Some flyers fans believe that a Norris calibre #1 one defenseman is needed to win a Stanley Cup yet I can name teams that have won without them; Carolina and Pittsburgh since the lockout. Yet you cant name teams that have won a cup without a top notch center. And usually those winning teams are two deep at the position.
- psuhockey

I'd settle for 2 second tier puck movers. Have the Flyers checked Craig's list lately?
You are correct that the Flyers don't need a norris candidate but that seems to be their mindset.

Some flyers fans believe that a Norris calibre #1 one defenseman is needed to win a Stanley Cup yet I can name teams that have won without them; Carolina and Pittsburgh since the lockout. Yet you cant name teams that have won a cup without a top notch center. And usually those winning teams are two deep at the position.
- psuhockey

That Pittsburgh team had a still-able Gonchar and Letang. Maybe not true #1 defensemen, but 1a types, who both had great post seasons. Carolina, not so much.

But look at every other team:
06/07 - Neidermayer & Pronger
07/08 - Lidstrom
09/10 - Keith & Seabrook
10/11 - Chara
11/12 - Doughty

All guys who are, to me, legitimate #1 defensemen. So yes, it's not a necessity, but it certainly helps. By the same token, for these "2 deep" top notch centers, here are the top2 centers on winners since 05/06:

05/06 - Staal & Brind'Amour
06/07 - Getzlaf & Pahlsson
07/08 - Datsyuk & Filppula
08/09 - Crosby & Malkin
09/10 - Toews & Bollan
10/11 - Krejci & Bergeron
11/12 - Kopitar & Richards/Carter

I wouldn't call Pahlsson, Filppula, or Bolland top-notch, and Brindy is a stretch.

The point is, there are similarities and dissimilarities between every Cup winning team. If there was an easy formula to building one, every team would look the same. It takes just the right mix of young and experience, defensive and offensive depth, and team cohesiveness. Yes, Shea Weber would help, and I'd love to have him. But he wouldn't turn this team into a Cup contender all by himself, and neither would another top-6 center. That said, with the current age and recent injuries to certain players on the Flyer's defense, there should be a directive to look into upgrading it without depleting the offense.

Double post

Hey Bill wanted your take on the flyers seemingly more inspired play with the additions of young defensemen in the line up. I love to see the Mannings of the world getting a chance. I truely feel there is only so much you can learn in the AHL and can even develop bad habits can happen such as Gus being able to use his speed to overcome a poorly timed pinch in the AHL but in the NHL it leads to prime scoring chance for the over team.
- mhbst7

I think they've worked around it -- forwards helping out more regularly -- more so than the team being improved by them. But Gustafsson has played well since his last recall. Lauridsen has shown potential to develop into a Grossmann type of defenseman if he continues to improve. Manning only played 11 minutes of one game thus far, so I don't have any feeling about his NHL play thus far. He did have the make-your-own-luck assist and didn't make any glaring mistakes.

I agree there is only so much a player can learn in the AHL but in the cases of both Manning and Lauridsen, they haven't reached that point yet. Gustafsson is as NHL-ready as he's going to be, so he either needs to sink or swim in the NHL.

No doubt. I was jabbing at the trade everyone for a defenseman crowd.
- psuhockey

Im part of the trade for a dmen group. A Norris trophy dmen would be great but I'm more concerned with a true puck mover or two. Mez and coburn can't be trusted. We would be fine with grossmann ( even on the fence with him with the injuries) schenn Gus. Bring in a yandle and scuderi type and draft dman this year with # 1 pick. ThInking More for down the road

Im part of the trade for a dmen group. A Norris trophy dmen would be great but I'm more concerned with a true puck mover or two. Mez and coburn can't be trusted. We would be fine with grossmann ( even on the fence with him with the injuries) schenn Gus. Bring in a yandle and scuderi type and draft dman this year with # 1 pick. ThInking More for down the road
- SMS4016

I always thought Scuderi was a stay at home type.

Im part of the trade for a dmen group. A Norris trophy dmen would be great but I'm more concerned with a true puck mover or two. Mez and coburn can't be trusted. We would be fine with grossmann ( even on the fence with him with the injuries) schenn Gus. Bring in a yandle and scuderi type and draft dman this year with # 1 pick. ThInking More for down the road
- SMS4016

If you're thinking down the road, why would you trade youth for Yandle?

Also, Yandle is not even close to Norris caliber.

Not to mention the fact that trading for a one dimensional offensive minded defensman will solve all our problems on a defense-deficient hockey team.....

If you're thinking down the road, why would you trade youth for Yandle?

Also, Yandle is not even close to Norris caliber.

Not to mention the fact that trading for a one dimensional offensive minded defensman will solve all our problems on a defense-deficient hockey team.....
- Giroux_Is_God

No but the team is also breakout deficient. I wouldn't overpay for Yandle but a Yandle type player would definately be a step up for the flyers defensive corps.

I always thought Scuderi was a stay at home type.
- BulliesPhan87

You're correct.

No but the team is also breakout deficient. I wouldn't overpay for Yandle but a Yandle type player would definately be a step up for the flyers defensive corps.
- Flyers_01

If they trade for D, I'd look for a player who chips in offense, but is moreso mobile and good defensively. They might be breakout deficient, but I think it's clear that this team needs defense first, as opposed to offense, on the blueline.

If they trade for D, I'd look for a player who chips in offense, but is moreso mobile and good defensively. They might be breakout deficient, but I think it's clear that this team needs defense first, as opposed to offense, on the blueline.
- Giroux_Is_God

Honestly, the Flyers need to improve their overall team defense. That can be done with the players they already have. In terms of looking at what type of defenseman they need. It's a puck mover. I personally would like an all around player. But adding another Coburn, Grossmann, L. Schenn type defenseman is not what they need.

I always thought Scuderi was a stay at home type.
- BulliesPhan87

He is primarily stay at home, but he can move the puck and chip in with offense from time to time.

Honestly, the Flyers need to improve their overall team defense. That can be done with the players they already have. In terms of looking at what type of defenseman they need. It's a puck mover. I personally would like an all around player. But adding another Coburn, Grossmann, L. Schenn type defenseman is not what they need.
- MJL

Yeah exactly. Team defense is the larger issue at hand. They need a two-way puck mover and better overall team D. Maybe another depth two-way forward as well.

If you're thinking down the road, why would you trade youth for Yandle?

Also, Yandle is not even close to Norris caliber.

Not to mention the fact that trading for a one dimensional offensive minded defensman will solve all our problems on a defense-deficient hockey team.....
- Giroux_Is_God

Yandle is only 26. And as jsaq has stated and is proven the last few games it's more about team defense. We need a better mix in the defense Corp. I wouldn't give up the farm the yandle either Im saying a puck mover like him.

On a side note, Gagne would be a solid bring-back player for next year at the right price. He's shown he's still got the legs and can still play an excellent two-way game.

Yandle is only 26. And as jsaq has stated and is proven the last few games it's more about team defense. We need a better mix in the defense Corp. I wouldn't give up the farm the yandle either Im saying a puck mover like him.
- SMS4016

But it's no secret that the Yotes are going to and have been asking for the moon for him.

No thanks

"Anything is possible. You can be told that you have a 90-percent chance or a 50-percent chance or a 1-percent chance, but you have to believe, and you have to fight."

Anyone else astounded we are winning? I had resolved not to get upset when we lose and to wish for them to find some bright spots out of the season. And Bang, they shock the crap out of me. And now? Do I get my hopes up? No matter how much I try not to get my hopes up I STILL want to see them win.

If you're thinking down the road, why would you trade youth for Yandle?

Also, Yandle is not even close to Norris caliber.

Not to mention the fact that trading for a one dimensional offensive minded defensman will solve all our problems on a defense-deficient hockey team.....
- Giroux_Is_God

Yandle is not a shutdown D man by any means but he's not a liability either.

Offensively, he's a bankable double-digit goal and 40-50 point player. He's a two-time All-Star and would have been one again this year had there been an ASG (on a prorated pace for about 17 goals and 50 points).

Also, he's just 26. If he stays healthy, there's absolutely no reason why he can't have 8-10 more highly productive seasons.

Unfortunately, the trading price tag the Coyotes have placed on him is outrageous if the rumors are even within the ballpark of what they've asked for from other clubs. The alleged demand to the Flyers at the draft last summer was Couturier, Brayden Schenn and draft picks including at least one number one pick. From what I heard recently, they haven't come down much. That's a non-starter in terms of trade discussions.

But Phoenix is in the driver's seat here, so long as Maloney is not under an absolute directive to cut salary however he can. Yandle is signed for three more seasons beyond this one, and his $5.2 million cap hit is now actually a little bit below the going rate on All-Star caliber but not quite Norris caliber Dmen.

Anyone else astounded we are winning? I had resolved not to get upset when we lose and to wish for them to find some bright spots out of the season. And Bang, they shock the crap out of me. And now? Do I get my hopes up? No matter how much I try not to get my hopes up I STILL want to see them win.
- FlyersGrace

Just a by-product of better team D, more physical presence in the lineup, and a better committment to overall back-checking and team D. It's what the Leafs have done with their average lineup. Use the pieces right and you'll see success.

Anyone else astounded we are winning? I had resolved not to get upset when we lose and to wish for them to find some bright spots out of the season. And Bang, they shock the crap out of me. And now? Do I get my hopes up? No matter how much I try not to get my hopes up I STILL want to see them win.
- FlyersGrace

Hope springs eternal in the human breast.

If they trade for D, I'd look for a player who chips in offense, but is moreso mobile and good defensively. They might be breakout deficient, but I think it's clear that this team needs defense first, as opposed to offense, on the blueline.
- Giroux_Is_God

I would be checking with Buffalo on the availability of Christian Ehrhoff. Quietly having a Norris-caliber season on a very bad team.

He has a very long contract (with a NMC) but a very nice cap hit.

I would be checking with Buffalo on the availability of Christian Ehrhoff. Quietly having a Norris-caliber season on a very bad team.

He has a very long contract (with a NMC) but a very nice cap hit.
- bradleyc4

Wouldn't be terrible, but I can't see Buffalo letting him go for little to nothing... They're probably going to want a top pick or top prospect and a roster player. It'd be like filling one hole and digging another.

If he could be had for cheap, I'd take him.

Yandle is not a shutdown D man by any means but he's not a liability either.

Offensively, he's a bankable double-digit goal and 40-50 point player. He's a two-time All-Star and would have been one again this year had there been an ASG (on a prorated pace for about 17 goals and 50 points).

Also, he's just 26. If he stays healthy, there's absolutely no reason why he can't have 8-10 more highly productive seasons.

Unfortunately, the trading price tag the Coyotes have placed on him is outrageous if the rumors are even within the ballpark of what they've asked for from other clubs. The alleged demand to the Flyers at the draft last summer was Couturier, Brayden Schenn and draft picks including at least one number one pick. From what I heard recently, they haven't come down much. That's a non-starter in terms of trade discussions.

But Phoenix is in the driver's seat here, so long as Maloney is not under an absolute directive to cut salary however he can. Yandle is signed for three more seasons beyond this one, and his $5.2 million cap hit is now actually a little bit below the going rate on All-Star caliber but not quite Norris caliber Dmen.
- bmeltzer

The price tag is ridiculous. You're right in saying that's a non-starter. At that point, Homer should just hang up the phone.

If, for hypothetical reasons, the Yotes come down to a reasonable price, I just have a hard time imagining a blueline with Yandle on it breaking down less than it did this year.

....if that made sense....

Basically, I'm not so sure we'd see more defensively sound play after adding Yandle on the blueline. In my opinion, that needs to be fixed. We've seen what playing good defense does for a goalie. Whether it's Bryz or Mason....

But it's no secret that the Yotes are going to and have been asking for the moon for him.

No thanks
- Giroux_Is_God

And van is asking for the moon for loungo and he's still in van and col ask the moon for Nash and he was stuck in col and they got squat For him when they realized they weren't getting the moon. Point is in yandles case no one is going to pay what pho is asking. If he is possibly on trade market pho will have tp be reasonable eventually. Price might still be too high for Philly but those type players are out there. Look at mason. We got him for nothing.