Once you hit 30 our bodies take longer to respond to a beating. I stub my toe and I'm crying now that I'm approaching 40.
- Sir_Robot_Farts

I disagree with both of you, but besides the point.

Who among Giroux/Couts/JVR (new daddies) is approaching 40?

They think they can get defense for Nylander. If only the Flyers thought of that before embarking on a 5 year defense rebuild
- hereticpride

Nylander would arguably be the top winger on our team right away. Plus, he is fast.

Hopefully they figure out a plan for him. I just can’t help but root for him and in the playoffs there is a real need for one of his type. I’m confident he could move Lee.
- NC Flyers Fan

I just want to see him pLay; wherever that is really

There is one clear thing the club can do which would significantly alter their long term fortunes. To do that, it would first take a clear eyed acceptance of the fairly obvious fact that this is not a contending team in the near future.

Once that is recognized, try to avoid the Giroux situation in 13-14. Yes, great player at the time his contract was going to be up, but was he really a part of a future contending team? He would have bought a king's ransom for a rebuild, but they chose to sign him and Voracek the next year to meaningless long-term contracts.

I am speaking, of course, of Couturier. He will win the Selke this year, and is at the prime of his career. He too would bring back a ton in terms of young talent. There are however some danger signs regarding him.

First, dude has played tough minutes since 18. Second, multiple injuries which could start taking a toll. Third, poor playoff performer save for 2 games against Pens (4 goals in 37 games over 8 years). Four, he will ask for 8-9 million in 2 years time and 7-8 years. 5. What I said before: is his peaking really at the correct time for us to consider keeping him?

Look for teams who could have a realistic run ahead in the next 2-3 years and need a Selke type. I am thinking of Canucks, AVs, Capitals....

EDIT: I also know that the club would never consider that. Too radical, and neither would the fanbase, which likely means we will be having this same conversation 5 years from now, just like we have had for the past 25 years.
- PT21

Good post and I think he gets 9 at the minimum

There is one clear thing the club can do which would significantly alter their long term fortunes. To do that, it would first take a clear eyed acceptance of the fairly obvious fact that this is not a contending team in the near future.

Once that is recognized, try to avoid the Giroux situation in 13-14. Yes, great player at the time his contract was going to be up, but was he really a part of a future contending team? He would have bought a king's ransom for a rebuild, but they chose to sign him and Voracek the next year to meaningless long-term contracts.

I am speaking, of course, of Couturier. He will win the Selke this year, and is at the prime of his career. He too would bring back a ton in terms of young talent. There are however some danger signs regarding him.

First, dude has played tough minutes since 18. Second, multiple injuries which could start taking a toll. Third, poor playoff performer save for 2 games against Pens (4 goals in 37 games over 8 years). Four, he will ask for 8-9 million in 2 years time and 7-8 years. 5. What I said before: is his peaking really at the correct time for us to consider keeping him?

Look for teams who could have a realistic run ahead in the next 2-3 years and need a Selke type. I am thinking of Canucks, AVs, Capitals....

EDIT: I also know that the club would never consider that. Too radical, and neither would the fanbase, which likely means we will be having this same conversation 5 years from now, just like we have had for the past 25 years.
- PT21

No no no!


The view that we won’t make the cup final in the next four years...I obviously disagree about becoming a contender so I know I’m wasting my breath on you. I still have two words for you to consider...

Ryan O’Reilly

Nylander would arguably be the top winger on our team right away. Plus, he is fast.
- PT21

There were rumors Hextall turned down a ghost for Nylander swap few years back

Nylander would arguably be the top winger on our team right away. Plus, he is fast.
- PT21

That’s not really saying much unfortunately. He’s like a 60 point forward playing with the forwards Toronto has got. He might not even hit 60 here. I’m not giving up anything that significant For him.

No no no!


The view that we won’t make the cup final in the next four years...I obviously disagree about becoming a contender so I know I’m wasting my breath on you. I still have two words for you to consider...

Ryan O’Reilly
- NC Flyers Fan

And who is our Pietrangelo? Please don't say Provorov. He may get there one day, but he is not in the ballpark yet. His grade for this playoffs is a solid B.

And our Tarasenko, who scored 30 goals a year 4 years in a row for a lower end offensive club before they won the cup?

And who is our Pietrangelo? Please don't say Provorov. He may get there one day, but he is not in the ballpark yet. His grade for this playoffs is a solid B.

And our Tarasenko, who scored 30 goals a year 4 years in a row for a lower end offensive club before they won the cup?
- PT21

I was speaking of Buffalo...how close are they do you think because of that “smart,” forward-thinking trade?

That’s not really saying much unfortunately. He’s like a 60 point forward playing with the forwards Toronto has got. He might not even hit 60 here. I’m not giving up anything that significant For him.
- hereticpride

Try 70 point forward. He is a kid. Still coming into his prime.

Have you seen him play? He gets overshadowed in that crew.

I am not saying he is Marner level, but he is a legit 1st line winger on most clubs.

Problem is, I am not sure we have the right center for him.

I was speaking of Buffalo...how close are they do you think because of that “smart,” forward-thinking trade?
- NC Flyers Fan

Ah I misunderstood. Time will tell right? Far too early.

Try 70 point forward. He is a kid. Still coming into his prime.

Have you seen him play? He gets overshadowed in that crew.

I am not saying he is Marner level, but he is a legit 1st line winger on most clubs.

Problem is, I am not sure we have the right center for him.
- PT21

He hasn’t passed 61 points in a season. Was he on pace to pass that last year? Yes, but it didn’t happen.

He hasn’t passed 61 points in a season. Was he on pace to pass that last year? Yes, but it didn’t happen.
- hereticpride

He has 31 goals in 68 games. Projecting to 37 goals.

Take away the Tavares factor, here he gets 28 goals say, and 32 A. Thats well before he hits his prime.

That's not too bad, is it? What exactly has Sanheim done again? Repeatedly make mental errors and play soft?

I am not saying its a steal, but I always wonder why Nylander trades are so immediately dismissed. There is only 1 rational answer - the overvaluing of own players by the fan base.

as was the case in Montreal, NY and Vancouver you won’t win a cup with AV..he’s just not that good as a coach and always gets out coached in playoffs..

as was the case in Montreal, NY and Vancouver you won’t win a cup with AV..he’s just not that good as a coach and always gets out coached in playoffs..
- mattstake

AV didnt get outcoached in 2011, he ran out of healthy defensemen.

No no no!


The view that we won’t make the cup final in the next four years...I obviously disagree about becoming a contender so I know I’m wasting my breath on you. I still have two words for you to consider...

Ryan O’Reilly
- NC Flyers Fan

Btw, before I leave HockeyBuzz in a few, I will throw-down a gentleman's gauntlet to the optimists here.

I propose an even money $200 bet each to any two of you if the following happens:

Flyers will NOT win 11 games in any single playoff season from 2021-2025. (If they do, I pay $200 each to the bettors, if they don't, the bettors each pay me that amount).

(Less than 11 games means they lose ECF or earlier. Yeah, I am that sure they won't go further).

We will exchange email info over PM if interested, and make token cash exchanges over Paypal/Venmo/Cashapp of $5 to show seriousness and cement bet (I will go first, sure).

Now, which one of you eternal optimists is gonna man up?



EDIT: If any post-season gets cancelled by pandemic, willing to cancel bet if requested.

as was the case in Montreal, NY and Vancouver you won’t win a cup with AV..he’s just not that good as a coach and always gets out coached in playoffs..
- mattstake

Craig Berube

I was under the impression that Patrick’s issue is more concussion related than migraines.

Nylander would arguably be the top winger on our team right away. Plus, he is fast.
- PT21

Would you trade Provorov for him? Because that’s going to be the ask from the Leafs.

Would you trade Provorov for him? Because that’s going to be the ask from the Leafs.
- Marc D

Absolutely not. No chance.

Absolutely not. No chance.
- PT21

I’m relieved to hear that.
I mean you’ve been saying he’s not a true #1 D the last few blogs, and you didn’t view him as a great player, so I was not sure.

Ah I misunderstood. Time will tell right? Far too early.
- PT21

It’s been two years and it’s been incremental improvement for Buffalo. Sufficient to say it won’t be enough in two more years for Buffalo anyway.

However the Flyers improvements from growth have been dramatic.

It was a questionable move for Buffalo trading O’Reilly, but trading Coots would slide us backwards significantly. That would ensure that the Flyers would be unable to make the cup final in the next 4 years. Why on earth do you think that is a good idea?

as was the case in Montreal, NY and Vancouver you won’t win a cup with AV..he’s just not that good as a coach and always gets out coached in playoffs..
- mattstake

Up until two years ago people were probably saying the same thing about Barry Trotz. Now he's viewed as a genius and the top coach in the NHL.

Regarding Trotz, how does one explain all his first round exits? Let me guess, the Preds were a small market team that didn't spend money. Idk I'd like to have a prime Weber and Suter to build around. 15 years in Nashville, 8 times missed the playoffs, 5 first round exits.

Vigneault didn't have a great playoff, but you've got to give him a few years minimum.

I’m relieved to hear that.
I mean you’ve been saying he’s not a true #1 D the last few blogs, and you didn’t view him as a great player, so I was not sure.
- Marc D

Not yet, is what I meant. I think he can be a legit #1D but I think the jury is out about future 'greatness'.

Its possible we may be using that adjective differently.

I was under the impression that Patrick’s issue is more concussion related than migraines.
- Gogol

Either or doesn't really bode well in a career such as the NHL.