms of salary and term from another team, which they will likely be able to get. The issue is that it's not likely to be from a contender. So does Braun value staying with the Flyers with a chance to win and will he accept a team friendly deal?
Myers being a righty is not going to be a big factor. He also does not have a ton of leverage. Similar deal to what Haag got.

I would keep Braun. He's a much better player. With the potential for the Cap to stay flat, players like Braun are going to have to make decision. Do they take a more lucrative deal both in terms of salary and term from another team, which they will likely be able to get. The issue is that it's not likely to be from a contender. So does Braun value staying with the Flyers with a chance to win and will he accept a team friendly deal?
Myers being a righty is not going to be a big factor. He also does not have a ton of leverage. Similar deal to what Haag got.
- MJL

I think Myers and Sanheim were undervalued gems for us, who could be a huge part of our future. The salary cap freeze and so on might actually be an opening to sign them to decent bridge deals 3-4 years in length than have them start getting 5 m + in 2 years, as they will if they continue improvement at current pace.

Also, once Myers comes back, Ghost is out to the #7 spot. Do you want to keep a 4.5 m D for reserve reasons? You could get lots of serviceable bottom pairing guys for half that. Del Zotto, TJ Brennan, even our own Sbisa (has been serviceable in the last couple of years).

I think Myers and Sanheim were undervalued gems for us, who could be a huge part of our future. The salary cap freeze and so on might actually be an opening to sign them to decent bridge deals 3-4 years in length than have them start getting 5 m + in 2 years, as they will if they continue improvement at current pace.

Also, once Myers comes back, Ghost is out to the #7 spot. Do you want to keep a 4.5 m D for reserve reasons? You could get lots of serviceable bottom pairing guys for half that. Del Zotto, TJ Brennan, even our own Sbisa (has been serviceable in the last couple of years).
- PT21

We don't know that Gostisbehere will automatically be the #7. When it comes time to re-sign Myers, he is still an NHL rookie who has yet to play a full NHL season. Flyers may want to gamble a little and sign him to a longer deal. We'll see

Del Zotto, Brennan, Sbisa? You should reach for a raft. You're floating downstream fast.

We don't know that Gostisbehere will automatically be the #7. When it comes time to re-sign Myers, he is still an NHL rookie who has yet to play a full NHL season. Flyers may want to gamble a little and sign him to a longer deal. We'll see

Del Zotto, Brennan, Sbisa? You should reach for a raft. You're floating downstream fast.
- MJL

I chose TJ simply because he is here, experienced and you did not like Friedman as the #7. Nvm him.

Lets take a look at the others for replacing Braun or Ghost.


Player ATOI +/- Relative Fenwick Points/g (this season)
Del Zotto 18:43 5 -1.8 0.32 (49g)
Sbisa 17:56 1 -1.8 0.22 (44 g)

Justin Braun 17:16 -2 -1.7 0.3 (62g)
Ghost 18:18 -4 0.7 0.28 (42g).

Likely salary for Braun: 3 m+
Ghost 4.5 m
Del Zotto (as #7) ~ 1.5 m
Sbisa: ~ 0.9 million

Sorry, you were saying something?