This is another common issue for AV that has followed him from his last gig in NY, so don't expect it to change. He will continue to change lines on a whim and favor a vet over youth.....Many of his former players in NY have spoke about how he juggled lines so often in games, between games, that they felt it was very hard to find consistency and develop their games...I don't expect it to change next year.
- Flyerfan2868

All coaches juggle lines. Imho, it's done too often and, as noted above, makes building chemistry and consistency difficult.

I don't think you understand trade value. He has a lot of trade value for a team that sees a high ceiling at a low cost in this flat cap era. Especially since he is young and has talent. No one knew what was going to happen to him this year.

Here is how I see it...media has done a great job of hyping up cancer and done almost zero on mental health over the past 2-3 decades...no one is making a comment on Oskar's contribution to this season...why is that? Why is NoPa the whipping boy and not both of them? This TEAM failed this year...it took little parts from each player (and coaches) and they are all to blame...very few times on the ice did I see a TEAM playing out there...they need to reset and get ready for the Trial on the Isle, or whatever they are going to do to support one another and play like a team...it has been a while since they did that...I would just play "the shift" over and over until they get it...or maybe the Mighty Ducks movies...whatever works to get them all on the same page.
- JW98FlyerFan

We'll see how it plays out in the off season, but IMO if you are correct and NoPa still has high trade value, I think he will traded this off season.

Please post a link to any discussion anywhere regarding this
- ClaudeFather

All coaches juggle lines. Imho, it's done too often and, as noted above, makes building chemistry and consistency difficult.
- Scoob

But didn't it seem this year that AV was in panic mode, juggling lines not just game to game, but period to period?

Fletcher and Vigneualt saying lack of practice time and players from Canada struggled due to lack of training and ice time were big factors in the results.
- PLindbergh31

I don't understand that - why are players from Canada different than US players in that regard?

Here is what I would say to Nolan Patrick if I were Fletch and AV.....

Ok kid you got through the season, took a few shots to the head and it seems like we have your migraines under control. This off season we will be qualifying you to a one year deal.

We know you are a talented player. This offseason we need you to train hard and be ready to come in to training camp and be the player you are supposed to be. Its time to stop worrying about what may happen and start being Nolan (frank)ing Patrick, that player who was a consensus top pick from the time he was 15 years old. You have the size, you have the skill, and you have the ability to play in this league.

We will be behind you 100% in whatever you need from the organization to get your mindset correct. Next season we expect, we demand, that you start to make a concerted effort to have an impact on every single game. every single shift. We can not have a player of your talent being a perimeter player who expects the game to come to him. We will need a more physical, aggressive player from the opening whistle of game one to the final whistle of whatever game we play. We believe that with that mindset, your success will come.

See you in training camp.
- MBFlyerfan

I would ask how he’s feeling before he has his Migraines under control

But didn't it seem this year that AV was in panic mode, juggling lines not just game to game, but period to period?
- jd250

Sure, but all coaches do that.

I don't understand that - why are players from Canada different than US players in that regard?
- Scoob

Stricter Covid restrictions.

We'll see how it plays out in the off season, but IMO if you are correct and NoPa still has high trade value, I think he will traded this off season.
- jd250

He might be as part of a package...But that could be said for 80% of this roster.

Kevin Hayes' contract is a big problem moving forward.
- Tomahawk

Who saw this coming?

Stricter Covid restrictions.
- PLindbergh31

weak reason

I don't understand that - why are players from Canada different than US players in that regard?
- Scoob

i didn't either, but they basically said players in the states were able to get ice time for some reason. were the restrictions not the same in the US and Canada basically?

weak reason
- Scoob

Vigneault said if it's the case again this year, Canadian players will have to make alternate plans. What that means he didn't elaborate.

Stricter Covid restrictions.
- PLindbergh31

I could buy some of this with having a much younger team...are you buying any of it? I still think the mix is wrong and they need to make changes...I just don't know how many will be available with the flat cap and expansion draft. I don't think over spending in FA is going to work for us, we need talent via trade.

I don't understand that - why are players from Canada different than US players in that regard?
- Scoob

Not only stricter Covid conditions but they’re limited on any vaccines. The U.S is a richer contry, obviously. I’m in Michigan. My family and friends are in Canada. Outside of my parents, I haven’t seen anyone of real importance to me in 15 months. My bartender is currently my best friend.

Vigneault said if it's the case again this year, Canadian players will have to make alternate plans. What that means he didn't elaborate.
- PLindbergh31

I'll assume that means they'll have to move back to the Philadelphia area by early August to start preparing. Seems a reasonable request.

But didn't it seem this year that AV was in panic mode, juggling lines not just game to game, but period to period?
- jd250

When nothing is going right and you only have 56 games to play, not much else to do. You need something that works and to find it fast.

It took Coots 7 seasons to break 40 points. I agree Patrick possession and +- is a big concern, I tapper it somewhat because this whole season was a poopshow. Expecting a player who was out the better part of 2 years to achieve with s poopshow is a little much
- wcorvette

Couturier broke out in his 7th season because that was the first season he was given significant PP time! In his first 6 season, Couts has 3 PP goals and 20 PP assists. In his 7th season Couts has 7 PP goals and 7 PP assists. Cout's O-zone starts (EV) have also dramatically improved over the past 3 seasons from 43% to 52%. NoPa's O-Zone starts (EV) has averaged 50% over his first 3 seasons. This is a huge factor to consider. NoPa has been given much more support for his offensive game in his first 3 seasons than Couturier got his first 6 seasons!

Not only stricter Covid conditions but they’re limited on any vaccines. I’m in Michigan. My family and friends are in Canada. Outside of my parents, I haven’t seen anyone of real importance to me in 15 months. My bartender is currently my best friend.
- SuperSchennBros

Players leaving for Canada for the off season should get vaccinated here before they go.

I'll assume that means they'll have to move back to the Philadelphia area by early August to start preparing. Seems a reasonable request.
- Scoob

I think it means more than that. He mentioned how off-season training is essential.

I have heard this more than once during interviews/discussions on NHL shows, most likely coming from NoPa's camp that are looking for a fresh start, or an excuse for why the kid is not performing.
- jd250

Bullpoop

big words - source?
- Scoob

Google Nolan Patrick......there’s a article written by a guy for the hockey writers association....not a blogger. The article was written April 27th, 2021. Titled” Nolan Patrick in danger of Bust” label. It’s in there.

Google Nolan Patrick......there’s a article written by a guy for the hockey writers association....not a blogger. The article was written April 27th, 2021. Titled” Nolan Patrick in danger of Bust” label. It’s in there.
- landros 2

Edit: only spot I’ve seen it.

What does NoPa do well exactly? He does not skate well. He is not good on faceoffs. Doesn't win all that many puck battles. If he has a good shot we wouldn't know it because rarely shoots the puck. Is completely predictable with his stupid drop passes. I mean what potential do you see in this kid that is worth cultivating and keeping around? He has played on the top line. He has played on the 4th line. He has played with good players like G and awful players like NAK. He has been given 2+ minutes a PP time per game. What am I missing?
- jd250

It is amazing how many of you discuss his shortcomings without a single word about his cost. Lets say he comes off the cap. You slot in a guy like Andreoff or Bunnaman there with that salary savings. You certainly dont get much more point production. You get more dependable 2 way play. At the cost of a much lower ceiling down the line.

Whatever it is, it matters very little to the club's fortunes. If I had to list 20 reasons why this roster is a poster child for gallant mediocrity, NP would rank about 15.

Sure, but all coaches do that.
- Scoob

Not all coaches, and not as much as AV did this year. Cassidy does not do it as much for the Bruins for example.