Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Akeson Advances, Remembering Roscoe

I have to admit I was worried about Akeson but he played well. But I am not going to say he should definatley be on the roster. I think there could be guys who could fill that 3rd line spot better coming up such as Taylor Leier. Not saying it will happen but I think other players fit a little better.


Also Bill,
Can you tell me a difference between nick Cousins and Akeson because I feel that they are kind of similar players, good in offensive zone but struggle in the d zone. Yet it seems they have more hope for Cousins. Is it because his offensive skilss are better?

Not knowing much about Akeson before seeing him in the playoffs, I wouldn't have guessed he was known as such a defensive liability. Thought he played well all over against the Rangers. His ability to handle the puck well seemed to allow him to diffuse some situations in the defensive zone with a shifty move or good pass. Are his known defensive liabilities more to do with not making good reads/seeing the defensive zone well, or does he simply overcommit to the offensive side of the puck in a way that could maybe be corrected somewhat?

Are his known defensive liabilities more to do with not making good reads/seeing the defensive zone well, or does he simply overcommit to the offensive side of the puck in a way that could maybe be corrected somewhat?
- eayost

A bit of both but more in terms of the latter. I thought he tried hard at both ends of the ice in the Rangers series and was at least adequate defensively when playing with strong two-way players like Couturier and Read.

I have to admit I was worried about Akeson but he played well. But I am not going to say he should definatley be on the roster. I think there could be guys who could fill that 3rd line spot better coming up such as Taylor Leier. Not saying it will happen but I think other players fit a little better.

Also Bill,
Can you tell me a difference between nick Cousins and Akeson because I feel that they are kind of similar players, good in offensive zone but struggle in the d zone. Yet it seems they have more hope for Cousins. Is it because his offensive skilss are better?
- J35Bacher

Cousins developed earlier at the junior level and was a standout player at a younger age in the OHL. Akeson was a late bloomer who was signed as an overager. Also, the Flyers think Cousins has a chance to adapt to being a gritty third-line type who can score a bit, too, whereas Akeson's role is always going to be an offensive specialist.

Leier is a good role-playing prospect; he'll still need some time in the AHL.

A bit of both but more in terms of the latter. I thought he tried hard at both ends of the ice in the Rangers series and was at least adequate defensively when playing with strong two-way players like Couturier and Read.
- bmeltzer

Being the leading scorer on an inept scoring AHL team, he may have put too much pressure on himself to keep scoring and not worry about the other side of the puck so much. Who else was going to score? He doesn't have to worry about that at this level, so maybe he'll put in the work to learn to be a more complete player. We'll find out next season I suppose.

Cousins developed earlier at the junior level and was a standout player at a younger age in the OHL. Akeson was a late bloomer who was signed as an overager. Also, the Flyers think Cousins has a chance to adapt to being a gritty third-line type who can score a bit, too, whereas Akeson's role is always going to be an offensive specialist.

Leier is a good role-playing prospect; he'll still need some time in the AHL.
- bmeltzer

Thanks for the insight. Any word on Cousins development this year?

I brought up Leier as more of an example of a player better suited for the third line more then akeson. I just think the flyers could shape there roster a little better next year ant not have so many people playing out of position. Moving Vinny would really help that and I even think if you could move Hartnell that could help shape this roster. I know Hartnell brings some grit and is a 20 goal scorer I just think they could use a different dynamic and if you want a st line winger for Giroux his money could be used for someone like Moulson or someone else.

Cousins developed earlier at the junior level and was a standout player at a younger age in the OHL. Akeson was a late bloomer who was signed as an overager. Also, the Flyers think Cousins has a chance to adapt to being a gritty third-line type who can score a bit, too, whereas Akeson's role is always going to be an offensive specialist.

Leier is a good role-playing prospect; he'll still need some time in the AHL.
- bmeltzer

Cousins was that kid that was always his teams best player....he got away with pure vision and hands. Now is the test...he cant get away on his skill, because many around him have the same level....he needs to progress, improve and take that next step....I definately think he can...it's right there in front of him... I see him as a "Bolland" type player....Big, big summer for the kid and next year is huge.

I think you can teach defensive responsibility.

There may be some growing pains with Akeson but I think he has earned a shot and at least SOME rope when it comes to getting an NHL roster spot.

I thought he showed that he could play a responsible game, and he did so under the highest pressure possible in the NHL playoffs.

He just has to show he can do it consistently, but in one way or another, that is a complaint we hear about many young players on this current roster.

Even though he took that penalty in game one, it wasn't a stupid penalty, it was an impact penalty. He was trying to make a play and it was bad luck his stick got up as it did.

Bill,

I know you cover Dallas and i love their fourth line. And Anaheims. Do you see any players that the Flyers could bring in to help out. i know they don't play many minutes but I would like them to be a little tougher to play against and create a little more offense. Dallas and Anaheims 4th lines cause havoc and can create chances. I would like a guy like Brian Boyle. Size, can score when given chances and can skate and play gritty. Any ideas?

Thanks for the insight. Any word on Cousins development this year?

I brought up Leier as more of an example of a player better suited for the third line more then akeson. I just think the flyers could shape there roster a little better next year ant not have so many people playing out of position. Moving Vinny would really help that and I even think if you could move Hartnell that could help shape this roster. I know Hartnell brings some grit and is a 20 goal scorer I just think they could use a different dynamic and if you want a st line winger for Giroux his money could be used for someone like Moulson or someone else.
- J35Bacher

Im not sure why you seem to think Moulson is much better than Hartnell. They are very similar players in terms of how they get their goals. Moulson is undersized for a guy who plays around the net a lot.

BY dumping Hartnell and getting Moulson, you'd be paying more for a marginal upgrade.

Bill,

I know you cover Dallas and i love their fourth line. And Anaheims. Do you see any players that the Flyers could bring in to help out. i know they don't play many minutes but I would like them to be a little tougher to play against and create a little more offense. Dallas and Anaheims 4th lines cause havoc and can create chances. I would like a guy like Brian Boyle. Size, can score when given chances and can skate and play gritty. Any ideas?
- J35Bacher

Dominic Moore, Vern Fiddler perhaps? I believe both are UFA

Bill,

I know you cover Dallas and i love their fourth line. And Anaheims. Do you see any players that the Flyers could bring in to help out. i know they don't play many minutes but I would like them to be a little tougher to play against and create a little more offense. Dallas and Anaheims 4th lines cause havoc and can create chances. I would like a guy like Brian Boyle. Size, can score when given chances and can skate and play gritty. Any ideas?
- J35Bacher

I like Bruin's 4th line a lot, Paille, Campbell, Thornton. I think any one of those players would be an upgrade with what we have.

Bill,

I know you cover Dallas and i love their fourth line. And Anaheims. Do you see any players that the Flyers could bring in to help out. i know they don't play many minutes but I would like them to be a little tougher to play against and create a little more offense. Dallas and Anaheims 4th lines cause havoc and can create chances. I would like a guy like Brian Boyle. Size, can score when given chances and can skate and play gritty. Any ideas?
- J35Bacher

Brian Boyle's Cap hit is 1.7M. That's what it costs to get a better player, to play on the 4th line. Flyers can't really afford that.

Im not sure why you seem to think Moulson is much better than Hartnell. They are very similar players in terms of how they get their goals. Moulson is undersized for a guy who plays around the net a lot.

BY dumping Hartnell and getting Moulson, you'd be paying more for a marginal upgrade.
- PhillySportsGuy

I was just pointing to an example. Could be molsoun or someone else I said but I think it can be upgraded on the wing. Could be Vanek. I wouldn't mind a trade with SJ for someone like Burns since I think they will make changes.

I like Bruin's 4th line a lot, Paille, Campbell, Thornton. I think any one of those players would be an upgrade with what we have.
- Streit2ThePoint

Comes down to the cap again. Campbell's cap hit is 1.6M. Paille and Thornton are both over 1M. They total about 4M against the Cap for the 4th line.

Brian Boyle's Cap hit is 1.7M. That's what it costs to get a better player, to play on the 4th line. Flyers can't really afford that.
- MJL

They can. Just have to be creative. But if not boyle maybe a guy like Vernon Fiddler, or another type. i just want a 4th line that can be used more and still create chances without being a liability

Bill, Thanks for your words on Ross Lonsberry. Those of us who watched him remember a solid well-rounded player. I'll quibble a bit regarding the helmet/ toupee. While he might have worn the helmet to hide his baldness, I believe he didn't wear the toupee while playing. I recall two instances were he was involved in scuffles and lost his helmet. In both cases, I saw a bald head, not a toupee (unless it got stuck in the helmet). Anyway, thanks again for respecting an old timer. Those of us who actually saw the Flyers win a Cup appreciate it.

My only beef with Akeson is that he seemed easy to knock off the puck. He's a little guy, but doesn't seem to have that low center of gravity. Or maybe it's the way he skates?

Comes down to the cap again. Campbell's cap hit is 1.6M. Paille and Thornton are both over 1M. They total about 4M against the Cap for the 4th line.
- MJL

That is why instead of reigning Kimmo you let him walk and use a younger d man on ELC like Alt . Have to be creative.

They can. Just have to be creative. But if not boyle maybe a guy like Vernon Fiddler, or another type. i just want a 4th line that can be used more and still create chances without being a liability
- J35Bacher

No they really can't afford it. Not if they want to address the defense, or upgrade the speed/skill level of the top 9 forwards. Flyers are going to continue to have to use players like Adam Hall, with cap hits under a mil. And or hope that young players such as Laughton can come in on EL deals and contribute there.

That is why instead of reigning Kimmo you let him walk and use a younger d man on ELC like Alt . Have to be creative.
- J35Bacher

And if that younger D man falters, then what? What will be a bigger hole? A 4th line low minute forward, or a top 6 defenseman? I'm not against upgrading the 4th line. I just think there are priorities. And upgrading the 4th line isn't a high one in my opinion.

That is why instead of reigning Kimmo you let him walk and use a younger d man on ELC like Alt . Have to be creative.
- J35Bacher

If Kimmo decides to retire, you can't replace him with an inexperienced player. Not going to happen.

I hope if he does want to play, he would be willing to take a slight pay cut, somewhere around 4mil

No they really can't afford it. Not if they want to address the defense, or upgrade the speed/skill level of the top 9 forwards. Flyers are going to continue to have to use players like Adam Hall, with cap hits under a mil. And or hope that young players such as Laughton can come in on EL deals and contribute there.
- MJL

Laughton is a start. I still think that Vinny will be moved. i know everyone will be saying it is impossble but I still think there would be some interest and if it was to the right team he would waive his NTC. Never know what guys are made avaiable in the offseason. I wouldn't mind seeing what you could do with SJ if they want to make a change. Burns could be a monster on the wing with G and Voracek.

What a job Chiarelli the Bruins GM has done. Looking at their roster and cap numbers, there isn't one player who is overpaid, most are signed for significantly lower numbers than what they are worth. That's how you build a team. Literally a perfect roster. Not a mistake on it.