Agreed. I haven't seen enough from Schenn yet to make me think he'll ever be that effective of a winger. His trade value is also probably more valuable than using him as a third line center in the future. I'm pretty confident Laughton can play that role in the near future. You've also got Read, Talbot and maybe even Cousins that can play that role too.

I still want to give it a month before I'm getting seriously invested in trade scenarios tho and I don't think we'll make a big move til the draft, if at all.(Well Kimmo at the dealine maybe if our record stinks)
- hereticpride

Schenn still has less than a full NHL season under his belt. The best thing for him would be for the Flyers to settle on a position and linemates for him, with injuries that isn't very feasible at the moment. Schenn could become a 60 point player, or he could be a guy who never reaches his potential. Too early to tell with him.

Agreed, I think he is almost a must resign, and I would move B. Schenn or Voracek before I would Read in a trade discussion.
- ravishingone

Are we really stating that Read is more valuable than B. Schenn? I can't quite figure out why so many people have soured on Schenn. He hasn't even played a full NHL season yet and people are ready to evaluate his entire of body of work and trade him? As much as I like Read, the guy will be a 27 year old UFA looking at his first and likely biggest Free Agency market. I don't want to imagine having to cough up 4-5M, which is something that he will likely request and get somewhere out there. He's a decent player, but he should be used as a trading chip at some point next year (or this year if we are out of the playoffs).

Schenn, on the other hand, is 21 years and will be a RFA after next year. On top of the flashes of scoring and physical play we've seen from him, I can't imagine why we shouldn't expect to see his game to continue to blossom over the next two years and into the franchise center that he was drafted to be.

Are we really stating that Read is more valuable than B. Schenn? I can't quite figure out why so many people have soured on Schenn. He hasn't even played a full NHL season yet and people are ready to evaluate his entire of body of work and trade him? As much as I like Read, the guy will be a 27 year old UFA looking at his first and likely biggest Free Agency market. I don't want to imagine having to cough up 4-5M, which is something that he will likely request and get somewhere out there. He's a decent player, but he should be used as a trading chip at some point next year (or this year if we are out of the playoffs).

Schenn, on the other hand, is 21 years and will be a RFA after next year. On top of the flashes of scoring and physical play we've seen from him, I can't imagine why we shouldn't expect to see his game to continue to blossom over the next two years and into the franchise center that he was drafted to be.
- steelydan

It's certainly debatable. Schenn might have the higher ceiling but so far Read fits this team like a glove.

Matt read is an ufa after nxt season. If you're homer do you try to extend him this season, move him in a trade for D help this yr, or wait until nxt yr & deal with then?
- flyguy12

Flyers can't sign him to an extension until July 1.

Are we really stating that Read is more valuable than B. Schenn? I can't quite figure out why so many people have soured on Schenn. He hasn't even played a full NHL season yet and people are ready to evaluate his entire of body of work and trade him? As much as I like Read, the guy will be a 27 year old UFA looking at his first and likely biggest Free Agency market. I don't want to imagine having to cough up 4-5M, which is something that he will likely request and get somewhere out there. He's a decent player, but he should be used as a trading chip at some point next year (or this year if we are out of the playoffs).

Schenn, on the other hand, is 21 years and will be a RFA after next year. On top of the flashes of scoring and physical play we've seen from him, I can't imagine why we shouldn't expect to see his game to continue to blossom over the next two years and into the franchise center that he was drafted to be.
- steelydan

I'm with you. Schenn has the potential to be a very good player. Right now Read is a better player in all aspects, but I don't think he has more value than Schenn on the trade market.

I like Read a lot, hopefully Flyers get him locked up. He's a very useful player.

I like JBo a lot. I think a change of scenery would light a fire under him. Guy was a dynamic player in Florida, for whatever reason he hasn't been nearly as good in Calgary.

His cap hit, as what the cost would be to acquire him would be prohibitive imo.
- PLindbergh31

In my opinion, I thought he was overrated while he was in Florida, same as he is now. Just never met that potential. Not that he's not a good player. Sometimes the expectations were what was misguided instead of the player not meeting them

today's draft eligible profile will be Ryan Pulock, (D) - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

http://www.youtube.com/wa...er_embedded&v=SpCGb35m46g

http://www.youtube.com/wa...0&feature=player_embedded

Are we really stating that Read is more valuable than B. Schenn? I can't quite figure out why so many people have soured on Schenn. He hasn't even played a full NHL season yet and people are ready to evaluate his entire of body of work and trade him? As much as I like Read, the guy will be a 27 year old UFA looking at his first and likely biggest Free Agency market. I don't want to imagine having to cough up 4-5M, which is something that he will likely request and get somewhere out there. He's a decent player, but he should be used as a trading chip at some point next year (or this year if we are out of the playoffs).

Schenn, on the other hand, is 21 years and will be a RFA after next year. On top of the flashes of scoring and physical play we've seen from him, I can't imagine why we shouldn't expect to see his game to continue to blossom over the next two years and into the franchise center that he was drafted to be.
- steelydan

One word comes to mind. Patience. Not much of that going around these days. I still believe in B Schenn.

So now you're bringing Leighton into it, and calling my points a straw man argument. And you're stating players that you want to acquire, that haven't been traded, and are still with the teams they were drafted by. I didn't realize we were playing fantasy Hockey. I thought we were dealing in the real world. So instead of gambling on Free Agency, because it's too iffy. Your plan is to trade for players that haven't been traded, and you don't even know if they're available.

Never once said that a buyout of any player isn't a possibility. Do you think the Flyers are thinking that way right now with Brygalov's current level of play. That ends that discussion as far as I'm concerned. To be re-evaluated at a later time. Which is exactly what the Flyers are going to do. And that's how GM's build teams. Not with hindsight and revisionist history. But by evaluating going forward.

And as far as Holmgren being held accountable for the shortcoming of the team. I'd like to know what team that has won the Cup, hasn't had to go into Free Agency, or make trades, to bolster the lineup. What GM has drafted so perfectly, and developed those players, that they didn't have to bring in any players from outside the Organization, to add to the lineup?
- MJL

youre so far out of whack, you have no clue what my original point was...but that never stopped you in the past. more straw men implying i expected homer to be perfect or not make moves other GMs have made. obviously, i'm not thrilled with many of the recent results.


you did say the other day that the thought of buying out bryz was "mind boggling" . i did not mention it as a reflection of his recent play, but an overall assessment of what might be required given new contracts that are coming up and the reduced cap. i have this crazy habit of always wondering how our team could be put together to be a real cup threat and then i come to a hockey site and offer an opinion - crazy huh?

Holmgren stated today Gustafsson had a broken bone in his leg, not an ankle sprain.

Broken bones = minor injuries.

One word comes to mind. Patience. Not much of that going around these days. I still believe in B Schenn.
- MJL

I think it's more kicking around ideas than advocating a Schenn trade...at least I hope it's that.

Schenn still has less than a full NHL season under his belt. The best thing for him would be for the Flyers to settle on a position and linemates for him, with injuries that isn't very feasible at the moment. Schenn could become a 60 point player, or he could be a guy who never reaches his potential. Too early to tell with him.
- PLindbergh31

i like schenn better at C as well, but he showed some D deficiencies, so i think thats part of it...that and we need wingers with our injuries like you mentioned.

Erskine sits two games out vs. Penguins. Justice.

Really good blog today Bill, thank you.
Even the comments were high quality, for the most part.
Good work, all around.

I am a little annoyed by Powe becoming a Ranger.
Don't know why it bothers me, but it does.

I like the idea of maybe going after a Keaton Ellerby type on D.
The typical names thrown around will just cost too much.

Also I am very much looking forward to seeing Gus back on the Flyers.
At least he will bring more speed and mobility.

i like schenn better at C as well, but he showed some D deficiencies, so i think thats part of it...that and we need wingers with our injuries like you mentioned.
- isaiah520

Yep. Until Simmonds and Hartnell get back, Laviolette will probably do lots of mixing and matching.

youre so far out of whack, you have no clue what my original point was...but that never stopped you in the past. more straw men implying i expected homer to be perfect or not make moves other GMs have made. obviously, i'm not thrilled with many of the recent results.


you did say the other day that the thought of buying out bryz was "mind boggling" . i did not mention it as a reflection of his recent play, but an overall assessment of what might be required given new contracts that are coming up and the reduced cap. i have this crazy habit of always wondering how our team could be put together to be a real cup threat and then i come to a hockey site and offer an opinion - crazy huh?
- isaiah520

No I stated that your statement that buying out Bryzgalov is essential, was mind boggling. In my mind having a very good Goalie is essential to putting together a real Cup threat. And they could very well have one already on the team. And that talk of buying out Bryzgalov just because you deem the contract a bad contract, is mind boggling. You'd buy out Bryzgalov for one reason, and one reason only. His play isn't where it needs to be. And you don't think he can backstop the team to the Cup.
You labeled the GM a failure and that he should go back to being a scout. Based on one area of the team that is currently in need. As if the team was a finished product, and was expected to be a top contender this Season. While ignoring the many factors that have led to the situation. That is indeed expecting the GM to be perfect.

Really good blog today Bill, thank you.
Even the comments were high quality, for the most part.
Good work, all around.

I am a little annoyed by Powe becoming a Ranger.
Don't know why it bothers me, but it does.

I like the idea of maybe going after a Keaton Ellerby type on D.
The typical names thrown around will just cost too much.

Also I am very much looking forward to seeing Gus back on the Flyers.
At least he will bring more speed and mobility.
- Marc D

If Powe is as dumb as he was in Philly with taking ridiculous penalties Fonzie will have him in Hartford so fast his head will spin. Haven't followed Powe very close in Minny, not sure if his PIMS have declined. He's a fairly useful PK guy, with Callahan out I think the Rags wanted another guy who can help their PK.

I think it's more kicking around ideas than advocating a Schenn trade...at least I hope it's that.
- Jsaquella

Nothing wrong with that. I think at some point, Holmgren is going to make some kind of move. Hopefully it's one with the future in mind.

Flyers can't sign him to an extension until July 1.
- MJL

wasn't aware of that. You can't extend a guy until the final year of a contract?

If Powe is as dumb as he was in Philly with taking ridiculous penalties Fonzie will have him in Hartford so fast his head will spin. Haven't followed Powe very closes in Minny, not sure if his PIMS have declined. He's a fairly useful PK guy, with Callahan out I think the Rags wanted another guy who can help their PK.
- PLindbergh31

Still takes a high amount of minors. Second on his team last year with 21 minor penalties in 13:49 of ice time.

wasn't aware of that. You can't extend a guy until the final year of a contract?
- flyguy12

Yep, carry-over from old CBA

Nothing wrong with that. I think at some point, Holmgren is going to make some kind of move. Hopefully it's one with the future in mind.
- MJL

Amen.

wasn't aware of that. You can't extend a guy until the final year of a contract?
- flyguy12

Correct.

Still takes a high amount of minors. Second on his team last year with 21 minor penalties in 13:49 of ice time.
- MJL

Tortorella won't stand for that.

If Powe is as dumb as he was in Philly with taking ridiculous penalties Fonzie will have him in Hartford so fast his head will spin. Haven't followed Powe very close in Minny, not sure if his PIMS have declined. He's a fairly useful PK guy, with Callahan out I think the Rags wanted another guy who can help their PK.
- PLindbergh31

His speed, fore checking, and shot blocking in addition to his PK ability make him a good fit in NY if he stays out of the penalty box.