I don't think that is true that the Blues would have to agree to buy him out for him to waive his NMC. And if we were getting back Shattenkirk, who cares about giving up Gustafsson.
- MJL

Ok then.

Briere, 2nd, Gus or (Cousins) for Shattenkirk. Who would balk?

Thats just my opinion and may not even do it, but if it could I would do it. I wouldnt care about giving up Gus if were getting Shattenkirk
- nonpoint22

Agreed, Gus is a nice third pairing d-man. I'm just not sure it would be enough to get Shattenkirk. I'm assuming teams inquiring about Briere are either offering drafting a high draft choice or a prospect. Kind of suprised if Briere as a centerpiece would get the Flyers a young, top 4 d-man.

Ok then.

Briere, 2nd, Gus or (Cousins) for Shattenkirk. Who would balk?
- jstross

I'd move Gus before Cousins. If St Louis took that, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

But, IMO, they'd be looking to move a guy like Ian Cole and a 2nd or 3rd for Briere.

Agreed, Gus is a nice third pairing d-man. I'm just not sure it would be enough to get Shattenkirk. I'm assuming teams inquiring about Briere are either offering drafting a high draft choice or a prospect. Kind of suprised if Briere as a centerpiece would get the Flyers a young, top 4 d-man.
- ravishingone

I tend to agree and the flyers would love to get his 6.5 million cap hit off there books for this summer

Agreed, Gus is a nice third pairing d-man. I'm just not sure it would be enough to get Shattenkirk. I'm assuming teams inquiring about Briere are either offering drafting a high draft choice or a prospect. Kind of suprised if Briere as a centerpiece would get the Flyers a young, top 4 d-man.
- ravishingone

Briere has a huge value for teams well under tha cap. Only $5 million payout for the 2 years following this one. The $6.5 cap won't be a concern.

it's the #1 area for improvement. no question and i think this is an accurate assessment then and now:

"Compared to the rest of the package, his skating is only average with the first few steps needing some extra work"
- isaiah520

His skating is fine. You don't neutralize a player like Malkin if you have skating issues. He's never going to be a speedster, or a player that has a lighting quick first step. That's a generic scouting report. If you're looking for Couturier's skating to improve dramatically, you'll be disappointed. The biggest issue he has right now offensively, is his confidence level. He is hesitant around the net. But yet his skating is good enough to get plenty of chances, and and to get in on the puck. Instead of just reading something that is written, I watch the player actually play. And I don't see an issue with his skating

Ok then.

Briere, 2nd, Gus or (Cousins) for Shattenkirk. Who would balk?
- jstross

St' Louis would.

Rangers won tonight. Ottawa gets a point in a 3 point game with Boston. Leafs win. Jets about to win.

Nice to see Jersey and the Pens lose, and Tampa too, but most of the teams right around the Flyers in the standings picked up points tonight. The Peg will be in 8th by the time I post this.

Flyers absolutely have to put together a streak. More than two games. Gotta beat Ottawa and definitely need to beat the Rangers. Basically March should have playoffs intensity from the team. If they don't bring that...things don't look good.

I thought the Jameson Group bought them?
- nonpoint22

I'm pretty sure it fell thriugh

I'd move Gus before Cousins. If St Louis took that, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

But, IMO, they'd be looking to move a guy like Ian Cole and a 2nd or 3rd for Briere.
- Jsaquella

How does Cole compare to our current D-Men?

I'd move Gus before Cousins. If St Louis took that, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

But, IMO, they'd be looking to move a guy like Ian Cole and a 2nd or 3rd for Briere.
- Jsaquella

What type of player is Ian Cole, not that familiar with him

I'd move Gus before Cousins. If St Louis took that, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

But, IMO, they'd be looking to move a guy like Ian Cole and a 2nd or 3rd for Briere.
- Jsaquella

Gus looks good as a serviceable 4,5,6 mobile puck moving d-man. He isn't terrible defensively either. If someone out west wants to take Cousins and the potential issues that come with his uncertain legal situation, well I'd package him up and send him off.

What type of player is Ian Cole, not that familiar with him
- nonpoint22

He doesn't excite me. He's a 3rd pair type. But I'm not expecting a big return if they do trade Briere.

Shattenkirk aint getting moved guys. Look at it for 5 seconds from the Blues standpoint.

Honestly tho if you wanna make a move...look at what Feaster just offered for O'Reilly. Id offer them Read for the 1st and 3rd.

Briere has a huge value for teams well under tha cap. Only $5 million payout for the 2 years following this one. The $6.5 cap won't be a concern.
- jstross

No doubt there is value, but the problem is Briere has to want to go there. Certainly his playoff prowess would make sense for the Blues or Bruins. What about Torey Krug from Boston? A small d-man who can apparently really move.

Shattenkirk aint getting moved guys. Look at it for 5 deconds from the Blues standpoint.

Honedtly tho if you wanna make a move...look at wha t Feaster just offered for O'Reilly. Id offer them Read for the 1st and 3rd.
- hereticpride

I agree, and if Shattenkirk would be moved. It's not going to be for Briere. I'd be real hesitant to trade Read. But a potential top 10 pick would be tempting.

What type of player is Ian Cole, not that familiar with him
- nonpoint22

Big dude, 6'1" 220. Skates well for his size and is a good puck mover. Projects as a good top four defenseman, who can play all situations. Currently, plays on a pair with Pietrangelo, but isn't used a lot on special teams.

Shattenkirk aint getting moved guys. Look at it for 5 deconds from the Blues standpoint.

Honedtly tho if you wanna make a move...look at wha t Feaster just offered for O'Reilly. Id offer them Read for the 1st and 3rd.
- hereticpride

That's my view as well. Why trade your second best defenseman if you are trying to win a Stanley Cup?

I agree, and if Shattenkirk would be moved. It's not going to be for Briere. I'd be real hesitant to trade Read. But a potential top 10 pick would be tempting.
- MJL

Don't get me wrong, I dont want to trade Read... but if Feaster is willing to part will that much I'll pack his bags and see him off to the airport.

Don't get me wrong, I dont want to trade Read... but if Feaster is willing to part will that much I'll pack his bags and see him off to the airport.
- hereticpride

I hear you.

His skating is fine. You don't neutralize a player like Malkin if you have skating issues. He's never going to be a speedster, or a player that has a lighting quick first step. That's a generic scouting report. If you're looking for Couturier's skating to improve dramatically, you'll be disappointed. The biggest issue he has right now offensively, is his confidence level. He is hesitant around the net. But yet his skating is good enough to get plenty of chances, and and to get in on the puck. Instead of just reading something that is written, I watch the player actually play. And I don't see an issue with his skating
- MJL

another typical arrogant, condescending statement. i merely provided a source that agreed with my own assessment. he also has balance issues. i don't expect him to skate like gagne, but i hope for an improvement that will aid his career and further tap into his potential. k

Don't get me wrong, I dont want to trade Read... but if Feaster is willing to part will that much I'll pack his bags and see him off to the airport.
- hereticpride

The trouble is, Feaster's looking for a guy who can help now. As it is, Read isn't expected back before the TDL.

another typical arrogant, condescending statement. i merely provided a source that agreed with my own assessment. he also has balance issues. i don't expect him to skate like gagne, but i hope for an improvement that will aid his career and further tap into his potential. k
- isaiah520

The best scouting report is watching the player play. Rather then relying on an outdated generic scouting report. That is the point. His skating is not why he is currently not producing more offensively. Look at the chances he gets. And also playing with a guy like Gagne is going to do wonders for him. His skating is fine.

The trouble is, Feaster's looking for a guy who can help now. As it is, Read isn't expected back before the TDL.
- Jsaquella

He should still be back before the playoffs though.

If I was Homer I would at least kick the tires. Calgary's 1st and ours would pretty much guarantee we could pull off a trade for Seth Jones at the draft.I'd be prepared to part with Read for that.

He should still be back before the playoffs though.

If I was Homer I would at least kick the tires. Calgary's 1st and ours would pretty much guarantee we could pull off a trade for Seth Jones at the draft.I'd be prepared to part with Read for that.
- hereticpride

Based on some comments I've read on Seth Jones. I would not trade both #1s to move up to draft him.