Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Fletcher, Sanheim, TIFH

I get the feeling the NHL is doing everything they can to salvage this season if and when this Epidemic passes. I’m wondering how this effects Patrick. After a month, in terms of health, everyone should be on even footing again, which is why some players are hoping for a mini training camp should the season continue.

I get the feeling the NHL is doing everything they can to salvage this season if and when this Epidemic passes. I’m wondering how this effects Patrick. After a month, in terms of health, everyone should be on even footing again, which is why some players are hoping for a mini training camp should the season continue.
- SuperSchennBros

they are and they should. we're not getting back to Feb 2020 life anytime soon (maybe ever?) but professional sports are going to see how they can get back into our lives this summer. it might not be what anyone is used to but, just like this time of social distancing, we'll get used to it pretty fast.

and in whatever capacity it does come back, it will be appreciated and needed in this really tough time.

everyone keep your heads up!

No doubt We can adapt and will adapt to this, The season and playoffs seem unimportant with what is going on but the Orange and Black blood in me is striving for more games Giroux was really just getting hot at the right time. Be safe everyone this is likely to last awhile.

I get the feeling the NHL is doing everything they can to salvage this season if and when this Epidemic passes. I’m wondering how this effects Patrick. After a month, in terms of health, everyone should be on even footing again, which is why some players are hoping for a mini training camp should the season continue.
- SuperSchennBros

They are doing whatever they can. Not sure how it affects Patrick. Since rinks are closed, no one can do any skating right now. Fitness wise, players are doing what they can, but it clearly varies.

Side note: If the NHL does resume deep into the summer and tries to start relatively close to on time for next season, it's going to affect players who need off-season surgery (every team has a few). With elective surgeries mostly canceled nationwide during the pandemic, getting them done now is not really an option.

Ek's post says there is a rumor of a compliance buyout if the league does not complete the season for next year and the cap stay flat. Who would you choose. I pick JVR.

They are doing whatever they can. Not sure how it affects Patrick. Since rinks are closed, no one can do any skating right now. Fitness wise, players are doing what they can, but it clearly varies.

Side note: If the NHL does resume deep into the summer and tries to start relatively close to on time for next season, it's going to affect players who need off-season surgery (every team has a few). With elective surgeries mostly canceled nationwide during the pandemic, getting them done now is not really an option.
- bmeltzer

Bill,

I know it's a dreadful thing to contemplate, but is there a scenario in which the season becomes unsalvageable to the league?

I admit it's a crazy idea, but would the league ever consider combining the current and the next regular seasons into one "mega" season if, goodness forbidding, this terrible pandemic reaches well into the expected timeline for next season? (Basically, points from this season are added to the results of next season whenever it can start, and the cumulative result determines which teams make the playoffs for next season; the schedule being made so that the teams complete the same number of cumulative games played by what would be the end of next season.) I know there are a lot of ramifications to consider, but at least it means that in some capacity, the current season hasn't at least gone to waste.

I was looking at JVR or Jak..my internal question is which one I think is going to be less productive over the remaining contract vs. the cost of replacement.

Jak has one more year and 1.25M more per year, but his production has also been higher, albeit with more quality ice time and linemates than JVR gets. But can you replace JVRs net front presence for less with either a FA or internally, I think you can. Jak's skill is more difficult to replace.

This is a tough one because I tried to see if they could avoid the buyout, but if they bring Braun, Pitlick, and Elliot back for one more year along with giving slight raises to all the other RFAs it is right up against the cap.

I think I am with you MJL on this one. I would use it on JVR although I would have liked to keep him.

I was looking at JVR or Jak..my internal question is which one I think is going to be less productive over the remaining contract vs. the cost of replacement.

Jak has one more year and 1.25M more per year, but his production has also been higher, albeit with more quality ice time and linemates than JVR gets. But can you replace JVRs net front presence for less with either a FA or internally, I think you can. Jak's skill is more difficult to replace.

This is a tough one because I tried to see if they could avoid the buyout, but if they bring Braun, Pitlick, and Elliot back for one more year along with giving slight raises to all the other RFAs it is right up against the cap.

I think I am with you MJL on this one. I would use it on JVR although I would have liked to keep him.
- JW98FlyerFan

I just don't think JVR will remain an effective player throughout his contract. Getting out of it would be a good thing for the Flyers moving forward.

Like JVR a lot, his passing is underrated and he always puts up the point no matte where he plays. 7 mil for what 3 more years, I do think year 3 he will not be very productive. All to say 3 years doesn't scare me much.

But, if you have to pick one, you really think you will be in a cap crunch, plus he is the easiest to replace from within the organization, then he was not Fletch's pick...


it is JVR

Jake? No way, still don't understand the hate he gets, his skill set will allow him to be productive going forward.

Like JVR a lot, his passing is underrated and he always puts up the point no matte where he plays. 7 mil for what 3 more years, I do think year 3 he will not be very productive. All to say 3 years doesn't scare me much.

But, if you have to pick one, you really think you will be in a cap crunch, plus he is the easiest to replace from within the organization, then he was not Fletch's pick...


it is JVR

Jake? No way, still don't understand the hate he gets, his skill set will allow him to be productive going forward.
- wcorvette

I think most of the noise on Jak calmed down this year. Under AV he is playing a more defensively responsible game and really looks like he is having fun out there.

I'd choose Ghost for a comp buyout. I think his trade value is essentially nil (otherwise Fletch would have dealt him at the deadline). He has 3 more years at 4.5M and just doesn't seem to be able to get back to his usual form.

I think this would be a great idea as well and I would let JVR go in a heartbeat to get rid of his salary and allow one of the kids to step up. JVR is always an injury risk and really is the softest Flyer. Voracek is going nowhere, very big piece imo As for Gost his salary is totally tradeable and he will likely get traded, no need to waste some cap savings with him. Stay safe people.

I'd choose Ghost for a comp buyout. I think his trade value is essentially nil (otherwise Fletch would have dealt him at the deadline). He has 3 more years at 4.5M and just doesn't seem to be able to get back to his usual form.
- jsh139

I agree that I don't think Gost is in the plans but his cap his really low for comparable dmen. He was injured for the most part leading up to the deadline and that may have played a part in him not being moved. He may also be part of the team's future and was not made available ?? I believe if the Flyers want him gone a trade partner is easy to find given his cap and his potential. If he ever found his game to the level of 65 points a couple years ago he would be a steal at 4.250 mil Just my opinion

I'd choose Ghost for a comp buyout. I think his trade value is essentially nil (otherwise Fletch would have dealt him at the deadline). He has 3 more years at 4.5M and just doesn't seem to be able to get back to his usual form.
- jsh139

I'd agree. We lack pure goal scorers. JVR, playing a lot on the 3rd line and 4rth line, was on track for 24 goals and 50 points before he went down. Assuming Flyers decide this is the window to make a run, before Niskanen and Giroux get too old, I'd keep a guy like JVR as a dangerous weapon on the lower lines.

Like JVR a lot, his passing is underrated and he always puts up the point no matte where he plays. 7 mil for what 3 more years, I do think year 3 he will not be very productive. All to say 3 years doesn't scare me much.

But, if you have to pick one, you really think you will be in a cap crunch, plus he is the easiest to replace from within the organization, then he was not Fletch's pick...


it is JVR

Jake? No way, still don't understand the hate he gets, his skill set will allow him to be productive going forward.
- wcorvette

Agree 100%

I think most of the noise on Jak calmed down this year. Under AV he is playing a more defensively responsible game and really looks like he is having fun out there.
- JW98FlyerFan

No doubt. Same thing with JVR. Both are playing their best all around hockey and have bought in.

I'd choose Ghost for a comp buyout. I think his trade value is essentially nil (otherwise Fletch would have dealt him at the deadline). He has 3 more years at 4.5M and just doesn't seem to be able to get back to his usual form.
- jsh139

I think that Gostisbehere could easily be traded. His value is certainly down but not to the point where you couldn't make a decent deal.

I'd agree. We lack pure goal scorers. JVR, playing a lot on the 3rd line and 4rth line, was on track for 24 goals and 50 points before he went down. Assuming Flyers decide this is the window to make a run, before Niskanen and Giroux get too old, I'd keep a guy like JVR as a dangerous weapon on the lower lines.
- PT21

I hear ya but if the point was to get cap relief JVR is the biggest reduction, Gost is tradeable where JVR is not. JVR also goes long stretches with nothing and his stats are inflated by hot binges every now and then. In reality with the Covid-19 I am not sure how teams are going to stay above board unless players are going to agree to salary reductions to save the game. The economy is sucking so buying tickets are not priority and mainly do you really want to sit with crowds of people not knowing for sure the virus has passed?? Something to consider. Dallas management took a 50% pay cut voluntarily.

No doubt. Same thing with JVR. Both are playing their best all around hockey and have bought in.
- MJL

I agree with this, which makes it a rough call.

There is also the expansion draft as well that one of those contracts can be dangled.

Ghost’s contract is so good IF he can get close to this previous output....

At the end of the day it’s gotta be JVR. In essence I can see Vorachek playing like a top line forward with G for a few more years and he’s paid like one. JVR is stuck on the third line. Would be nice to have some cash to replace Braun with an upgrade and have cap room next year to make a big move at the deadline....IF your Patrick’s/Frosts/Farabees can continue their upward trajectory then one of those guys can slot into JVR’s spot and produce.

they are and they should. we're not getting back to Feb 2020 life anytime soon (maybe ever?) but professional sports are going to see how they can get back into our lives this summer. it might not be what anyone is used to but, just like this time of social distancing, we'll get used to it pretty fast.

and in whatever capacity it does come back, it will be appreciated and needed in this really tough time.

everyone keep your heads up!
- Wingdestroyer

I care about three things hockey related right now.

1. Sean Couturier winning three Selke

2. While I haven’t agreed with every decision he has made, Alain Vigneault should be the front runner for the Jack Adams

3. The Stanley Cup being handed out. I prefer it being handed to the Flyers because flaws and all, this team has worked very hard the second half of the season to be in the position they’re in but overall I want to see a Stanley Cup championship in 2020.

I hear ya but if the point was to get cap relief JVR is the biggest reduction, Gost is tradeable where JVR is not. JVR also goes long stretches with nothing and his stats are inflated by hot binges every now and then. In reality with the Covid-19 I am not sure how teams are going to stay above board unless players are going to agree to salary reductions to save the game. The economy is sucking so buying tickets are not priority and mainly do you really want to sit with crowds of people not knowing for sure the virus has passed?? Something to consider. Dallas management took a 50% pay cut voluntarily.
- joegreif17

The circus does not stay in town forever. Niskanen has 1 year left, he will be 34 this year. Laughton is an UFA next year. This year Myers and HAgg are RFAs, Pitlick is a UFA. I think Hagg, Myers, Pitlick and Laughton should get decent raises. Giroux has 2 years left on his contract and will surely start slowing down after that, if we can afford to keep him.

On paper I would agree JVR, but for the playoffs I say Ghost. We need JVR much more for a deep playoff run than we need Ghost.

I'd agree. We lack pure goal scorers. JVR, playing a lot on the 3rd line and 4rth line, was on track for 24 goals and 50 points before he went down. Assuming Flyers decide this is the window to make a run, before Niskanen and Giroux get too old, I'd keep a guy like JVR as a dangerous weapon on the lower lines.
- PT21

Need to think about the future. He makes too much money for a reduced role. There are young players coming up where there needs to be spots open for such as Frost. Farabee will be able to take on a bigger role. The window should be open for a significant time. Having some more cap flexibility could be huge for the team moving forward. They have to take advantage of it by using it on JVR.

The circus does not stay in town forever. Niskanen has 1 year left, he will be 34 this year. Laughton is an UFA next year. This year Myers and HAgg are RFAs, Pitlick is a UFA. I think Hagg, Myers, Pitlick and Laughton should get decent raises. Giroux has 2 years left on his contract and will surely start slowing down after that, if we can afford to keep him.

On paper I would agree JVR, but for the playoffs I say Ghost. We need JVR much more for a deep playoff run than we need Ghost.
- PT21

Forgot NAK whos is a RFA. Should get a reasonable raise too. 7 goals, 15 points in 36 games translates to about 16 goals, 32 points in a 4rth line role.

Is Patrick ready? How ready? Lot will depend on that. And if Braun leaves, and Ghost is gone, can Friedman play #6 consistently?

The circus does not stay in town forever. Niskanen has 1 year left, he will be 34 this year. Laughton is an UFA next year. This year Myers and HAgg are RFAs, Pitlick is a UFA. I think Hagg, Myers, Pitlick and Laughton should get decent raises. Giroux has 2 years left on his contract and will surely start slowing down after that, if we can afford to keep him.

On paper I would agree JVR, but for the playoffs I say Ghost. We need JVR much more for a deep playoff run than we need Ghost.
- PT21

If you thought about your last statement this way "Who is the 7th D man if one of the top 6 gets hurt in the playoff run?" Does that change your answer who is more valuable? I see several options at forward in a pinch, I don't see any on D if Ghost isn't here.