Think of how many more holes you'd open up by trading for one & how empty you keep the system of future players if you do that.
- ob18

There's holes every year. You lose players to trade, to free agency, to retirement, it's the law of entropy in hockey form. But it's much easier to fill holes in supplementary roles, than it is to fill holes in the core of the roster. We're never going to draft and develop our entire team, either. Don't get me wrong, I want to Flyers to make the young talent pipeline one of their strengths, rather than emptying the cupboard everytime they want something. For a very important piece to round out the core, though, we'll have to feel the pain.

Same thing with a new guy. I think Lavy should get a stay of execution. This team is worse than last year...period. He was dealt a crummy hand. They don't have the personnel to get the job done. Homer needs to get a top #1 D man and a real winger. No more band aids like Gagne or Knuble. No more giving the questionable youngsters a shot. Laughton, sure. But Harry Z...McGinn... We have too many youngsters on the big team now. Between G, Schenn x2, Cooter, Read, Gus, Rinaldo...yes they are full of potential and some are even world class, but the experience is lacking. And you can see it in their play right now. They don't the have answers that come with experience.
- section32

one thing they can do is play with more discipline and defensive awareness. the example of OTT is spot on.

There's holes every year. You lose players to trade, to free agency, to retirement, it's the law of entropy in hockey form. But it's much easier to fill holes in supplementary roles, than it is to fill holes in the core of the roster. We're never going to draft and develop our entire team, either. Don't get me wrong, I want to Flyers to make the young talent pipeline one of their strengths, rather than emptying the cupboard everytime they want something. For a very important piece to round out the core, though, we'll have to feel the pain.
- BulliesPhan87

For me the cost is going to be too high & I'm not interested in paying it.

Same thing with a new guy. I think Lavy should get a stay of execution. This team is worse than last year...period. He was dealt a crummy hand. They don't have the personnel to get the job done. Homer needs to get a top #1 D man and a real winger. No more band aids like Gagne or Knuble. No more giving the questionable youngsters a shot. Laughton, sure. But Harry Z...McGinn... We have too many youngsters on the big team now. Between G, Schenn x2, Cooter, Read, Gus, Rinaldo...yes they are full of potential and some are even world class, but the experience is lacking. And you can see it in their play right now. They don't the have answers that come with experience.
- section32

They aren't going to start learning how to play a more solid defensive style under Lavi. Lavi also isn't going to hold a star accountable for anything. It's more important to break the bad habits than anything else at this point. If Lavi isn't going to address their deficiencies in playing style, then why keep him? Why put the Flyers further behind the 8 ball for next year?

The problem is, when they get a lead and back off the throttle, the system they play becomes completely punchless. Its tough to play that way all the time. Laviolette has done a very poor job in adjusting how this team plays in certain situations.
- MBFlyerfan

This team only has one way to play. They're a one trick pony. That is on the Coach. But it's the way he's always been.

They aren't going to start learning how to play a more solid defensive style under Lavi. Lavi also isn't going to hold a star accountable for anything. It's more important to break the bad habits than anything else at this point. If Lavi isn't going to address their deficiencies in playing style, then why keep him? Why put the Flyers further behind the 8 ball for next year?
- Flyers_01

Agree wholeheartedly

For me the cost is going to be too high & I'm not interested in paying it.
- ob18

But you can fill in the holes at the Forward spot a lot easier. I fully expect a big trade for a defenseman at some point. Can't tell you the particulars, but I expect it.

This team only has one way to play. They're a one trick pony. That is on the Coach. But it's the way he's always been.
- MJL

Do you think the coach will be fired?

For me the cost is going to be too high & I'm not interested in paying it.
- ob18

We'll have to agree to disagree here. For me, the cost in time is too high, and I'm not interested in wasting this core's prime waiting for the next generation of Flyers to develop.

But you can fill in the holes at the Forward spot a lot easier. I fully expect a big trade for a defenseman at some point. Can't tell you the particulars, but I expect it.
- MJL

I'm expecting it, but knowing this draft I prefer to go that route.

Do you think the coach will be fired?
- stveshdy

I have no idea. I'd prefer that he change and adapt. But I don't see that happening.

We'll have to agree to disagree here. For me, the cost in time is too high, and I'm not interested in wasting this core's prime waiting for the next generation of Flyers to develop.
- BulliesPhan87

I expect a move like MJL, I just wouldn't if it's a big big price.

I'm expecting it, but knowing this draft I prefer to go that route.
- ob18

It's possible they can do both.

Do you think the coach will be fired?
- stveshdy

At the very least it will be explored, but who knows.

Wow 97.5 is worse than WIP. Saying letting Leino walk was a huge mistake and everything is Bryz's fault.

It's possible they can do both.
- MJL

Yes it is very possible, only time will tell.

Wow 97.5 is worse than WIP. Saying letting Leino walk was a huge mistake and everything is Bryz's fault.
- hereticpride

lmfao

Wow 97.5 is worse than WIP. Saying letting Leino walk was a huge mistake and everything is Bryz's fault.
- hereticpride

1st problem is listening to sports talk radio.

Wow 97.5 is worse than WIP. Saying letting Leino walk was a huge mistake and everything is Bryz's fault.
- hereticpride

Well at least it's not complaining about trading Richard and Carter. So it's progress.

I expect a move like MJL, I just wouldn't if it's a big big price.
- ob18

I'd prefer if they waited (edit: for the right player), and if it were something of substantial price (and gain). Anything less seems wasteful, to me. If we can't get that big fish, I'd prefer to use the picks we have, especially this year with how good the draft class sounds.

Wow 97.5 is worse than WIP. Saying letting Leino walk was a huge mistake and everything is Bryz's fault.
- hereticpride

Leino is a bust since leaving and has hip issues as we all know. Bryz hasn't lived up to expectations (IMO).

The issue here, is what is the definition of getting the job done? You don't think this team is underachieving? Other Coaches have been dealt a crummier hand and are getting more out of their team then Laviolette is. Make no mistake about it. This team is very talented.
And Knuble was just adding depth. He's 40 years old. But Gagne can still play and is far from a band aid.
I think a defenseman is true need. But they have plenty on the Wings.
- MJL

Gagne was my favorite player prior to the trade. I was happy to see him raise the cup last year. BUT...he is way on the downside. He was on a huge scoreless streak before rejoining us. Yes, they are underachieving...no excuse for trying to mail it in after going up 4-1 on the Pens. Same with falling asleep in the 3rd on the Rags. But we are just not as good as some of these other teams this year. We took a step back talent wise. And Gagne is no Jagr...even the 40 year old variety.

Well at least it's not complaining about trading Richard and Carter. So it's progress.
- MJL

No they covered that too when talking about lost leadership. They included JVR in that conversation too.

Same thing with a new guy. I think Lavy should get a stay of execution. This team is worse than last year...period. He was dealt a crummy hand. They don't have the personnel to get the job done. Homer needs to get a top #1 D man and a real winger. No more band aids like Gagne or Knuble. No more giving the questionable youngsters a shot. Laughton, sure. But Harry Z...McGinn... We have too many youngsters on the big team now. Between G, Schenn x2, Cooter, Read, Gus, Rinaldo...yes they are full of potential and some are even world class, but the experience is lacking. And you can see it in their play right now. They don't the have answers that come with experience.
- section32

Was Laviolette dealt a crappy hand? Sure. Do they have the personnel to play his system? Nope.

So where are the adjustments? Not blaming Laviolette is just as bad as totally blaming Laviolette. The problem is, Laviolette hasn't made the adjustments and seems unwilling or unable to.

That's why I advocate making the change now.

Was Laviolette dealt a crappy hand? Sure. Do they have the personnel to play his system? Nope.

So where are the adjustments? Not blaming Laviolette is just as bad as totally blaming Laviolette. The problem is, Laviolette hasn't made the adjustments and seems unwilling or unable to.

That's why I advocate making the change now.
- Jsaquella

The flip side to that coin is he's been in the playoffs every year since being hired. Now we can debate whether their chances of winning were good or not during the playoffs. I agree he hasnt made the adjustments but do they really want to fire the guy b/c they underachieved one year?

Whatever the Flyers decide to do I will support.