Braun was one of a few players on the team who actually played to their capabilities. I have no issues with Braun. Solid as a 3rd pair guy. Issue is they had to elevate his usage.
- MJL

Yup.

Wb btw.

Probably a first or second round pick to take the full contract. Generally, I am not ok with doing that. But this draft I am slightly more inclined to do it due to the randomality of it.

In the end, if I was GM I would not do it. I would not be against the Flyers doing it though.
- mickel25

Yes, if you want Francis to take Voracek, he's asking for the 13th pick to do so.

So when the Flyers lost to the Cup champs in 2009, 2010 and 2011 that was ok? They also, lost to the East SCF rep in 2008 and 2012. That was ok? Were they on the right path? Were they a better team?

Flyers were bad at stopping teams from scoring last year. I think that is an anomaly. Maybe I am wrong. But as long as they lose to the eventual champs it doesn't matter right?

Again, I think players are human. They sign where they are comfortable unless given an incentive. I do not think the Hurricanes are that much better off than the Flyers. All things being equal.
- mickel25

Carolina is a much better team than the flyers and don't seem to going anywhere towards the bottom any time soon. You disagree.

So you don't think winning will play a part in where they sign? What about the cost of living? What about the city and surrounding area itself? Quality of life?

what incentive besides money is there to sign with the Flyers at this time?

Did the defense drag down Provorov or did Provorov drag down the defense? Bill’s blog stated that each defender was graded individually, so I responded accordingly. Provorov in my books was a B+ at minimum with everything considered. The same cannot be said for the rest of the defense who doesn’t see nearly as much time as Provorov.
- SuperSchennBros

Not that I’d give him a D but he did not play well. He was more part of the problem than any type of solution.

Yup.

Wb btw.
- Tomahawk

I can't believe you didn't take that bet!

Sign and trade Coutourier.
- DrMidnite

Nah .. trading Couts would just open the wounds more. I still think he is part of the solution here.

Yes, if you want Francis to take Voracek, he's asking for the 13th pick to do so.
- MJL

See, I would make this trade if that is all it took. I think the Flyers can still draft good players with their remaining picks, and could also use this cap relief to sign better players right now.

According to players, only the Rangers and Leafs have a better reputation than the Flyers in that respect.
- Tomahawk

Flyers absolutely take care of their players. That was never in doubt. I also think many team do the same. To the extent of the Flyers? don't know. Just don't believe it is that exclusive is all.

How much does that really plays a part in the decision making process today? Think other factors come way before that.

I can't believe you didn't take that bet!

- MJL

He was just trying to get my personal info. I think he's in love.

See, I would make this trade if that is all it took. I think the Flyers can still draft good players with their remaining picks, and could also use this cap relief to sign better players right now.
- jd250

That's ludicrous. Drafting and developing is the focus. When you start moving away from that and giving up top assets to try and win now, you've lost. I think any expectation that Fletcher is actually going to be able to free up cap space, and sign and trade this team to true contention in the current NHL landscape is in for a big disappointment. Yes, he can make moves to improve the team now but to what end? To be a better 2nd level playoff team that won't be good enough and now lacking cap flexibility and more future bad deals? We're right back to the Holmgren days. Yes, it will be more entertaining and less frustrating but ultimately falling short.

He's not better than Gostisbehere.
- MJL

Yes he is.

That player is Larsson if he would sign a reasonable deal.
- MJL

I think I would agree.

Current cap hit is 4.16

28 years old and a UFA. What is your honest assessment of a reasonable deal?

He played 56 games and scored 10 points 4g 6a avg 19:39.

Im honestly not sure what kind of contract AAV he is expecting or what would be reasonable.

Provy sucked this past season. End of story. Ice time means nothing when all the other options suck too. He was the best of the crap we had. TOI is irrelevant. If everyone got injured and or retired & the organization called on replacement defenseman Joe Blow would get the most TOI. C maybe even C-

What is the basis for forming this opinion that Hamilton doesn't want to play in a market like Philly?
- MJL

Its complete speculation based on Hamilton forcing his way out of Boston after his entry level deal expired. The Bruins did not want to trade him but there was a lot of local criticism that Hamilton was too soft. The Bruins had just won the Cup in 2011 and were in the finals again in 2013, so they were a great place to play if you wanted to win. Hamilton chose anywhere but Boston. That is why I think the Flyers should stay away from him, and why I think he will prefer to stay with Carolina.

I don't think Glak18's reasoning is contradictory at all. You still seem to believe that the only way to get the right horses is by getting top picks, but I don't believe that is true. What Fletcher should be doing is figuring out how to clear cap space first and foremost, which he should be able to do this off season. Then use that cap space to sign the right players for today's game, players with speed, skill and most of all tenacity. I don't believe the Flyers should put all the cap space into Hamilton or trade the farm for Jones, and I'm not saying the Flyers need to get 1970's tough. Instead I would sign mid level players like Saad and Larsson, and try to become Islander or Montreal tough, skating circles around your opponents, finishing checks hard and winning tons of puck battles. So freeing cap space, spending it wisely and drafting and developing these types of players is the fastest way for this Flyers team to get back into contention.
- jd250

You were making progress just 2-3 days ago, when you looked at the playoffs and said you were coming to the realization that a total rebuild was necessary. You are regressing again.

Joking aside, many posters I respect here, like you and Landros2 and some others, talk about treading for 'the right mix'. After carefully reading your posts over some time, I have come to the conclusion that you guys have either

1. Not thought things through
2. Are looking at examples or have ideas in your head that are not in sync by the Flyers current situation or past playoff history in the NHL.
3. Are wildly projecting best case scenarios for young players.

Re: the last, not doing a complete rebuild would mean, for sure that you keep Couts. You are stuck with Hayes. Your young guns are not gonna suddenly flip a switch and become studs in the next 2 years. Some are frankly fightlng for their NHL lives.

So, look forwards 2 years or more later. Now, what was the last time two centers aged 30ish+ anchored a cup winning team with key trades? What are these trades? Who is giving us all the players we need for any style you would have them play?

I think I would agree.

Current cap hit is 4.16

28 years old and a UFA. What is your honest assessment of a reasonable deal?

He played 56 games and scored 10 points 4g 6a avg 19:39.

Im honestly not sure what kind of contract AAV he is expecting or what would be reasonable.
- MBFlyerfan

Here is an article that explains what he should be worth, and if true I think this is something the Flyers should consider.

https://oilersnation.com/...-next-contract-look-like/

I think I would agree.

Current cap hit is 4.16

28 years old and a UFA. What is your honest assessment of a reasonable deal?

He played 56 games and scored 10 points 4g 6a avg 19:39.

Im honestly not sure what kind of contract AAV he is expecting or what would be reasonable.
- MBFlyerfan

Very hard to answer what he would sign for. It's not a normal market. Players may have to take less to play in a situation that they want to play in. I would not want to sign him for any longer than say 4 years. I honestly can't answer if he would find that acceptable.
Here is the thing, some teams are going to have to make some players available. A team with cap space can take advantage of that. Look at the deal that Sakic made last year to acquire Devin Toews. That's what you have to look for.

That's ludicrous. Drafting and developing is the focus. When you start moving away from that and giving up top assets to try and win now, you've lost. I think any expectation that Fletcher is actually going to be able to free up cap space, and sign and trade this team to true contention in the current NHL landscape is in for a big disappointment. Yes, he can make moves to improve the team now but to what end? To be a better 2nd level playoff team that won't be good enough and now lacking cap flexibility and more future bad deals? We're right back to the Holmgren days. Yes, it will be more entertaining and less frustrating but ultimately falling short.
- MJL

But see, this is a different year. Teams have not been able to see these players play live in several months, so the draft this year is even more of a crap shoot than in past years. The Flyers have enough prospects right now, they need players who can play. And I still want them to draft and develop players, but I think they can afford to give up 1 first round pick (which is outside of the top 10) to improve the big club now.

That's ludicrous. Drafting and developing is the focus. When you start moving away from that and giving up top assets to try and win now, you've lost. I think any expectation that Fletcher is actually going to be able to free up cap space, and sign and trade this team to true contention in the current NHL landscape is in for a big disappointment. Yes, he can make moves to improve the team now but to what end? To be a better 2nd level playoff team that won't be good enough and now lacking cap flexibility and more future bad deals? We're right back to the Holmgren days. Yes, it will be more entertaining and less frustrating but ultimately falling short.
- MJL

then they need to tear it down. You full well no that will not happen. Any move he makes will be geared for the next couple of years to try to win now imo.

Yet you want to resign Couturier long term. Why do that if not going to go for it while he is [still productive.

Carolina is a much better team than the flyers and don't seem to going anywhere towards the bottom any time soon. You disagree.

So you don't think winning will play a part in where they sign? What about the cost of living? What about the city and surrounding area itself? Quality of life?

what incentive besides money is there to sign with the Flyers at this time?
- hello it's me 2050

Kinda already answered that. Also, you original question included, "money was the same". So, are free agent players flocking to Carolina when offered that same money? They are not.

Carolina was better than the Flyers this year. Sure. They were not so much better that playing in Carolina is a destination over Philly. Unless of course losing to the eventual champs is the new barometer. Then yes, the Hurricanes are preferred over the Flyers.

Very hard to answer what he would sign for. It's not a normal market. Players may have to take less to play in a situation that they want to play in. I would not want to sign him for any longer than say 4 years. I honestly can't answer if he would find that acceptable.
Here is the thing, some teams are going to have to make some players available. A team with cap space can take advantage of that. Look at the deal that Sakic made last year to acquire Devin Toews. That's what you have to look for.
- MJL

https://theathletic.com/2...arch_query=Adam%20Larsson



The Athletic seems to think its pretty sure he will resign with Edmonton for 4 years.

You were making progress just 2-3 days ago, when you looked at the playoffs and said you were coming to the realization that a total rebuild was necessary. You are regressing again.

Joking aside, many posters I respect here, like you and Landros2 and some others, talk about treading for 'the right mix'. After carefully reading your posts over some time, I have come to the conclusion that you guys have either

1. Not thought things through
2. Are looking at examples or have ideas in your head that are not in sync by the Flyers current situation or past playoff history in the NHL.
3. Are wildly projecting best case scenarios for young players.

Re: the last, not doing a complete rebuild would mean, for sure that you keep Couts. You are stuck with Hayes. Your young guns are not gonna suddenly flip a switch and become studs in the next 2 years. Some are frankly fightlng for their NHL lives.

So, look forwards 2 years or more later. Now, what was the last time two centers aged 30ish+ anchored a cup winning team with key trades? What are these trades? Who is giving us all the players we need for any style you would have them play?
- PT21

The Flyers certainly need to react to what happened last season but the worst thing they should do is overreact. They should put little stock in how many of the young players performed last season. Keeping Couturier is a no brainer. No reason why he can't remain a quality two way center deep into his 30's.

Kinda already answered that. Also, you original question included, "money was the same". So, are free agent players flocking to Carolina when offered that same money? They are not.

Carolina was better than the Flyers this year. Sure. They were not so much better that playing in Carolina is a destination over Philly. Unless of course losing to the eventual champs is the new barometer. Then yes, the Hurricanes are preferred over the Flyers.
- mickel25

Yes money being the same. Thing is I am not talking about Carolina. Talking about Philly. I do not see him in any way coming to philly. Nor do I see any top premier free agent signing unless a total overpay. flyers just aint the same top destination they were in the past.

Tell me what does Philly have to offer? Your the GM let me hear your pitch to Hamilton.

But see, this is a different year. Teams have not been able to see these players play live in several months, so the draft this year is even more of a crap shoot than in past years. The Flyers have enough prospects right now, they need players who can play. And I still want them to draft and develop players, but I think they can afford to give up 1 first round pick (which is outside of the top 10) to improve the big club now.
- jd250

There is no such thing as a team in the Flyers position as having too many prospects. Are you seriously posting that the Flyers are a team that is in a win now position and should be trading top level prospects because they have a surplus? I would definitely give up a first round pick for the right player but not to payoff Seattle to pick a player in expansion. The scouts have done plenty of work to be able to make an informed pick in the draft.

Flyers absolutely take care of their players. That was never in doubt. I also think many team do the same. To the extent of the Flyers? don't know. Just don't believe it is that exclusive is all.

How much does that really plays a part in the decision making process today? Think other factors come way before that.
- hello it's me 2050

Not every team has the resources and track-record of committed ownership that the Flyers have had. A third of the league was borderline insolvent before the salary cap. There have been some pretty terrible/stingy owners with some teams.

Flyers have always been extremely generous with their players... and players notice that.