Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Giroux, WJC Update, TIFH and More

Seeing Zdano Chara get signed by the capitals yesterday and Brayden Coburn traded to Ottawa. My question is, are we in the loop on moving defensemen or completely out of it? No working those phones.

Seeing Zdano Chara get signed by the capitals yesterday and Brayden Coburn traded to Ottawa. My question is, are we in the loop on moving defensemen or completely out of it? No working those phones.
- SuperSchennBros

There’s no way you would know if calls were made so why even ask the question? A good amount of Bruins fans were happy to see Chara walk.

There’s no way you would know if calls were made so why even ask the question? A good amount of Bruins fans were happy to see Chara walk.
- ClaudeFather

That’s why I’m asking the question. Our blogger might have insight. Crazy, right?

And why would it be relevant if Bruins fans were happy he walked, when we could use him?

There’s no way you would know if calls were made so why even ask the question? A good amount of Bruins fans were happy to see Chara walk.
- ClaudeFather

Chara at his age and situation is looking to play for a contender in the twilight of his career. He probably views the Caps as a better fit than a team like the Flyers right now.

Seeing Zdano Chara get signed by the capitals yesterday and Brayden Coburn traded to Ottawa. My question is, are we in the loop on moving defensemen or completely out of it? No working those phones.
- SuperSchennBros

There were rumblings in October that the Flyers contacted the Chara camp earlier in the offseason -- back when he was wavering on whether to play this season -- and he wasn't ready to commit. By the time he did after the terms of the 2020-21 season were set, Philly had already signed Gustafsson and had not received any serious trade offers for Gostisbehere. So there was already an 8-man group on D (Provorov, Myers, Sanheim, Gustafsson, Braun, Ghost, Hagg and Friedman) in hand, and the Flyers weren't in the mix for Chara or others that stayed on the market for an extended period of time.

Seeing Zdano Chara get signed by the capitals yesterday and Brayden Coburn traded to Ottawa. My question is, are we in the loop on moving defensemen or completely out of it? No working those phones.
- SuperSchennBros

What dman are the Flyers going to move that other teams want?

Coburn is on his last legs and is 6/7 at this point. He would be of no use to the Flyers. Chara would have been fine though I have to guess he didn't want to come here.

Chara at his age and situation is looking to play for a contender in the twilight of his career. He probably views the Caps as a better fit than a team like the Flyers right now.
- MJL

I don't know about that. Caps have questions in net, for one thing, and it will take time for players to adapt to the high-tempo, attacking system that Laviolette demands.

I don't know about that. Caps have questions in net, for one thing, and it will take time for players to adapt to the high-tempo, attacking system that Laviolette demands.
- bmeltzer

That may be true but we don't really know what Chara would view. It's speculation. I think certain players on that team such as Ovechkin, Backstrom and Carlson are going to thrive in Laviolette's system and style of play.

Well. With chara signing with the caps he doesn’t have to worry about Wilson running him or knocking him out.

There’s no way you would know if calls were made so why even ask the question? A good amount of Bruins fans were happy to see Chara walk.
- ClaudeFather

Last part is true, but I still would have liked that signing if the Flyers were able to pull it off. Pretty low risk for the price.

I don't know about that. Caps have questions in net, for one thing, and it will take time for players to adapt to the high-tempo, attacking system that Laviolette demands.
- bmeltzer

Just glad he didn’t sign with the pens. While I don’t think their window is completely closed. He would’ve helped their bottom pairing out.

^now we just have to worry about Chara and Wilson tag-teaming guys 🤣

Bill, thanks for posting the 2012 Winter Classic Alumni Game. I dont know why I love watching the old guys play so much. I still tear up a little when the crowd starts chanting "Bernie, Bernie" Bernie".

Morin being moved to LW. 😂😂

Morin being moved to LW. 😂😂
- PLindbergh31

Thought you were joking hahaha.

Morin being moved to LW. 😂😂
- PLindbergh31

thought you were kidding, but just saw Bill and Carchidi tweeted it too!

thought you were kidding, but just saw Bill and Carchidi tweeted it too!
- Dkos

Probably explains why there was no interest in Hoffman. Morin will have more PP points than Hoffman this year. That’s my prediction.

Probably explains why there was no interest in Hoffman. Morin will have more PP points than Hoffman this year. That’s my prediction.
- PLindbergh31

Well if Morin can go from defenseman to forward, why not ghost?

Fletcher says they have been working with Morin at wing for a few months. After barely playing over the last few years I was doubtful that he'd be able to get back to an NHL level at the position he's familiar with. Seems almost impossible that he'll be able to do it one he's not familiar playing.

Well if Morin can go from defenseman to forward, why not ghost?
- Ftown19125

AV wants the size. What's Ghost give you at forward? Sounds like Morin started out as a forward in minors.

Fletcher says they have been working with Morin at wing for a few months. After barely playing over the last few years I was doubtful that he'd be able to get back to an NHL level at the position he's familiar with. Seems almost impossible that he'll be able to do it one he's not familiar playing.
- Dkos

Agree. This doesn’t make any sense.

thought you were kidding, but just saw Bill and Carchidi tweeted it too!
- Dkos

Dan Kordic and Jason Bowen approve.

Agree. This doesn’t make any sense.
- Ftown19125

Just read that Morin was a forward in minors. I'm rooting for the kid, but it seems like a long shot. He's big and he's a pretty fast skater...who knows

Lou Lamoriello just announced the Islanders are moving Ryan Pulock to Goaltender.