I wouldn't trade up for Jones. Too much of a risk. Take MacKinnon and (eventually) move a forward for a defenseman.
- bradleyc4

I agree with this, as long as they can get a 1/2 pairing dman with high-end potential, which might be a tall task. I only suggested Beaulieu because he's a couple of years away...I think it will be harder to pry that type of potential away if the prospect is NHL ready. Could be wrong...

I'd want Jokinen as a center. Really underrated player. Good face-off guy, plays well in all three zones (especially the neutral zone -- something the Flyers really lack), and can play on the PK.

The $3 million for next year hurts as does the addition of Simon Gagne to the roster.
- bradleyc4

I would definitely be interested in Jokinen. I wouldn't be opposed to putting in a claim for him.

I agree with this, as long as they can get a 1/2 pairing dman with high-end potential, which might be a tall task. I only suggested Beaulieu because he's a couple of years away...I think it will be harder to pry that type of potential away if the prospect is NHL ready. Could be wrong...
- TheGreat28

I agree. It's going to be near impossible to get a guy like OEL or Pietrangelo via trade.

Have to hope someone sours on a guy, like Tyler Myers in Buffalo. And pray his game develops further here.

I agree. It's going to be near impossible to get a guy like OEL or Pietrangelo via trade.

Have to hope someone sours on a guy, like Tyler Myers in Buffalo. And pray his game develops further here.
- bradleyc4

Or slightly overpay for a guy like Yandle.

Or slightly overpay for a guy like Yandle.
- Jsaquella

Looking for a more complete player, imo.

Fair enough. My thought process is that we end up with a top forward (Drouin, if I'm allowed to dream) and Beaulieu, instead of Jones/Couturier. And let's say Collberg, Ellis and Thrower....3 years from now when G and others hit their peak you'd be in great shape.

EDIT: With Laughton in the 3rd C spot instead of Coots.
With Stolarz as your backstop

But Flyers wouldn't have that kind of patience anyhow
- TheGreat28

Stolarz is probably at least 4 years away from being NHL ready, that is 6 months in Flyer years.

Looking for a more complete player, imo.
- bradleyc4

As I would be, but at the same time, he'd bring a needed skillset if the search fails.

Looking for a more complete player, imo.
- bradleyc4

Agreed FULLY. I see all this Yandle talk all over the baord, and I ask myself why? Sure, he's an upgrade on our puck-moving ability and PP, but let's be real here... There is NO way he is the player or solution we're looking for. Let's try at the deadline and see what be done NOT at the risk of over-paying or foolishly getting someone, and then really try and go after Weber again.

Yandle will only equate to more VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY above average D who can move the puck, which will cost us Read+ or Couts+.... NOT DOWN lol.

As I would be, but at the same time, he'd bring a needed skillset if the search fails.
- Jsaquella

He'd be an obvious upgrade, but if the cost starts with Couturier, B. Schenn or even Read, I'd be out.

He'd be an obvious upgrade, but if the cost starts with Couturier, B. Schenn or even Read, I'd be out.
- bradleyc4

Full agreement on first two, but I'd be willing to consider Read to some extent.

If they could get Bouwmeester with Calgary eating a couple million it'd be nice

Or slightly overpay for a guy like Yandle.
- Jsaquella

What does it cost you to get Yandle? Let's say Couturier and Simmonds/Read. So now you are down 2 forwards, with Laughton in from the farm next year to replace 1.

If the Flyers are being honest with themselves, the question is whether they could compete for the Cup next year with the rest of the team, plus whatever they get in draft. Let's say they jettison Briere but keep Bryz for one more year of evaluation.

Forwards - G, Vorachek, Schenn, Hartnell, Simmonds or Read, Talbot, Laughton and a bunch of role players.

Defense - Yandle, Kimmo, Schenn, Mesz (assuming healthy), Coburn, Grossmann, Gus/Bourdon

The D is strong, probably could trade one for a forward if you had to. But the Forwards are now really suspect. You need at least one top winger, and likely 2 more + wingers for third line with Talbot switching to 4th line center.

Can that win the Cup?

Full agreement on first two, but I'd be willing to consider Read to some extent.

If they could get Bouwmeester with Calgary eating a couple million it'd be nice
- Jsaquella

Always been a big fan of Bouwmeester. Would love it if the Flyers acquired him.

Overall, the Rangers and controversial head coach John Tortorella have more or less owned Peter Laviolette's Flyers in recent seasons. Over the last 11 games between the teams, the Flyers have a 1-9-1 record against the Blueshirts.

That somebody can read that, and still defend the coaching of Laviolette, is beyond me. When combined with the record against the Devils, it's staggering to me that the Flyers still employ him as coach.
- Jsaquella

And what tree branch are you going to pick the next coach leaf from? Inquiring minds not only want, but need to know.....

Looking for a more complete player, imo.
- bradleyc4

myers is likely the guy. even bogo appears to heading into untouchable territory.

What does it cost you to get Yandle? Let's say Couturier and Simmonds/Read. So now you are down 2 forwards, with Laughton in from the farm next year to replace 1.

If the Flyers are being honest with themselves, the question is whether they could compete for the Cup next year with the rest of the team, plus whatever they get in draft. Let's say they jettison Briere but keep Bryz for one more year of evaluation.

Forwards - G, Vorachek, Schenn, Hartnell, Simmonds or Read, Talbot, Laughton and a bunch of role players.

Defense - Yandle, Kimmo, Schenn, Mesz (assuming healthy), Coburn, Grossmann, Gus/Bourdon

The D is strong, probably could trade one for a forward if you had to. But the Forwards are now really suspect. You need at least one top winger, and likely 2 more + wingers for third line with Talbot switching to 4th line center.

Can that win the Cup?
- TheGreat28

There's no way on Earth I'd trade Couturier and Simmonds or Read for Yandle.

I'd go as high as Read and a second, maybe add a mid-level prospect. If that isn't enough, I walk.

And what tree branch are you going to pick the next coach leaf from? Inquiring minds not only want, but need to know.....
- hockeylover

One of my top choices just got the Tampa Bay job.

I'd look at guys like Dallas Eakins, Steve Spott and Greg Ireland. I really wanted Jon Cooper. Guy just wins hockey games.

There's no way on Earth I'd trade Couturier and Simmonds or Read for Yandle.

I'd go as high as Read and a second, maybe add a mid-level prospect. If that isn't enough, I walk.
- Jsaquella

I agree personally on Yandle. But do you think Pho does the deal for Read and a 2nd? Playing Devil's advocate, All-Star at premium position, 26, controllable for 3 more years at manageable cap hit (5.25m).

I'd certainly ask for Couturier and Read.

One of my top choices just got the Tampa Bay job.

I'd look at guys like Dallas Eakins, Steve Spott and Greg Ireland. I really wanted Jon Cooper. Guy just wins hockey games.
- Jsaquella

Hey, Don Cherry's got the 16th best win %. Maybe we could coax him back into coaching by payment of ties and suits.
Then again, Bruce Boudreau is 5th best.

I agree personally on Yandle. But do you think Pho does the deal for Read and a 2nd? Playing Devil's advocate, All-Star at premium position, 26, controllable for 3 more years at manageable cap hit (5.25m).

I'd certainly ask for Couturier and Read.
- TheGreat28

Yes, that's what they'd ask for sure. If Philly walks, which they absolutely should, they keep Yandle. It's a trade where the assets just aren't comparable enough.

myers is likely the guy. even bogo appears to heading into untouchable territory.
- isaiah520

Buffalo has a lot of cash invested into Myers already. I don't think he's a sunk cost for them just yet.

myers is likely the guy. even bogo appears to heading into untouchable territory.
- isaiah520

I think you would find that Buffalo has little interest in trading Myers.

Yes, that's what they'd ask for sure. If Philly walks, which they absolutely should, they keep Yandle. It's a trade where the assets just aren't comparable enough.
- jmatchett

Which is why getting a number 1 D is going to be near impossible, except through a long-term plan. Not trading Coots in Weber package might turn out to a serious miscalculation.

And in general, I agree with everyone that thinks the flyers have a great core of youth and skill up front. It's getting over the hump, especially in the near-term given the Snider effect, that is going to be a challenge.

Probably coaching change is only prayer.

Yes, that's what they'd ask for sure. If Philly walks, which they absolutely should, they keep Yandle. It's a trade where the assets just aren't comparable enough.
- jmatchett

EXCELLENT way of describing it... "the assets just aren't comparable enough."

That's just it... Yandle is not worth the give-up/return. He will help in areas, but I don't see him making any kind of great impact.

I think you would find that Buffalo has little interest in trading Myers.
- MJL

I agree. He's probably got at least 1 if not 2 more years. Upside is still too high.

Briere needs nodl to rekindle his scoring touch
- funmaster18

Nodl has 20+ goal potential and is a key part of this team...er, um I mean he's a flop as a scorer and a minor part of, um some other team...