Yup. You did say they would match (as did I).

I know the $ is a lot but IMO getting a 1st and 3rd isn't enough for O'Reilly.
- stveshdy

It's not. That was one of the factors in place. If I'm the Avs, I just hope this doesn't set me up for another hold out in the summer of 2014

Byfuglien's shot from the point is sorely needed, Pronger's shot on the point is sorely missed. Byfuglien might not be considered a #1 d-man, but he is close. Plus, with his size, you know he can move guys from in front.

I keep coming back to the same conclusion. For the Flyers to get a quality offensive d-man with good defensive, skill, it is going to cost B. Schenn or Coots. I'm ready for that to happen because I think Laughton can be an effective third line center for a long time.
- ravishingone

I'm still not sure if Laughton > or =2 couturier. Wonder if draft picks could get us big buff. If we gotta give up coots I want Bogosian, think his upside is higher.

It's not. That was one of the factors in place. If I'm the Avs, I just hope this doesn't set me up for another hold out in the summer of 2014
- Jsaquella

Well, his dad said the kid was all about 'character'. It better show at this price tag.

It's not. That was one of the factors in place. If I'm the Avs, I just hope this doesn't set me up for another hold out in the summer of 2014
- Jsaquella

True. They have to figure out a way to work out a deal when the time comes.

I'm still not sure if Laughton > or =2 couturier. Wonder if draft picks could get us big buff. If we gotta give up coots I want Bogosian, think his upside is higher.
- JoeRussomanno

Laughton isn't better than or equal to Couturier. He'd be a downgrade.

Well, his dad said the kid was all about 'character'. It better show at this price tag.
- tangent_man

I would hope he told his dad to STFU and stay out of it, especially no that he's staying for at least a year

True. They have to figure out a way to work out a deal when the time comes.
- stveshdy

If I'm the Avs, I'd start working on a new deal as soon as I legally could.

Byfuglien's shot from the point is sorely needed, Pronger's shot on the point is sorely missed. Byfuglien might not be considered a #1 d-man, but he is close. Plus, with his size, you know he can move guys from in front.

I keep coming back to the same conclusion. For the Flyers to get a quality offensive d-man with good defensive, skill, it is going to cost B. Schenn or Coots. I'm ready for that to happen because I think Laughton can be an effective third line center for a long time.
- ravishingone

likely the case

If I'm the Avs, I'd start working on a new deal as soon as I legally could.
- Jsaquella

Agreed. The Av's have a nice core of young talent.

Laughton isn't better than or equal to Couturier. He'd be a downgrade.
- Jsaquella

I agree with that. However, you have to give to get. I think Laughton has the potenital (dangerous word) to be an effective checking center. The other question is if B. Schenn is retained over Coots to get a d-man, how much more can Schenn improve his defensive ability with experience? Not exactly riding with a Selke candidate in Briere riding shotgun.

Laughton isn't better than or equal to Couturier. He'd be a downgrade.
- Jsaquella

perhaps. They're both still young tho and who knows how their careers play out.

Colorado Avalanche ‏@Avalanche

BREAKING: @Avalanche announced tonight that the team has matched the Calgary Flames’ offer sheet for forward Ryan O’Reilly. More to follow..
- ob18

well, there's that

well, there's that
- FlyerMike18

I think it requires 9 pages of debate as to whether it was good or bad for the avs since O'reilly's dad went all Lindros dad in the papers last week.

1 million this year
2.5 million signing bonus
6.5 million next year

Yikes.

perhaps. They're both still young tho and who knows how their careers play out.
- JoeRussomanno

Couturier, if you look at his advanced stats, is already an elite level defensive player. He starts 40% of the time in the offensive zone, but over 60% of his shifts end in the other team's end. That's a huge flip.

I expect Laughton to someday be a good, solid 3rd line center. I expect Couturier to be a 25 goal guy who wins a Selke.

I agree with that. However, you have to give to get. I think Laughton has the potenital (dangerous word) to be an effective checking center. The other question is if B. Schenn is retained over Coots to get a d-man, how much more can Schenn improve his defensive ability with experience? Not exactly riding with a Selke candidate in Briere riding shotgun.
- ravishingone

If it was my choice, Briere's gone this summer at the latest, and I find another way to land defense.

Couturier, if you look at his advanced stats, is already an elite level defensive player. He starts 40% of the time in the offensive zone, but over 60% of his shifts end in the other team's end. That's a huge flip.

I expect Laughton to someday be a good, solid 3rd line center. I expect Couturier to be a 25 goal guy who wins a Selke.
- Jsaquella

i'm not doubting couturier by any means, I just think Laughton will pretty good too. However being that I;m a Flyer fan and I'm feeling partial to Laughton, it means that Couturier is HOF worth and Laughton will be... well as you said, good third line center.

i'm not doubting couturier by any means, I just think Laughton will pretty good too. However being that I;m a Flyer fan and I'm feeling partial to Laughton, it means that Couturier is HOF worth and Laughton will be... well as you said, good third line center.
- JoeRussomanno

My views also coincide with others who have followed both players closely and know their stuff.

It's not a knock on Laughton, as much as a defense of Couturier. One is going to be a good player, the other could be a special player.

If it was my choice, Briere's gone this summer at the latest, and I find another way to land defense.
- Jsaquella

I believe Briere is almost a buy out option if not traded before the deadline. I just don't see a scenerio acquiring an elite d-man without moving Coots or Schenn. Possibly you could offer sheet for OEL, but not a great deal of success with the old offer sheet route. I think Homer understands his two best bargaining chips are one of those guys. Voracek in a small sample is proving to be a wonderful compliment to G, giving him space. He has certainly increased his value to the team. Simmonds is great, but he just isn't enough as a center piece to get a top end d-man. Same with Read.

Since the Jets are in serious of need of center help and well the Flyers have a bunch. How far would the organization have to go to get Bogosian or Byfuglien?
- ravishingone

Definitely interested in Bogosian. But I have zero interest in Byfuglien.

Was all that chatter about a briere to St. Louis for Shattenkirk bogus?

I believe Briere is almost a buy out option if not traded before the deadline. I just don't see a scenerio acquiring an elite d-man without moving Coots or Schenn. Possibly you could offer sheet for OEL, but not a great deal of success with the old offer sheet route. I think Homer understands his two best bargaining chips are one of those guys. Voracek in a small sample is proving to be a wonderful compliment to G, giving him space. He has certainly increased his value to the team. Simmonds is great, but he just isn't enough as a center piece to get a top end d-man. Same with Read.
- ravishingone

I don't think they need an elite defenseman, just a good one that can move the puck and qb the PP.

Certainly if you want an elite one, it's going to cost you Couturier or Schenn, and I'm not totally against that.

I believe Briere is almost a buy out option if not traded before the deadline. I just don't see a scenerio acquiring an elite d-man without moving Coots or Schenn. Possibly you could offer sheet for OEL, but not a great deal of success with the old offer sheet route. I think Homer understands his two best bargaining chips are one of those guys. Voracek in a small sample is proving to be a wonderful compliment to G, giving him space. He has certainly increased his value to the team. Simmonds is great, but he just isn't enough as a center piece to get a top end d-man. Same with Read.
- ravishingone

Well first OEL isnt going anyone..I wonder if Laughton plus could land a good defenseman

Was all that chatter about a briere to St. Louis for Shattenkirk bogus?
- jstross

Very likely, at least as a straight up trade.

My views also coincide with others who have followed both players closely and know their stuff.

It's not a knock on Laughton, as much as a defense of Couturier. One is going to be a good player, the other could be a special player.
- Jsaquella

I'm not arguing, just saying... You know how us flyer fans are and how it goes with players, Couturier would get traded win 4 stanley cups and 6 selke's we'd be stuck with laughton 15 more years of a cup drought and Laught would win like 5 player of the month awards.