Chris was actually a very good skater. If I recall correctly, he scored fairly high in skating competitions amongst the rest of the team at the time.
- 77rams

Didn't he come in 2nd in one of the Flyers' skills competitions in speed in his early days?

Some handle it better then others but we/they have to find out at some point.
- ob18

I wouldn't throw a kid in if he looked like a deer in the headlights or if he wet himself in fear when told, but I've got to believe most would jump at the chance to skate in the show.

Again, how could it hurt at this point?

2 reasons.

1) When you feel a player is ready for the NHL, and you feel he can improve the team.

2) When you have injuries and you need to call up a replacement player.
- MJL

Fair enough.

Let me ask another question: Where does Laughton's time in the NHL fit into the above options?

Didn't he come in 2nd in one of the Flyers' skills competitions in speed in his early days?
- jmatchett383

I think you may be right. I recall that he was one of the fastest.

And I'm not your son, sport.
- Scoob

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuQK6t2Esng

Not that he is one of the favorites here, but Lilja has really been a blessing for the Phantoms d-corps this year. He has played hard every night. He seems to relate better to the kids than Kjell does and has been a mentor of sorts; to Matt Konan especially.

He has signed to play overseas next year.

The new kid, Alt, looks like a keeper. Homer made a nice play getting him included in the Boucher deal with Carolina.
- AHLTraveler

Wow, this is good to hear. I was concerned he might have been peeved about getting sent down there. To know he's a better man than that gains a lot of respect in my book. Thanks for helping adjust my view of Lilja above and beyond a punchline.

I wouldn't throw a kid in if he looked like a deer in the headlights or if he wet himself in fear when told, but I've got to believe most would jump at the chance to skate in the show.

Again, how could it hurt at this point?
- 77rams

I dont think it will ruin a career, set a kid back, or hurt the team, but I absolutely believe it can give a kid extra incentive to work hard to get back to that level.. and it can also show a kid what it takes to be an NHLer.

I dont think it will ruin a career, set a kid back, or hurt the team, but I absolutely believe it can give a kid extra incentive to work hard to get back to that level.. and it can also show a kid what it takes to be an NHLer.
- jak521

Agree. I stated that exactly earlier.

Gervais having a torn stomach muscle repaired Thurs. sheesh
- nastyflyergirl

Insert a great deal of cussing....

Fair enough.

Let me ask another question: Where does Laughton's time in the NHL fit into the above options?
- wolfhounds

Laughton wasn't called up from the AHL. He made the team out of training camp. They then decided to send him back to Juniors.

I wouldn't throw a kid in if he looked like a deer in the headlights or if he wet himself in fear when told, but I've got to believe most would jump at the chance to skate in the show.

Again, how could it hurt at this point?
- 77rams

Well that's obvious if you get reports that say he's struggling at the AHL you do your best to keep him there and bring somebody else up, however at times you just may have no choice and try to monitor his minutes.

I will never use common urban phrases like "That's how I roll son" on the board again. My deepest sincerest apologies.
- jmatchett383

Dude, you better clean up your f'n act.

Insert a great deal of cussing....
- FlyersGrace

The dreaded sports hernia

So, any word yet on who the 6th defenseman will be tonight?

So, any word yet on who the 6th defenseman will be tonight?
- jmatchett383

They're dressing Shelley. Gonna prop him up on his walker...

Let him bleed on em...

tTey're dressing Shelley. Gonna prop him up on his walker...

- FlyersGrace

I know I've said it a few times, but I'd love to see him and Knuble dress in the last game of the season. It would be a classy move.

They're dressing Shelley. Gonna prop him up on his walker...

- FlyersGrace

Matt Walker?

Laughton wasn't called up from the AHL. He made the team out of training camp. They then decided to send him back to Juniors.
- MJL

That argument can be made. I think one could also argue they tested Laughton in the bigs, decided for one or several reasons it wasn't a good fit, then they sent him down to the OHL.

I know I've said it a few times, but I'd love to see him and Knuble dress in the last game of the season. It would be a classy move.
- jmatchett383

I agree. I think Knuble has a done a ton for us this season. And Shelley although quiet this season has been a great locker room guy in years past. No matter what happens to them I'll remember them both fondly.

That argument can be made. I think one could also argue they tested Laughton in the bigs, decided for one or several reasons it wasn't a good fit, then they sent him down to the OHL.
- wolfhounds

It falls under the parameters of my first reason. They thought he was ready for the NHL. And decided for one or several reasons to send him back.

Matt Walker?
- mayorofangrytown

Therien's name was being thrown around here a bit ago...I think he might be getting a call.

Therien's name was being thrown around here a bit ago...I think he might be getting a call.
- wolfhounds

As Jagr said, it depends on whether or not they have pads big enough for him to fit into.
Although I think Walker is a future Norris winner.

That argument can be made. I think one could also argue they tested Laughton in the bigs, decided for one or several reasons it wasn't a good fit, then they sent him down to the OHL.
- wolfhounds

They made the right call sending Laughton back, he saw how it worked in the NHL and how much more he'd have to do to keep him in the league.

When he went back he played very well with Oshawa and until he was suspended in the playoffs was leading the OHL in playoff scoring.

They made the right call sending Laughton back, he saw how it worked in the NHL and how much more he'd have to do to keep him in the league.

When he went back he played very well with Oshawa and until he was suspended in the playoffs was leading the OHL in playoff scoring.
- ob18

It gave him the taste... whet him a bit.. and allow him to crave that spot.. work hard to get back there. I would like to see a couple other players given that "taste"

So, any word yet on who the 6th defenseman will be tonight?
- jmatchett383

In all seriousness I bet we see both Konan and Manning before the end of the season. I'm not too concerened who will be in tonight cuz I bet we see the other the next game... Or the next time the reaper strikes... (insert scary music here)