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 was once one of the best and deepest D group in the league...it is now one of the worst and thinnest....how the mighty have fallen....with this group we can expect another terrible season from Bryzgalov and will be lucky to get the 8th spot in the East.

What was once one of the best and deepest D group in the league...it is now one of the worst and thinnest....how the mighty have fallen....with this group we can expect another terrible season from Bryzgalov and will be lucky to get the 8th spot in the East.
- keatondixon

LET'S ROLL

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

People can certainly express negative thoughts...its just tiresome when every post is a negative comment.

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

call me crazy
- Don'tForgetTocchet

Youre crazy.

People get belittled every day here by the old gaurd for voicing their concern with the team.

Youre crazy.

People get belittled every day here by the old gaurd for voicing their concern with the team.
- hereticpride

lol one of the most depressing people in here IS "old guard"

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.
- bmeltzer

Feaster just dished out a lot of cash for Wideman didn't he? I'm okay with sending picks but I dont know who on the current roster of forwards they could move.

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.
- bmeltzer

he can feast his eyes on my middle finger at that asking price

Youre crazy.

People get belittled every day here by the old gaurd for voicing their concern with the team.
- hereticpride

There's at least one poster who simply shreds everything. I think everyone has legitimate concerns. I have questions about the defense, goalies and whether or not the rookies and other young guns can take the next step.

I just prefer to not treat every possible problem like its the end of the world. The Meszaros injury is a huge hurdle. Instead of crying about it, let's discuss how to best address it.

Feaster just dished out a lot of cash for Wideman didn't he? I'm okay with sending picks but I dont know who on the current roster of forwards they could move.
- edmac812

Rumor has it Feaster wants the kind of return expected from an Elite defenseman

There's at least one poster who simply shreds everything. I think everyone has legitimate concerns. I have questions about the defense, goalies and whether or not the rookies and other young guns can take the next step.

I just prefer to not treat every possible problem like its the end of the world. The Meszaros injury is a huge hurdle. Instead of crying about it, let's discuss how to best address it.
- Jsaquella

There's at least one poster who simply shreds everything. I think everyone has legitimate concerns. I have questions about the defense, goalies and whether or not the rookies and other young guns can take the next step.

I just prefer to not treat every possible problem like its the end of the world. The Meszaros injury is a huge hurdle. Instead of crying about it, let's discuss how to best address it.
- Jsaquella

Those are my concerns as well. Im just tired of seeing people constantly get laughed off for having a opposing opinion on the matter. The constant negatives tho, who won't be named, are annoying but I've never seen a message board without them. I won't go into it anymore. Ive been banned for voicing my opinion on this. Oh well.

Im thinking maybe the Flyers should see how the season starts. Some team will be lacking offense out of the gate. That's when Homer should strike.

Rumor has it Feaster wants the kind of return expected from an Elite defenseman
- Jsaquella

With Carlson and Subban still not resigned, I wonder if Homer is willing to do a blockbuster involving some of the young forwards. If Laughton has long-term potential to be a solid #3 center, he will lessen the sting of trading Schenn for a top flight d-man.

- isaiah520

OK more than one...but theres one who takes it to the level of sheer stupidity.

There's at least one poster who simply shreds everything. I think everyone has legitimate concerns. I have questions about the defense, goalies and whether or not the rookies and other young guns can take the next step.

I just prefer to not treat every possible problem like its the end of the world. The Meszaros injury is a huge hurdle. Instead of crying about it, let's discuss how to best address it.
- Jsaquella

Have to play with what you have. Flyers need some young guys to step up, it's time to shine!

Those are my concerns as well. Im just tired of seeing people constantly get laughed off for having a opposing opinion on the matter. The constant negatives tho, who won't be named, are annoying but I've never seen a message board without them. I won't go into it anymore. Ive been banned for voicing my opinion on this. Oh well.

Im thinking maybe the Flyers should see how the season starts. Some team will be lacking offense out of the gate. That's when Homer should strike.
- hereticpride

I think we might see a depth FA signed prior to the season and then a deal in season. Right now, if rumors are true, the prices are astronomical

With Carlson and Subban still not resigned, I wonder if Homer is willing to do a blockbuster involving some of the young forwards. If Laughton has long-term potential to be a solid #3 center, he will lessen the sting of trading Schenn for a top flight d-man.
- ravishingone

Those are the kind of guys Id want if Schenn or Couturier was moved.

I'm really surprised Carlson isn't signed yet.

Briere for jbo

Have to play with what you have. Flyers need some young guys to step up, it's time to shine!
- stveshdy

Pretty much...Holmgrens been out there trying. The lack of results are not from being lazy

Briere for jbo
- griouxmvp2012

DONE.

Those are the kind of guys Id want if Schenn or Couturier was moved.

I'm really surprised Carlson isn't signed yet.
- Jsaquella

As am I, I think Carlson really has all the tools. I would be suprised if Couturier is moved because of the job he did on Malkin in the playoffs. I think P.K might be a little better offensively, but Carlson can turn into the complete package.

OK more than one...but theres one who takes it to the level of sheer stupidity.
- Jsaquella

I thought the fingers were pointed in an other direction with the "shredding everything" poster description, but adding the "sheer stupidly" watermark has me a bit concerned now.

As am I, I think Carlson really has all the tools. I would be suprised if Couturier is moved because of the job he did on Malkin in the playoffs. I think P.K might be a little better offensively, but Carlson can turn into the complete package.
- ravishingone

I doubt Coots gets moved for anyone. I think they saw a bit of Forsberg in Giroux and kept him and while its still early I think they see a little bit of Brindy in Coots. Cant let those guys go. At this point Id consider Simmonds and Read as our trade centerpieces for an impact D man. The asking prices around the league do need to come way down tho. Id only make BSchenn available for a flat out stud.

As am I, I think Carlson really has all the tools. I would be suprised if Couturier is moved because of the job he did on Malkin in the playoffs. I think P.K might be a little better offensively, but Carlson can turn into the complete package.
- ravishingone

I personally don't see Washington trading Carlson, especially when 4 of their defensemen are UFAs next year.

As for Montreal, I could see them trading Kaberle before PK. I am really not a fan of either.

Sabres have more than enough NHL Dmen.
Let's make a trade.

Why dont we have Pavel Kubina in the top six? I know he was hurt in the playoffs but that dude is huge. If there is a reason why he cant I didnt hear about it. I just assumed he was still a Flyer. Am I wrong?