Eklund: Kevin and Ek’s Ridiculously Early Predictions:Metro Division; Buzz@1

I am going on instinct here, because as of now Lou is playing a game that we have seen before. Until his lineup is complete and where he wants it, he doesn’t show any of his cards. It can’t be a coincidence that we’ve heard no rumors about Palmieri Cizikas, or Pelach…They will be back and not as an Anders Lee replacements …but in addition. Lou isn’t letting any of these guys talk because he is up to something…That could be Tarasenko…which I have mixed feelings about. However, they also have the best goalie tandem in the NHL and one of the best coaches. They are the standard.

Should someone call the police? This sounds like kidnapping.

Also good call on the Penguins finishing between 2nd and 7th. I agree.

Looking forward to seeing Carolina finishing 6th and missing the playoffs. I might put some cash on that.

Eklund: Kevin and Ek’s Ridiculously Early Predictions:Metro Division; Buzz@1
- Eklund

“Chuck Fletcher has added Ryan Ellis, Keith Yandle and Rasmus Ristolainen to his defense…”

Are we actually saying that handle and Ristolainen are good players?

“Chuck Fletcher has added Ryan Ellis, Keith Yandle and Rasmus Ristolainen to his defense…”

Are we actually saying that handle and Ristolainen are good players?
- Cptmjl

In sheltered roles, I expect them to be adequate. If Risto has to play extended time on the top pair and Yandle does the same in the top 4, then hell no.

In sheltered roles, I expect them to be adequate. If Risto has to play extended time on the top pair and Yandle does the same in the top 4, then hell no.
- jmatchett383

Ristolainen has always been a street cone while at least yandle was a good defenseman at one time in his career he’s just long in the tooth. Risto sucks. Maybe he’ll transform into something else now that he’s not a Sabre any longer but there’s literally no body of evidence or anything to think that’ll happen. Still baffled by this move for Fletcher especially for what he coughed up for him. Pretty god awful trade.

Ristolainen has always been a street cone while at least yandle was a good defenseman at one time in his career he’s just long in the tooth. Risto sucks. Maybe he’ll transform into something else now that he’s not a Sabre any longer but there’s literally no body of evidence or anything to think that’ll happen. Still baffled by this move for Fletcher especially for what he coughed up for him. Pretty god awful trade.
- Cptmjl

I've noticed most of the Flyers fans and media are almost totally unable to see any downside to their moves. Everyone they acquired is awesome. Whoever left won't be missed. Like look at the love affair with Atkinson. Three years ago he scored 41 goals, mostly playing with Panarin. Then he scored 12 in 44 games and 15 in 56 games. That's a 20-goal pace. On pace for 45-50 points. Getting top minutes. In those same 2 seasons, Voracek played fewer minutes, but scored at a 66-point pace. He's even a year younger than Atkinson. The Flyers gained some cap space making that trade, but pretty naive for fans and media to act like Atkinson is somehow a big upgrade on Voracek. He's a downgrade to me.

I've noticed most of the Flyers fans and media are almost totally unable to see any downside to their moves. Everyone they acquired is awesome. Whoever left won't be missed. Like look at the love affair with Atkinson. Three years ago he scored 41 goals, mostly playing with Panarin. Then he scored 12 in 44 games and 15 in 56 games. That's a 20-goal pace. On pace for 45-50 points. Getting top minutes. In those same 2 seasons, Voracek played fewer minutes, but scored at a 66-point pace. He's even a year younger than Atkinson. The Flyers gained some cap space making that trade, but pretty naive for fans and media to act like Atkinson is somehow a big upgrade on Voracek. He's a downgrade to me.


Obviously you haven’t been on the flyers blog. Their has been plenty of criticism with the Risto trade, it’s a mixed bag with the Ghost trade.
Huh seems to be the narrative with the Yandle signing. Most understand that if Yandle plays anything over 10-12 minutes a game the flyers are in trouble.
I do not believe Yandle will play every game.
The Jones signing was not popular.
Instead of wishing what you said was the case maybe do some research.

I've noticed most of the Flyers fans and media are almost totally unable to see any downside to their moves. Everyone they acquired is awesome. Whoever left won't be missed. Like look at the love affair with Atkinson. Three years ago he scored 41 goals, mostly playing with Panarin. Then he scored 12 in 44 games and 15 in 56 games. That's a 20-goal pace. On pace for 45-50 points. Getting top minutes. In those same 2 seasons, Voracek played fewer minutes, but scored at a 66-point pace. He's even a year younger than Atkinson. The Flyers gained some cap space making that trade, but pretty naive for fans and media to act like Atkinson is somehow a big upgrade on Voracek. He's a downgrade to me.
- Kooleus

I don’t think I’ve ever read a Kevin Allen take that wasn’t hysterical so I guess he does provide something.

"I do not believe Yandle will play every game."

I do not believe that Yandle would have signed that contract (with no trade clause) without strong assurances of keeping the iron man streak going.

No chance he got any such assurances from the Flyers. Yandle is competing for the 3LD spot against the Flyers' 2013 1st Rd pick (Morin) and their 2019 1st Rd pick (York).

I've noticed most of the Flyers fans and media are almost totally unable to see any downside to their moves. Everyone they acquired is awesome. Whoever left won't be missed. Like look at the love affair with Atkinson. Three years ago he scored 41 goals, mostly playing with Panarin. Then he scored 12 in 44 games and 15 in 56 games. That's a 20-goal pace. On pace for 45-50 points. Getting top minutes. In those same 2 seasons, Voracek played fewer minutes, but scored at a 66-point pace. He's even a year younger than Atkinson. The Flyers gained some cap space making that trade, but pretty naive for fans and media to act like Atkinson is somehow a big upgrade on Voracek. He's a downgrade to me.


Obviously you haven’t been on the flyers blog. Their has been plenty of criticism with the Risto trade, it’s a mixed bag with the Ghost trade.
Huh seems to be the narrative with the Yandle signing. Most understand that if Yandle plays anything over 10-12 minutes a game the flyers are in trouble.
I do not believe Yandle will play every game.
The Jones signing was not popular.
Instead of wishing what you said was the case maybe do some research.
- bird_dog_pa

There are Flyers fans beyond this website. Most (that doesn't mean all), but most are pretty optimistic that the team is better overall. I also noted the Philly media. Both Ek and Kevin are gushing about the potential. Keving has the Flyers going from missing the playoffs to winning the division. Ek has them finishing in 3rd, right behind the defending Cup champions. Seems pretty optimistic.

There are Flyers fans beyond this website. Most (that doesn't mean all), but most are pretty optimistic that the team is better overall. I also noted the Philly media. Both Ek and Kevin are gushing about the potential. Keving has the Flyers going from missing the playoffs to winning the division. Ek has them finishing in 3rd, right behind the defending Cup champions. Seems pretty optimistic.
- Kooleus

“this Philadelphia team will be a force.”
-Kevin Allen

I get it these are predictions but I would love to hear the reasoning behind thinking the Flyers will be a force with that blue line and goaltending?

Hurricanes
Islanders
Rangers
Pens
Flyers
Caps
Devils
Jackets

5 teams could possibly make the postseason.

I've noticed most of the Flyers fans and media are almost totally unable to see any downside to their moves. Everyone they acquired is awesome. Whoever left won't be missed. Like look at the love affair with Atkinson. Three years ago he scored 41 goals, mostly playing with Panarin. Then he scored 12 in 44 games and 15 in 56 games. That's a 20-goal pace. On pace for 45-50 points. Getting top minutes. In those same 2 seasons, Voracek played fewer minutes, but scored at a 66-point pace. He's even a year younger than Atkinson. The Flyers gained some cap space making that trade, but pretty naive for fans and media to act like Atkinson is somehow a big upgrade on Voracek. He's a downgrade to me.
- Kooleus

Here are my concerns. I have to wonder why Nashville was willing to trade a RH top pairing all situations defenseman? I personally still think that Myers is going to be a very good player and Patrick unfortunately degraded into just being a throw in. Myers is not a guarantee of course so why did Nashville make the deal? I look at the numbers and it's not just cap related. Do they feel he was physically breaking down and is going to start to decline?

As far as Atkinson is concerned. He is a better all around hockey player than Voracek is. Voracek is a playmaker while Atkinson is more of a shooter. That's a mix that the Flyers needed to change. However, as you pointed out, Atkinson has seemed to be in decline. How much of that is team related? How much is on the player?

With Ristolainen. I think there is no doubt that the team he played on had an effect on his play. Players sometimes try to do too much and play outside of themselves on bad teams. Even with that being said, there is nothing that screams this guy is a stud. He has skill and brings a nasty streak but how well will he defend? They gave up a ton for this kid and he has to step up. He also has contract leverage and if he walks after one season. That is a disaster for the Flyers and a fireable offense for the GM in my opinion.

I disagree with the Yandle signing simply because it pre-ordains that York starts in the AHL and takes away a legit shot for York making the team. I would've much rather the Flyers signed a vet as a 7th and a fall back in case York doesn't play well.

No chance he got any such assurances from the Flyers. Yandle is competing for the 3LD spot against the Flyers' 2013 1st Rd pick (Morin) and their 2019 1st Rd pick (York).
- pwnstick

No he's not. Morin has no chance of earning a top 6 spot and York is going to start the season in the AHL. Unless York blows them away in camp, it has already been decided that he's going to the AHL.

These predictions very well could play out. That is, at least until NYR gets Eichel for a 2023 3rd round pick, Leevi Aaltonen and a Shake Shack burger with no cheese. Then it's lights out for the Metro...

The moves the Rangers made look ill-advised. Buchnevich is a really good player and all they got was a 2nd. Why did they not want a guy that scores?

Then they got Reeves for a 3rd. Tom Wilson is not going to be upset that Reeves is there. Wilson is going to do what he always does. Reeves goes around hitting indiscriminately. Many times when hits aren’t purposeful, you are just taking yourself out of the play. The Rangers would have been better off going after Nick Ritchie or someone that brings some skill along with toughness.

The moves the Rangers made look ill-advised. Buchnevich is a really good player and all they got was a 2nd. Why did they not want a guy that scores?

Then they got Reeves for a 3rd. Tom Wilson is not going to be upset that Reeves is there. Wilson is going to do what he always does. Reeves goes around hitting indiscriminately. Many times when hits aren’t purposeful, you are just taking yourself out of the play. The Rangers would have been better off going after Nick Ritchie or someone that brings some skill along with toughness.
- Minnyhock

They obviously are planning to flip all of that crap for Eichel to put the pressure on Billy G. C'mon man

I've noticed most of the Flyers fans and media are almost totally unable to see any downside to their moves. Everyone they acquired is awesome. Whoever left won't be missed. Like look at the love affair with Atkinson. Three years ago he scored 41 goals, mostly playing with Panarin. Then he scored 12 in 44 games and 15 in 56 games. That's a 20-goal pace. On pace for 45-50 points. Getting top minutes. In those same 2 seasons, Voracek played fewer minutes, but scored at a 66-point pace. He's even a year younger than Atkinson. The Flyers gained some cap space making that trade, but pretty naive for fans and media to act like Atkinson is somehow a big upgrade on Voracek. He's a downgrade to me.
- Kooleus

You obviously haven't watched the Flyers play very much. Voracek's numbers are misleading and I think the Flyers easily won that trade!! Atkinson brings more of what the Flyers need in many ways besides scoring. You know the old saying....stats are for losers. Basically Fletcher made the Flyers much tougher to play against and that's a big deal!! Patrick, Ghost and Voracek are all soft players and I'm quite glad they're gone!! How the new arrivals pan out remains to be seen, but at least there will be more leadership(character) in the room!! Oh, and Voracek is like a MONTH younger than Atkinson, so there's another hole in your balloon. Thanks!

You obviously haven't watched the Flyers play very much. Voracek's numbers are misleading and I think the Flyers easily won that trade!! Atkinson brings more of what the Flyers need in many ways besides scoring. You know the old saying....stats are for losers. Basically Fletcher made the Flyers much tougher to play against and that's a big deal!! Patrick, Ghost and Voracek are all soft players and I'm quite glad they're gone!! How the new arrivals pan out remains to be seen, but at least there will be more leadership(character) in the room!! Oh, and Voracek is like a MONTH younger than Atkinson, so there's another hole in your balloon. Thanks!
- Phillywhiteout

Not agreeing or disagreeing with OP. All I can say is that if you guys want a tough MF on your blue line, Risto will make you happy.

The moves the Rangers made look ill-advised. Buchnevich is a really good player and all they got was a 2nd. Why did they not want a guy that scores?

Then they got Reeves for a 3rd. Tom Wilson is not going to be upset that Reeves is there. Wilson is going to do what he always does. Reeves goes around hitting indiscriminately. Many times when hits aren’t purposeful, you are just taking yourself out of the play. The Rangers would have been better off going after Nick Ritchie or someone that brings some skill along with toughness.
- Minnyhock

The buch trade was expected the return was bad. They 3 lines that can score

Laf zib Kakko
Panarin strome kravs
Kreider Goodrow and chytl

4th line will change a lot based on opponent. The defense will be better with nemeth and nils. They will be a better and harder team to play against next year

You obviously haven't watched the Flyers play very much. Voracek's numbers are misleading and I think the Flyers easily won that trade!! Atkinson brings more of what the Flyers need in many ways besides scoring. You know the old saying....stats are for losers. Basically Fletcher made the Flyers much tougher to play against and that's a big deal!! Patrick, Ghost and Voracek are all soft players and I'm quite glad they're gone!! How the new arrivals pan out remains to be seen, but at least there will be more leadership(character) in the room!! Oh, and Voracek is like a MONTH younger than Atkinson, so there's another hole in your balloon. Thanks!
- Phillywhiteout

Time will tell who wins the Atkinson/Jake trade. It looks like an attempt by both sides to rejuvenate the careers of 2 players in decline. Jake fit in well in CLB before and he may have success setting up Laine for his one timer on the PP. Atkinson brings passion and energy and has more goal scoring upside.

CLB looks destined for last place. Philly is harder to gauge. They look improved but their biggest question marks are in goal and up front. Hopefully, Hart finds his game again and plays 55 games. Jones and Dubnyk were the worst goalie options. The forwards are smallish and are likely to get bulldozed.

I don't think the Jake/Atkinson trade has a clear winner yet. Jake will likely put up more points for Columbus and get some premium minutes with a great scorer - something he didnt have (a shoot first) here in Philly, Atkinson is a different player and can do alot more for this team than just the points portion, Wish the best for Jake but I'm fine with the outcome here for Philly.

Gotta love the gms here. A player plays 24 minutes a night for years. He does that for years on d and then gets traded. As many as 7 teams offer number one picks plus for him probably for the same reason that he played 24 minutes a night and the genius gms on here think they know better. Multiple coaches and multiple gms thought it made sense to play the guy 24 minutes a night, but somehow he sucks.

People - you don’t play that many minutes a night on d in this league and suck. I’m going to go with the opinion of 7 qualified NHL gms in this league over yours. Ristolainen may not be Pronger, but he can certainly play on a second pair in this league. I would agree that giving up the 2nd rounder is painful, but to say the guy can’t play reeks of ignorance.

I think ghost on a 3rd pair running a second pp is fine. He is fine, but not at 4.5 mill since he is a dumpster fire in his own end and the knee surgeries are a concern. Why did no gm pick him up when he was waived last spring?

Anyone who thinks you should leave spots open for young players is nuts. Young players need to take spots at the nhl level. They are not given. You do not go into the season praying York is good enough to play 19 minutes a night and can run a pp unit. You go out and get insurance which is exactly what they did. He may have to start in the AHL. So what. If he plays well he will be up. If he does not then he will stay there. This is a non issue.

It’s funny seeing the same folks on here ripping players on multiple threads.. bouncing around. It’s almost as if there is an agenda after a player on their team is moved. Is there no objectivity out there.. Just cause a guy left your team does not mean he sucks…. Not every trade has a winner 9 minutes after the trade is made. It’s almost as if some who post here just started watching the game or better yet have never even seen a game in person.

Times yours

I don't think the Jake/Atkinson trade has a clear winner yet. Jake will likely put up more points for Columbus and get some premium minutes with a great scorer - something he didnt have (a shoot first) here in Philly, Atkinson is a different player and can do alot more for this team than just the points portion, Wish the best for Jake but I'm fine with the outcome here for Philly.
- GPerogie

Atkinson kills penalties. Jake does not. If you follow the flyers you know how valuable this is. Right or wrong they are going to the box.