Am I the only one who feels it is not that big of a deal to start with the following defense this year...

Coburn-Grossman (top shut down unit)
Timonen-Schenn (reliable 2nd unit)
Bourdon-Gusstavvson/Gervais (young developing kids)


Obviously this will need to be upgraded throughout the season but I don't see an issue with starting the season out this way to give some young kids some experience early on. The Flyers have had tremendous success acquiring dmen for dirt cheap during the regular season, I don't see why this season would be much different.

Patience is not a bad thing with this defense. In my opinion anyway
- Flyers2821

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.

Bill Meltzer: Lilja has Hip Surgery, Will Miss Four Months
- bmeltzer

They can't go on without him

I'd like to get a UFA to plug the hole temporarily, then look for a trade mid season. Homer is in a position of weakness right now. Teams would try to fleece him and he wouldn't bite. I hope Bourdon and Gus are ready to handle the load. It also still worries me having Schenn in a top 4 slot right of the get go.
- Hextall271

mid season we might be in crisis mode and our position could be worse, but that's a calculation homer must make. when teams are setting their rosters in the off season, GMs are usually more receptive to making moves.

on the other hand, we can't discount the possibility that other teams won't have their own crisis that will impel them to our benefit. either way, one of our forwards is all we have to trade.

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

it's scary

how different compared to one year ago when we felt like we had one of the top D corps in the league




of the remaining FA defensemen, would you sign one and if so which one?

With the amount of talent on offense... I don't move the young kids to get d-men. Patience is key in my opinion. Coburn, Carle, Grossman all acquired during the regular season for dirt cheap.

Unless you are acquiring a top flight clear cut beast on defense, I am not trading the young kids on offense.
- Flyers2821

regardless of when we make the trade, a top flight dman will require letting go of a top 6 forward.

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

Cody Franson and Andrej Sekera for draft picks/lite prospects?

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

So Bill, if you're Homer, do you get a UFA now or do you wait and hope for the best. If the wrong guygoes down as you say, mid season with no real UFA's out there, you have to look for a trade in a position of weakness no?

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

that's an accurate read for sure

regardless of when we make the trade, a top flight dman will require letting go of a top 6 forward.
- isaiah520

There is only one player that could help without stripping future....Briere. We all know that "won't" happen.

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

Bill, I am definitely NOT on board with the poster who suggest Carlo Coliacavo (sp? whatever) All he will be is another name on the DL. Any suggestions? Someone else posted Zach Bogosian as a potential RFA next year who may be available. Jay-Bo never misses a game, but his salary numbers are outrageous. I think he may be acquired without giving up much because of his money.

There is only one player that could help without stripping future....Briere. We all know that "won't" happen.
- Glak18

what future is there to strip if our d issues arent addressed?

And the beat goes on.

That Matt Carle guy was pretty good...probably should of kept him...

what future is there to strip if our d issues arent addressed?
- isaiah520

I agree. Maybe we should of drafted defenseman that aren't "projects" instead of drafting the same forwards we have/traded away.

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

What I take from this is that I should prepare for Bowmeester and Subban as very real possibilities. Ugh.

What I take from this is that I should prepare for Bowmeester and Subban as very real possibilities. Ugh.
- hereticpride

Im okay with either or both. At least bouwmeister stays in the lineup.

i don't want to be one of the negative nancies but i'll miss the depth. one more injury and you have manning mab AND gus all in the starting 6

yiikes

they gotta sign somebody else
- Don'tForgetTocchet

There are plenty of 6/7 defensemen out there. I really didn't see Lilja in the mix.

Bill, I am definitely NOT on board with the poster who suggest Carlo Coliacavo (sp? whatever) All he will be is another name on the DL. Any suggestions? Someone else posted Zach Bogosian as a potential RFA next year who may be available. Jay-Bo never misses a game, but his salary numbers are outrageous. I think he may be acquired without giving up much because of his money.
- edmac812

Actually, Feaster is allegedly asking a pretty substantial return -- especially in light of J-Bo's cap hit -- before he'd even approach Bouwmeester about waiving his no-trade clause; supposedly wants a top-six forward (preferably a center) and a first-round pick. That's insane, if true.

Bogosian is an RFA next summer, along with Ekman-Larsson. The biggest RFA name for 2013, however, is Alex Pietrangelo.

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

Be careful bill, you'll be crucified in here if you think this is an average defense. Or have any type of negative outlook to the season

Im okay with either or both. At least bouwmeister stays in the lineup.
- edmac812

But at what cost? I'm ok with either for picks but I wouldn't give up Read in a deal for either. I hate to say it because I love the guy, but Simmonds may actually be the forward of value I think we can afford to deal most...

There are plenty of 6/7 defensemen out there. I really didn't see Lilja in the mix.
- Jsaquella

to the first point, that's fine as long as they get one, please

i saw lilja in the mix as soon as there was one more injury... which considering the way things are going wouldn't surprise me

Here's the problem as I see it:

1) Timonen is 37 y/o and coming off back surgery and opted not to also have knee surgery, instead rehabbing the knee via physical therapy. Will he hold up? Right now, he's going to have to play the most minutes he has since before Pronger's arrival.

2) Grossmann also opted not the have offseason knee surgery but to rehab instead. He has had torn MCLs in both knees over the last two seasons and also had a concussion in the playoffs.

3) Bourdon dealt with concussion issues the final two months of the season and then got concussed again in the first game of the playoffs. He's OK now but that's a concern.

4) With the departure of Carle and the injury of Meszaros, the Flyers lost two of their better puck moving/ breakout passing defensemen. Even if everyone is healthy, they've lost some ability to play the type of style that made the club a dynamic offensive team. Has the team D improved enough to make up for it?

5) There are enough big, defensive defensemen to be fine in that area. But is Coburn able to take on more of an offensive role? Right now, he needs to. That's far from ideal.

6) If ANYONE else goes down, an unspectacular but serviceable D becomes paper thin. Lilja's injury further depletes depth. If that someone who goes down is Timonen, the D goes from serviceable to flat out inadequate.
- bmeltzer

Injuries were always my biggest concern, even before Meszaros went down.

I still think they make a move from the Meszaros news, far more from Lilja. I think that the wait is for the CBA to get hammered out. It seems a lot teams are in a holding pattern anyhow.

Maybe I'm in the minority, but a small step back isn't exactly a disaster

David Poile must have himself a Flyers blueline voodoo doll collection.
- Tomahawk

I don't care who you are ...that's funny!

Be careful bill, you'll be crucified in here if you think this is an average defense. Or have any type of negative outlook to the season
- Just5

i think there is a difference between realistic concern and spewing constant venom

call me crazy

to the first point, that's fine as long as they get one, please

i saw lilja in the mix as soon as there was one more injury... which considering the way things are going wouldn't surprise me
- Don'tForgetTocchet

I thought that they'd do what Bill hinted at earlier in the thread-move Lilja for a conditional pick to free up a slot.

I do think they sign somebody before the season starts.