Name that free agent:

Big, highly mobile defender has easily the most offensive upside of any blue-liner in the draft. Hardly had to break a sweat this year while putting up outstanding numbers. Didn’t often perform at the top of his game - played nearly 30 minutes a night and seemed to pace himself. Is most effective when he forcefully takes the puck and heads up ice, leading the break and creating dangerous odd-man rushes. Has the ability to undress opponents as he goes end-to-end. Excellent vision and can make plays at top speed. A top-notch PP quarterback with a hard shot who makes good decisions in puck distribution. Still a work in progress in own zone, but improved steadily in both physical play and positioning as the year progressed. While he lacks explosive speed, he has good agility and his overall mobility is above average. Projection: #1 defenceman for a good team.

I know he's had his struggles but I'd rather sign him cheaply and see what he can do. I hate these JBo rumors. Paying a guy 7 million dollars to do what Bourdon can do doesn't seem very smart.
- The_Universe

Paul Martin.

edit- except he's not a FA. Too bad, you described him perfectly.

So...you actually at one time in your life possessed Ricky Martin tickets? I was just starting to warm up to you too. This is very disappointing.
- canadianpenfan

Wearing Jean shorts too?

You never know with a player, as player projections aren't an exact science. But he projects to a 3rd pair defenseman in the League, not a top 4 defenseman.
- MJL

You have your opinion, I have mine. Neither is right or wrong until proven so.

You're logical, but I don't have to like it.
- canadianpenfan

Well why not?

Well why not?
- ob18

Why don't I have to like it?

Why don't I have to like it?
- canadianpenfan

yes

yes
- ob18

Dale the Wombat ‏@wombathockey

(From a source), Peter Laviolette: "I'm not expecting any hockey until at least December at this point" @NHLFlyers #Flyers #NHLLockout #RT

You never know with a player, as player projections aren't an exact science. But he projects to a 3rd pair defenseman in the League, not a top 4 defenseman.
- MJL

To be fair to everyone he's projected to be on the Cusp. If he WERE to become a reliable 2nd pairing guy, it sure as heck won't happen this year. I think a 3rd pairing with upside is more than enough to hope for from him this year. But I would not want to put a ceiling on anyone's development.

Both He and Gus played big minutes against big names last year and were equal to the task. I'm interested in seeing what they can do now, not what the Scouts 3-5 years ago thought they could do.

You have your opinion, I have mine. Neither is right or wrong until proven so.
- phantasm

That we agree on. But I honestly hope your right. The Flyers should stop looking for a defenseman for this Season, and play Bourdon top 4 minutes and let him meet that potential.

To be fair to everyone he's projected to be on the Cusp. If he WERE to become a reliable 2nd pairing guy, it sure as heck won't happen this year. I think a 3rd pairing with upside is more than enough to hope for from him this year. But I would not want to put a ceiling on anyone's development.

Both He and Gus played big minutes against big names last year and were equal to the task. I'm interested in seeing what they can do now, not what the Scouts 3-5 years ago thought they could do.
- flyler

I wouldn't say big minutes. Some games they played more then others, but both showed potential to be NHL defenseman. How far they can progress, time will tell. But you judge a player over the long haul, and not over the short term. Which is why using stats such as goals per 60 minutes for a player like Bourdon as a sign in part of top 4 potential is foolish. He only played 46 games. Way too small of a sample size.

Dale the Wombat ‏@wombathockey

(From a source), Peter Laviolette: "I'm not expecting any hockey until at least December at this point" @NHLFlyers #Flyers #NHLLockout #RT


- mochoson

sucks for the preds! lol

sucks for the preds! lol
- 2Real

It's bad period.

That we agree on. But I honestly hope your right. The Flyers should stop looking for a defenseman for this Season, and play Bourdon top 4 minutes and let him meet that potential.

- MJL

I'd very much prefer seeing if any of the young defensemen can handle some big responsibilities to pursuing some bandaid player. The caliber defenseman we're seeking just isn't available right now.

i'm not allowed to say that?

Pfffft. Dale the Wombat.

Pfffft. Dale the Wombat.
- Pixote Andolini

Love the guy. Follow him. He's not like hOckeyInsiDerrRrRr or NHLScoutGMTradeBreaker9000 or whatever the (frank) those 16 year olds call themselves.

He called Staal trade, Nash trade, and Mcclement + Mueller signings from what I've seen so far.

I'd very much prefer seeing if any of the young defensemen can handle some big responsibilities to pursuing some bandaid player. The caliber defenseman we're seeking just isn't available right now.
- BulliesPhan87

Many intelligent observers agree with this.

I wouldn't say big minutes. Some games they played more then others, but both showed potential to be NHL defenseman. How far they can progress, time will tell. But you judge a player over the long haul, and not over the short term. Which is why using stats such as goals per 60 minutes for a player like Bourdon as a sign in part of top 4 potential is foolish. He only played 46 games. Way too small of a sample size.
- MJL

Agreed over the stats, it is a small sampling and that should be noted. As far as the big minutes I'm referring to the fact that before he got hurt he was logging 18-20 minutes a game and was still a + Player. For a Rookie, that's pretty solid. But projecting anything beyond continuing to be a solid 3rd liner is foolish, at least for this coming year.

I'm not at all worried about putting pressure on Schenn. He has been a top minutes guy as a 21 year old already. Timonen is going to play 20+ minutes. Just need to watch his PK minutes.
- MJL

The Flyers are in trouble. They need to add a D man. I don't know who or how but one injury or one "hope" not fulfilled....... it will be exciting if they don't but not for the right reasons.

I'd very much prefer seeing if any of the young defensemen can handle some big responsibilities to pursuing some bandaid player. The caliber defenseman we're seeking just isn't available right now.
- BulliesPhan87

Yep, there's always time to make a deal, and I'd prefer an older (mid to late-20s) guy since we have the youth coming up. You never know who will become available around the league as younger guys earn spots.

I'd very much prefer seeing if any of the young defensemen can handle some big responsibilities to pursuing some bandaid player. The caliber defenseman we're seeking just isn't available right now.
- BulliesPhan87

I think you have to be careful about putting them in too many situations that they might not be ready for. But certainly give them a taste. I'd also much rather see what Gustafsson, Bourdon, Manning, or Gervais can do in a 3rd pair role. As well as Luke Schenn in top 4 role. As opposed to obtaining one of the overpaid veterans that have been discussed. Let the kids play, and if need be, address a need later.

Agreed over the stats, it is a small sampling and that should be noted. As far as the big minutes I'm referring to the fact that before he got hurt he was logging 18-20 minutes a game and was still a + Player. For a Rookie, that's pretty solid. But projecting anything beyond continuing to be a solid 3rd liner is foolish, at least for this coming year.
- flyler

Bourdon averaged 16:11 a game. And Gustafsson 16:47.

The Flyers are in trouble. They need to add a D man. I don't know who or how but one injury or one "hope" not fulfilled....... it will be exciting if they don't but not for the right reasons.
- coffee junkie

I would disagree that they are in trouble. They certainly have a need. But the playoffs are 8 months away. A lot can happen between now and then.