Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Flyers Warriors Update, TIFH

Everybody gone partying???

Everybody gone partying???
- HenryHockey

Yep. Sux for you that you missed out on it. Then again, it'd have sucked for everyone else had you not. 👅

Good morning, thanks Bill for your updates and insights. The Flyers Warriors is a great program and worthy of the attention you give it. Hope it continues to gain traction.

I wonder how all the usage will shake out after camp ends with all the changes this year? Just looking at the defense for now. Not saying that the blue line is set before camp even breaks but it seems like there is a very strong chance things will play out looking like:

Provy-Ellis
Sanheim-Ristolainen
Yandle-Braun
Morin

I would be surprised if it turned out any different. I really like York and Zamula but it is difficult seeing them beat out any of the top six out of camp and they would never want to stick them in the press box.

With that said how would you rank them in usage for PP and PK? (Not putting Morin in the mix)

PP
Yandle
Ristolainen
Ellis
Provy
Sanheim

PK
Provy
Ellis
Braun
Sanheim
Ristolainen

Am I off or is that how it is viewed at this point based on what we know?

For the forwards I think we will see this out of camp:
Centers: Coots, Hayes, Bassard, Thompson
Right: TK, Atkinson, Laughton, Allison
Left: G, Farabee, JVR, Lindblom

PP ranking I would guess (only putting guys in that I think could be useful in PK or PP)
G
JVR
Coots
TK
Farabee
Atkinson
Allison
Bassard
Hayes
Laughton
Lindblom

PK
Coots
Thompson
Atkinson
Hayes
Laughton
G
Lindblom
Farabee

I think Frost, NAK and Tanner are three guys who have the best chance going into camp that can knock a guy out of the top 12.

I wonder how all the usage will shake out after camp ends with all the changes this year? Just looking at the defense for now. Not saying that the blue line is set before camp even breaks but it seems like there is a very strong chance things will play out looking like:

Provy-Ellis
Sanheim-Ristolainen
Yandle-Braun
Morin

I would be surprised if it turned out any different. I really like York and Zamula but it is difficult seeing them beat out any of the top six out of camp and they would never want to stick them in the press box.

With that said how would you rank them in usage for PP and PK? (Not putting Morin in the mix)

PP
Yandle
Ristolainen
Ellis
Provy
Sanheim

PK
Provy
Ellis
Braun
Sanheim
Ristolainen

Am I off or is that how it is viewed at this point based on what we know?
- peesinwind

You're more than likely right however just for the sake of discussion maybe York could be that 7th? It's not like Morin has a huge amount of NHL games over York. But in the end, you're probably right with your prediction.

For the forwards I think we will see this out of camp:
Centers: Coots, Hayes, Bassard, Thompson
Right: TK, Atkinson, Laughton, Allison
Left: G, Farabee, JVR, Lindblom

PP ranking I would guess (only putting guys in that I think could be useful in PK or PP)
G
JVR
Coots
TK
Farabee
Atkinson
Allison
Bassard
Hayes
Laughton
Lindblom

PK
Coots
Thompson
Atkinson
Hayes
Laughton
G
Lindblom
Farabee

I think Frost, NAK and Tanner are three guys who have the best chance going into camp that can knock a guy out of the top 12.
- peesinwind

I cringe at Brassard at 3C. I know it's highly unlikely Frost gets the gig come October, but I'd bite the bullet temporarily and have Laughton there and let Brassard and Thompson battle for the 4th line.

You're more than likely right however just for the sake of discussion maybe York could be that 7th? It's not like Morin has a huge amount of NHL games over York. But in the end, you're probably right with your prediction.
- Pelle31Forever

Absolutely not. I want York playing big minutes in the AHL, not riding the pine in the NHL.

I would prefer the same for Morin, and I dont think he would get claimed in waivers, but I also dont think the Flyers take that chance and he remains the 7th guy.

Absolutely not. I want York playing big minutes in the AHL, not riding the pine in the NHL.

I would prefer the same for Morin, and I dont think he would get claimed in waivers, but I also dont think the Flyers take that chance and he remains the 7th guy.
- MBFlyerfan

I’m not against Morin getting big minutes in the AHL. Matter of fact, that is what I would prefer but I don’t think he gets through waivers. And no way I want York sitting in the press box. Can’t develop there. If Morin can get through waivers they have a couple NHL/AHL vets that can hold down that 7th defender spot. Maybe Clendening?

I’m not against Morin getting big minutes in the AHL. Matter of fact, that is what I would prefer but I don’t think he gets through waivers. And no way I want York sitting in the press box. Can’t develop there. If Morin can get through waivers they have a couple NHL/AHL vets that can hold down that 7th defender spot. Maybe Clendening?
- peesinwind

I think that would be ideal. Morin needs to play IMO.

You're more than likely right however just for the sake of discussion maybe York could be that 7th? It's not like Morin has a huge amount of NHL games over York. But in the end, you're probably right with your prediction.
- Pelle31Forever

There is no chance that York is the 7th defenseman. He's either in the top 6 or in the AHL.

I cringe at Brassard at 3C. I know it's highly unlikely Frost gets the gig come October, but I'd bite the bullet temporarily and have Laughton there and let Brassard and Thompson battle for the 4th line.
- Pelle31Forever

Bassard is not your 4th line center type. That is Thompson. Not sure how much he still has in the tank but he has continued to be effective over the last few years. He has been used in both the 4th line and the 3rd line. He crushed the Flyers a few years ago in the playoffs as a 3rd line center. He gave them fits. He looks to be a playoff guy by his numbers. Honestly I haven’t watch much of him but mostly when a plays against the Flyers. But he always shows up than.

I cringe at Brassard at 3C. I know it's highly unlikely Frost gets the gig come October, but I'd bite the bullet temporarily and have Laughton there and let Brassard and Thompson battle for the 4th line.
- Pelle31Forever

Agree with you here.

There is no chance that York is the 7th defenseman. He's either in the top 6 or in the AHL.
- MJL

York is talented. I really like him. I think he is good enough to play in the NHL but I’m glad they don’t have to rush him. If he battles his way in then sweet but otherwise he would most likely benefit from getting massive minutes in the AHL.

Bassard is not your 4th line center type. That is Thompson. Not sure how much he still has in the tank but he has continued to be effective over the last few years. He has been used in both the 4th line and the 3rd line. He crushed the Flyers a few years ago in the playoffs as a 3rd line center. He gave them fits. He looks to be a playoff guy by his numbers. Honestly I haven’t watch much of him but mostly when a plays against the Flyers. But he always shows up than.
- peesinwind

Are Laughton and Lindblom 4th line winger types?

Agree with you here.
- MJL

MJL you have said you think Bassard is all washed up. Not debating this but what leads you to this assessment? Just wondering. I’m pretty sure some brought his name up when he was still out there and you said he was washed up or something. I just haven’t seen enough of him through the weird last two seasons.

its funny how some people are going to be disappointed if we win a series or two. Like its expected to win a cup year 1 of the rehaul. Tampa took how long after hedman was drafted, how long washington take, mckinnon? Lets see how far we can make it this year, then adjust our roster accordingly

MJL you have said you think Bassard is all washed up. Not debating this but what leads you to this assessment? Just wondering. I’m pretty sure some brought his name up when he was still out there and you said he was washed up or something. I just haven’t seen enough of him through the weird last two seasons.
- peesinwind

You made the claim that you think he is a playoff type player. The question I have for you is after that playoff, why didn't the Isles re-sign Brassard. Is it because Brassard wanted to leave the Isles for less money to play in Arizona?

Washed up is probably hyperbole. He is serviceable at best and a declining player. My main issue is that it takes away any realistic chance Frost has to make the team. Laughton is also a better player and I think it would be a waste for Laughton to play on the 4th line.

its funny how some people are going to be disappointed if we win a series or two. Like its expected to win a cup year 1 of the rehaul. Tampa took how long after hedman was drafted, how long washington take, mckinnon? Lets see how far we can make it this year, then adjust our roster accordingly
- bradster

I'd be happy with winning a round. I'd probably be ecstatic if they win 2.

Are Laughton and Lindblom 4th line winger types?
- MJL

No. I wasn’t plugging players in on spots. But if your asking about Bassard as a 4th liner as compared to Laughton and Lindblom I would say that those two posses more defensive prowess compared to Bassard. At least from what I read on Bassard

No. I wasn’t plugging players in on spots. But if your asking about Bassard as a 4th liner as compared to Laughton and Lindblom I would say that those two posses more defensive prowess compared to Bassard. At least from what I read on Bassard
- peesinwind

Have to see how it works out and who plays with who. Sometimes you don't need to have an old school 4th line made up of defensive players. You can have a 4th line with some offensive ability.

You made the claim that you think he is a playoff type player. The question I have for you is after that playoff, why didn't the Isles re-sign Brassard. Is it because Brassard wanted to leave the Isles for less money to play in Arizona?

Washed up is probably hyperbole. He is serviceable at best and a declining player. My main issue is that it takes away any realistic chance Frost has to make the team. Laughton is also a better player and I think it would be a waste for Laughton to play on the 4th line.
- MJL

Haha. No big claim. Just said from what I saw him do against the Flyers and looking at his numbers. He has done fairly well in playoffs competitive to his regular season.

I’m with you on Frost but I’m also fine with a player not being pushed into a position that they may not be ready for.

Haha. No big claim. Just said from what I saw him do against the Flyers and looking at his numbers. He has done fairly well in playoffs competitive to his regular season.

I’m with you on Frost but I’m also fine with a player not being pushed into a position that they may not be ready for.
- peesinwind

Here is what you posted

"He crushed the Flyers a few years ago in the playoffs as a 3rd line center. He gave them fits. He looks to be a playoff guy by his numbers"


My issue is not that Frost shouldn't play in the best place for him. It's that they decided before camp even started. I don't see the need for the signing.

Here is what you posted

"He crushed the Flyers a few years ago in the playoffs as a 3rd line center. He gave them fits. He looks to be a playoff guy by his numbers"


My issue is not that Frost shouldn't play in the best place for him. It's that they decided before camp even started. I don't see the need for the signing.
- MJL

Yeah, that is what I said. I clarified it more for you as to what I said by his numbers. That’s all. Not a full assessment. If others can add to that that can support or dismantle that assessment then great. I’m all ears (or eyes in this form).

I don’t think that this means Frost can’t make the line up. There is no way AV is playing anything but his best line up. Frost is a talented kid. He just hasn’t played in awhile coming back from injury and wasn’t even an established NHL guy when he got injured. I believe he was on his way for sure.