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

The best type of trade is the one that helps the present and future. No more off this throwing draft picks away for older players who are marginal rentals. That's my main issue with Holmgren.

The best type of trade is the one that helps the present and future. No more off this throwing draft picks away for older players who are marginal rentals. That's my main issue with Holmgren.
- PLindbergh31

Hopefully the Flyers realize that they have to stay the course and think about the future. And especially not let this slow start take them off of the plan, in a panic move. I don't blame a GM from trying to make moves to put the team over the top. But I don't think this team is in that position this year.

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.
- Marc D

Definitely. Rags are bringing him in to kill penalties. If he's in the box constantly kind of defeats the purpose.

This is a good trade for the Flyers, Powe will be nicer to Shelley than Rupp was.

Hopefully the Flyers realize that they have to stay the course and think about the future. And especially not let this slow start take them off of the plan, in a panic move. I don't blame a GM from trying to make moves to put the team over the top. But I don't think this team is in that position this year.
- MJL

I think the constant injuries has Holmgren chasing his tail more often times than not. He has a mindset that when a player goes down, he needs to immediately bring in a player he thinks is similar. That can be a dangerous road to go down.

The best type of trade is the one that helps the present and future. No more off this throwing draft picks away for older players who are marginal rentals. That's my main issue with Holmgren.
- PLindbergh31

If we're out of it come the deadline I would absolutely love to see us fleece a team over Kimmo. As much as I hate to see him go I just dont see us seriously competing for the cup this year.

If Kubina cost a 2nd, a 4th and an AHLer I think Kimmo could fetch us a few nice picks to either help restock the system or move up in the draft.

Hell, Knuble could probably get us an extra mid round pick at the deadline too if thats the case.

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

For me just kicking around ideas for sure. Not ready to give up on anyone yet.

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

i'm hoping Gus can add that element as well

If we're out of it come the deadline I would absolutely love to see us fleece a team over Kimmo. As much as I hate to see him go I just dont see us seriously competing for the cup this year.

If Kubina cost a 2nd, a 4th and an AHLer I think Kimmo could fetch us a few nice picks to either help restock the system or move up in the draft.

Hell, Knuble could probably get us an extra mid round pick at the deadline too if thats the case.
- hereticpride

Absolutely. Then bring Kimmo back next year on a one year deal if he wants to play. The Kubina deal is just sickening. He was worse last year than Foster has been. Foster has some offense in his game. Defensively he isn't very good, and his mobility is below average, but at least he does something well. Lilja on the other hand does nothing well.

i'm hoping Gus can add that element as well
- isaiah520

Holmgren said today Gustafsson, although he's playing isn't very close to being NHL game ready. I like Gusty he can be a serviceable third pairing guy.

Holmgren said today Gustafsson, although he's playing isn't very close to being NHL game ready. I like Gusty he can be a serviceable third pairing guy.
- PLindbergh31

So he probably needs a few weeks of playing 20 minutes a night in the AHL to get ready?
I guess I have to re adjust my time table as to when he will be ready.

If we're out of it come the deadline I would absolutely love to see us fleece a team over Kimmo. As much as I hate to see him go I just dont see us seriously competing for the cup this year.

If Kubina cost a 2nd, a 4th and an AHLer I think Kimmo could fetch us a few nice picks to either help restock the system or move up in the draft.

Hell, Knuble could probably get us an extra mid round pick at the deadline too if thats the case.
- hereticpride

Ouch

So he probably needs a few weeks of playing 20 minutes a night in the AHL to get ready?
I guess I have to re adjust my time table as to when he will be ready.
- Marc D

Something along those lines I would think. Maybe he's an option in 10 days to 2 weeks.

Ouch
- Marc D

The amazing thing is Kubina and Grossmann were brought in to replace some of the elements that Pronger and Meszaros brought, and Kubina and Grossmann got injured. That you can't make up. The injury replacements are injured.

Absolutely. Then bring Kimmo back next year on a one year deal if he wants to play. The Kubina deal is just sickening. He was worse last year than Foster has been. Foster has some offense in his game. Defensively he isn't very good, and his mobility is below average, but at least he does something well. Lilja on the other hand does nothing well.
- PLindbergh31

Kubina got hurt, or he would have been a nice addition.

The amazing thing is Kubina and Grossmann were brought in to replace some of the elements that Pronger and Meszaros brought, and Kubina and Grossmann got injured. That you can't make up. The injury replacements are injured.
- PLindbergh31

It is amazing the injuries the Flyers have had through the years.

Any word on how Simmonds is doing?
And I wonder about where Hartnell is in his recovery process too.

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.
- MJL

that's an overstatement on my part, but you disagreed with the assessment of what bryz needs to accomplish this yr. i think it's more realistic to say that as long as bryz is solid, he would have another yr to be evaluated and the contract is def a factor considering all of the contracts that are due to our current core playrs after nxt season. so that one's on me...time's yours.

Holmgren said today Gustafsson, although he's playing isn't very close to being NHL game ready. I like Gusty he can be a serviceable third pairing guy.
- PLindbergh31

he's about kimmo's size, so if he can get a little stronger, he has the wheels and some reasonable hockey IQ.

Kubina got hurt, or he would have been a nice addition.
- MJL

Maybe, but I wish they had kept those picks now.

At the time I liked the deal for him, so it's just retro-vision talking.

Absolutely. Then bring Kimmo back next year on a one year deal if he wants to play. The Kubina deal is just sickening. He was worse last year than Foster has been. Foster has some offense in his game. Defensively he isn't very good, and his mobility is below average, but at least he does something well. Lilja on the other hand does nothing well.
- PLindbergh31

Edmonton has two 2nd rounders, as do the Blues. The Jets I believe have three. I could see those teams going after him involving those picks if they make it into the playoff picture.

Just looking at next year's draft. Columbus has three 1st rounders. Yikes.

It is amazing the injuries the Flyers have had through the years.

Any word on how Simmonds is doing?
And I wonder about where Hartnell is in his recovery process too.
- Marc D

Holmgren said today Simmonds was still having concussion symptoms and would be re-evaluated tomorrow. With concussions you never know. I think he will be out a while, he took a shot square on the nose, then smacked his head on the ice very hard.

Erskine knocks Simmonds senseless, and he misses two games vs. Pittsburgh. The rules to these suspensions are pretty comical.

If we're out of it come the deadline I would absolutely love to see us fleece a team over Kimmo. As much as I hate to see him go I just dont see us seriously competing for the cup this year.

If Kubina cost a 2nd, a 4th and an AHLer I think Kimmo could fetch us a few nice picks to either help restock the system or move up in the draft.

Hell, Knuble could probably get us an extra mid round pick at the deadline too if thats the case.
- hereticpride

i hope things aren't that destitute that we'd be selling guys like kimmo...then again, he has a NMC i think, so...

Edmonton has two 2nd rounders, as do the Blues. The Jets I believe have three. I could see those teams going after him involving those picks if they make it into the playoff picture.

Just looking at next year's draft. Columbus has three 1st rounders. Yikes.
- hereticpride

Howson will screw the pooch somehow.

he's about kimmo's size, so if he can get a little stronger, he has the wheels and some reasonable hockey IQ.
- isaiah520

Was encouraged what I saw from Gusty in that Pittsburgh series last year. He had some nice moments.

that's an overstatement on my part, but you disagreed with the assessment of what bryz needs to accomplish this yr. i think it's more realistic to say that as long as bryz is solid, he would have another yr to be evaluated and the contract is def a factor considering all of the contracts that are due to our current core playrs after nxt season. so that one's on me...time's yours.
- isaiah520

No I didn't disagree with the assessment of what Bryzgalov has to do. Keep in mind that after next Season, the Cap is going to go up. And it's going to continue to go up. At the very least, it can't go down. And every year that goes buy, in relation to salary inflation. Bryzgalov's Cap hit gets cheaper and cheaper.

Holmgren said today Gustafsson, although he's playing isn't very close to being NHL game ready. I like Gusty he can be a serviceable third pairing guy.
- PLindbergh31

Get him in the lineup.