Agree. That's why I get annoyed by GM's who sign players to contracts like this.

GM's don't know what the future has in store for their team. Injuries, bad chemistry, prospects that don't make it. That's why good GM's know the value of always having cap space and flexibility to make moves. Not just this year, but also down the road.
- Captain_Ahab

I agree with your basic premise but a few things to keep in mind. Fletcher was hired with a mandate to improve the team last year. They had a hole at center. Now more that ever having cap space is more valuable because teams are going to have to make moves. A team with cap space can take advantage of that. Biggest thing to keep in mind. Along with the internal pressure from management and the pressure from the fanbase, Fletcher knows that if the team doesn't turn around, he won't be the GM down the road. Right now, he's not really thinking much about 2-3 years down the road. This is a very dangerous situation that the Flyers are in right now and that they have put themselves in. With the way that last season went, it is important to react and fill some holes. However it is far more important not to overreact to last season.

Perhaps if a team still needs a:

1. Solid 1B goaltender
2. True #1 dman
3. Goal Scoring Winger
4. 3rd Line center

Its time to admit the half hearted rebuild by Hextall was a waste of time.

Forget though, this franchise is too proud to ever do what needs to be done.

Maybe thats why they are so forced into marketing the alumni, Gritty, and Hayes.

Couturier was drafted in 2011, Giroux in 2006. Bunch of complimentary pieces since, and father time rolls along.
- FlyerFan3260

Disagree completely that it was a waste of time. It is and will be the key to whatever future the Flyers have.

Fletcher has as much creativity as a potato.

The hire itself, was nothing more than falling back to "experience". Yet when actually looking closer the experience in question was keeping a club in mediocrity season after season.

If the Flyers goal is to make the most vanilla, superstar bereft club that continues to try and ride the coattails of its past long gone history.

They are right on track. Perhaps a nice first round exit will make Scott feel satisfied. How far this franchise has fallen, is stark for those who have watched it for a long time.

This team is nowhere near the top teams of the league, and its best players remain those veterans that some idiots are very eager to ship out for a "culture" change, and cap money on low talent try hards.

Snider would be embarrassed to have seen no changes behind that bench or in the GM role after last season.

Disagree completely that it was a waste of time. It is and will be the key to whatever future the Flyers have.
- MJL

Where is the 1 center from that rebuild?

The #1 dman, and I'll chuckle if someone pretends Provorov is anything close to to that when comparing to the rest of the league.

That retool, gathered a bunch of likeable but secondary guys.

On a positive front, the coach who has been poop in every role got a promotion. I'm sure Fletcher searched throughout the league for the best candidate.

Where is the 1 center from that rebuild?

The #1 dman, and I'll chuckle if someone pretends Provorov is anything close to to that when comparing to the rest of the league.

That retool, gathered a bunch of likeable but secondary guys.

On a positive front, the coach who has been poop in every role got a promotion. I'm sure Fletcher searched throughout the league for the best candidate.
- FlyerFan3260

Hextall was the GM for what 4 years? Your point that there are still some question marks in the lineup does not support that Hextall's drafting and team building was a waste of time. It resulted in many talented quality young players. While Provorov is not one of the elite defenseman in the league, he absolutely is a #1 NHL defenseman. I guess it depends on what your definition of secondary guys are. Also not sure that becoming a head coach at the AHL level is a promotion from being an NHL assistant. Also disagree that Lappariere has been poop in every role.

Hextall was the GM for what 4 years? Your point that there are still some question marks in the lineup does not support that Hextall's drafting and team building was a waste of time. It resulted in many talented quality young players. While Provorov is not one of the elite defenseman in the league, he absolutely is a #1 NHL defenseman. I guess it depends on what your definition of secondary guys are. Also not sure that becoming a head coach at the AHL level is a promotion from being an NHL assistant. Also disagree that Lappariere has been poop in every role.
- MJL

Hextall did not put this team in the correct position to gather enough high end talent during his time.

His failure to do so, is a direct cause for this team having large holes in its lineup.

How many players in the top 50 of point getters did the Flyers have, in the regular season?

Zero. The next 3, are Giroux, Jake, and JVR.

Even if Farabee's nice short high shooting % season is replicated, or if Hart bounces back. Its not nearly enough. Unless the goal is simply to make the dance so to speak. The expectations of this franchise are far too low from those in charge.

I agree with your basic premise but a few things to keep in mind. Fletcher was hired with a mandate to improve the team last year. They had a hole at center. Now more that ever having cap space is more valuable because teams are going to have to make moves. A team with cap space can take advantage of that. Biggest thing to keep in mind. Along with the internal pressure from management and the pressure from the fanbase, Fletcher knows that if the team doesn't turn around, he won't be the GM down the road. Right now, he's not really thinking much about 2-3 years down the road. This is a very dangerous situation that the Flyers are in right now and that they have put themselves in. With the way that last season went, it is important to react and fill some holes. However it is far more important not to overreact to last season.
- MJL

Again, I agree.

It is a very dangerous position the Flyers have put themselves in. If Fletcher plays it wrong, it could be another era of the Flyers missing the playoffs or losing in the first round. Which they have done 8 of the last 9 seasons.

Again, I agree.

It is a very dangerous position the Flyers have put themselves in. If Fletcher plays it wrong, it could be another era of the Flyers missing the playoffs or losing in the first round. Which they have done 8 of the last 9 seasons.
- Captain_Ahab

Its been played wrong by Fletcher but more importantly by the man before him.

Hanging on to those veterans, when the club was dying for a new talented core to be infused and carry this club (not just support it), was a huge mistake.

The window of contention here, is nothing but a naive dream that they can catch lightning in a bottle, and then somehow fight their way through 4 rounds of the playoffs? This thing is nowhere close to a contender, even if the media shills would have you believe different.

I'm just exciting to see the huge contract handed out to a nearly 30+ Couturier. Perhaps Giroux can give him some pointers on what to expect.

Hextall did not put this team in the correct position to gather enough high end talent during his time.

His failure to do so, is a direct cause for this team having large holes in its lineup.

How many players in the top 50 of point getters did the Flyers have, in the regular season?

Zero. The next 3, are Giroux, Jake, and JVR.

Even if Farabee's nice short high shooting % season is replicated, or if Hart bounces back. Its not nearly enough. Unless the goal is simply to make the dance so to speak. The expectations of this franchise are far too low from those in charge.
- FlyerFan3260

If you're trying to say that Hextall didn't tank well then I guess you're correct. However I agree with how Hextall approached the situation and how he tried to remain competitive instead of tanking. I would not and would never support tanking.

As far as your other point is concerned, one season does not paint the complete picture. Hextall amassed a solid amount of quality young talent that will help form the future core of this team. They had some very bad luck with how Patrick has turned out. This is an example of how a very large portion of the fanbase is overreacting to one bad season. Now all of a sudden, the team is bereft of young quality talent and has no future. I don't see it that way.

Again, I agree.

It is a very dangerous position the Flyers have put themselves in. If Fletcher plays it wrong, it could be another era of the Flyers missing the playoffs or losing in the first round. Which they have done 8 of the last 9 seasons.
- Captain_Ahab

The worst position any team can be in the NHL, is being a good solid playoff team that is not good enough and is capped out and lacking cap flexibility. That is where I fear the Flyers are heading.

If you're trying to say that Hextall didn't tank well then I guess you're correct. However I agree with how Hextall approached the situation and how he tried to remain competitive instead of tanking. I would not and would never support tanking.

As far as your other point is concerned, one season does not paint the complete picture. Hextall amassed a solid amount of quality young talent that will help form the future core of this team. They had some very bad luck with how Patrick has turned out. This is an example of how a very large portion of the fanbase is overreacting to one bad season. Now all of a sudden, the team is bereft of young quality talent and has no future. I don't see it that way.
- MJL

2010 was a long time ago, and since that time this club has done nothing but try and scratch their way into first round victories at best.

Its far more than one season, and for those too proud to do what is needed to acquire the talent needed to actually propel a club toward contention. Well... That's your modern day Philadelphia Flyers.

Perhaps instead of trying to model after that modern dynasty that is the NY Islanders or St Louis Blues, this team could try to aim above that. Say Chicago, Pittsburgh, Tampa, or the Avalanche.

Of course the weak will point to Toronto and Edmonton, but at least those clubs have exciting young players to allow their fans to watch. While the Flyers product under the current regime is a boring as dirt.

Too proud to do what must be done, and to do it properly(which is of course the key), is a song as old as time.

The worst position any team can be in the NHL, is being a good solid playoff team that is not good enough and is capped out and lacking cap flexibility. That is where I fear the Flyers are heading.
- MJL

You are damn right that is where they are heading.

Forced in their eyes to overpay for guys in FA like Hayes to fill holes that proper drafting and development didnt occupy.

Fletcher should be very comfortable with that kind of club. Its exactly what he was an architect of before his hiring here.

Perhaps he can let Yeo take over after Vigneault loses more of the room.

2008 was a long time ago, and since that time this club has done nothing but try and scratch their way into first round victories at best.

Its far more than one season, and for those too proud to do what is needed to acquire the talent needed to actually propel a club toward contention. Well... That's your modern day Philadelphia Flyers.

Perhaps instead of trying to model after that modern dynasty that is the NY Islanders or St Louis Blues, this team could try to aim above that. Say Chicago, Pittsburgh, Tampa, or the Avalanche.

Of course the weak will point to Toronto and Edmonton, but at least those clubs have exciting young players to allow their fans to watch. While the Flyers product under the current regime is a boring as dirt.

To proud to do what must be done, and to do it properly(which is of course the key), is a song as old as time.
- FlyerFan3260

Not sure what 2008 has to do in the context of the team under Hextall. Again, if you're implying that the Flyers should tank, I couldn't disagree more. I would never support that.

Phillies stomping the Yanks again! And good luck all EX-FLYERS who can win another Stanley Cup

You are damn right that is where they are heading.

Forced in their eyes to overpay for guys in FA like Hayes to fill holes that proper drafting and development didnt occupy.

Fletcher should be very comfortable with that kind of club. Its exactly what he was an architect of before his hiring here.

Perhaps he can let Yeo take over after Vigneault loses more of the room.
- FlyerFan3260

That situation can be mitigated this off season or it can be furthered. My guess is it will be the latter.

Not sure what 2008 has to do in the context of the team under Hextall. Again, if you're implying that the Flyers should tank, I couldn't disagree more. I would never support that.
- MJL

Then we are right on track.

First round appearances, and finding the level of talent required with annual picks in the mid part of the first round.

That's NHL purgatory, and that's clearly where this team sits. This franchise doesnt have a top what, 20 player in the league on defense?

Is praying Couturier's knees, hold up into his 30's?

You dont win poop with a bunch of secondary guys to lead the team, and thats not a shot at Giroux/Jake. They have done their part for years.

Then we are right on track.

First round appearances, and finding the level of talent required with annual picks in the mid part of the first round.

That's NHL purgatory, and that's clearly where this team sits.
- FlyerFan3260

This team also has a good number of quality young players and prospects. It's also going to have future drafts. Management lost patience with the Hextall plan and really, it has set them back. I think from a fan perspective, we should decide what we want. Do we want the team improved and become "relevant" again? Or do we we want to the team to be patient and build towards becoming a contender with a wide window of contention. I would agree with anyone who makes claims that the best way to acquire elite talent is with high draft picks. However I would not agree with anyone suggesting that the Flyers should tank to obtain those picks.

This team also has a good number of quality young players and prospects. It's also going to have future drafts. Management lost patience with the Hextall plan and really, it has set them back. I think from a fan perspective, we should decide what we want. Do we want the team improved and become "relevant" again? Or do we we want to the team to be patient and build towards becoming a contender with a wide window of contention. I would agree with anyone who makes claims that the best way to acquire elite talent is with high draft picks. However I would not agree with anyone suggesting that the Flyers should tank to obtain those picks.
- MJL

lol let it all out...

This team also has a good number of quality young players and prospects. It's also going to have future drafts. Management lost patience with the Hextall plan and really, it has set them back. I think from a fan perspective, we should decide what we want. Do we want the team improved and become "relevant" again? Or do we we want to the team to be patient and build towards becoming a contender with a wide window of contention. I would agree with anyone who makes claims that the best way to acquire elite talent is with high draft picks. However I would not agree with anyone suggesting that the Flyers should tank to obtain those picks.
- MJL

If done properly, it leads to success. If not, it leads to failure and there are examples of those clubs as well.

My points are all for naught. Any long time fan of this team can see the direction they are on. Forcing this thing toward immediate contention, without a realistic analysis of how they compare to the best teams in the league.

The notion of losing patience is one I would agree with, it was a mistake. As would the status quo however. Know what the smart move would likely be here? Fully committing to the youth. To their age, and as such that window of contention.

This franchise would never have the gall to move Couturier, but its that kind of creativity and commitment toward a higher tier of club, that is needed. There isnt enough here, nor enough coming from the annual 13th draft pick. Too many big holes remain.

This franchise would never have the gall to move Couturier, but its that kind of creativity and commitment toward a higher tier of club, that is needed. There isnt enough here, nor enough coming from the annual 13th draft pick. Too many big holes remain.
- FlyerFan3260

I completely disagree with this. Couturier should absolutely be re-signed. There is no reason why he can't remain a top player well into his 30's. With any team, it can't be all just youth. Now the caveat is that if any team presents an offer that can't be refused, well them you make it. That's different from actively shopping the player. We have no idea what we're getting from the 13th pick. Drafting is not an exact science for even the experts let alone the fans.

Next season, these players will turn:

Giroux 34
Vorecek 32
JVR 33(in May)
Hayes 30(also in May)
Couturier 29
Ghost 29

Most of those contracts will expire in 2 years or less. This will help turn the roster over during these 2 years. Moving Couturier instead of resigning him should be a serious thought. Big contract for a player entering his 30's could be trouble.

If Fletcher plays it right, he can free up decent cap space. Expansion draft. A trade or 2. Giroux's expiring contract after just 1 more year.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. So there is a lot of pressure on Fletcher.

Next season, these players will turn:

Giroux 34
Vorecek 32
JVR 33(in May)
Hayes 30(also in May)
Couturier 29
Ghost 29

Most of those contracts will expire in 2 years or less. This will help turn the roster over during these 2 years. Moving Couturier instead of resigning him should be a serious thought. Big contract for a player entering his 30's could be trouble.

If Fletcher plays it right, he can free up decent cap space. Expansion draft. A trade or 2. Giroux's expiring contract after just 1 more year.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. So there is a lot of pressure on Fletcher.
- Captain_Ahab

Its the smarter path. Instead of saddling this team with whats likely another large contract for a player who wont live up to it (Hamilton/Jones).

No one player, except maybe outside of a healthy Eichel is going to move the needle enough.

The "window" here is over once Giroux and Jake are out. A 30+ high mileage Couturier will not be able to do it on his own, and I will strongly disagree with the idea that we have seen anything from these kids to think they are true core leaders of a cup contender.

Truly commit to the future, and set yourself up for it. Instead of wasting time the next couple years pretending this team has a chance in hell. It just comes down to what is Scott trying to build here? A club that claws into the first round but never has a real chance at winning the cup? Thats my vibe.

Its the smarter path. Instead of saddling this team with whats likely another large contract for a player who wont live up to it (Hamilton/Jones).

No one player, except maybe outside of a healthy Eichel is going to move the needle enough.

The "window" here is over once Giroux and Jake are out. A 30+ high mileage Couturier will not be able to do it on his own, and I will strongly disagree with the idea that we have seen anything from these kids to think they are true core leaders of a cup contender.

Truly commit to the future, and set yourself up for it. Instead of wasting time the next couple years pretending this team has a chance in hell.
- FlyerFan3260

Eichel couldn't move the needle in Buffalo. That's the player they need to stay away from. If Jones becomes available, the Flyers have to be in the mix for him.

The core of this team moving forward is going to be made up of the young players. It's way too early to definitively know what the young players as a whole are capable of.

Eichel couldn't move the needle in Buffalo. That's the player they need to stay away from. If Jones becomes available, the Flyers have to be in the mix for him.

The core of this team moving forward is going to be made up of the young players. It's way too early to definitively know what the young players as a whole are capable of.
- MJL

Jones is someone being pushed by the Flyers beat guys.

He is also someone who is in the mold of Hayes. A decent piece, nowhere near being an actual top d-man in the league, but wanting to be paid like it.

Which if the Flyers trade pieces for him, will be forced to back down in negotiations to ensure he isnt just a rental.

Paying superstar level contracts to players who aren't on that tier is folly. All in an attempt to force this thing forward. Not enough was gathered through those Hextall years, and trying to force fill those holes with guys like Jones is going to be an interesting but predictable experiment.

Welcome back, MJL