So do you think we can get Vorachek back in the states a few months before training camp to work off his mom's dumplings? Man he stunk at the beginning of this season then pulled a career year out of his backside. I REALLY want that trend to continue.
I'll be the first to admit I didn't see that coming. Yeah, I was wrong.

I just don't think that player (defenseman) is available in the draft -- or at least identifiable yet.

If I can get an Ehrhoff, Yandle or even a Kulikov in some deal involving that pick, I'd consider it.

Best player available is how I would draft it, however. As it should always be.
- bradleyc4

The number 8 pick over all for one of those guys straight up?
If they ask for a top six forward plus the #1 pick I would not do it.

The number 8 pick over all for one of those guys straight up?
If they ask for a top six forward plus the #1 pick I would not do it.
- Marc D

Price dependent, of course.

I wouldn't, for example, trade the #8 and Schenn or Couturier for any of those guys.

Best player available is how I would draft it, however. As it should always be.
- bradleyc4

I could see the Flyers really drawing some ire by passing on the available dmen and choosing another well-rounded centerman, or trading down to acquire multiple 1sts.

The latter may actually be the most prudent course of action, if it's possible.

When there are five good defensive prospects in the top 14, it makes sense to take one of them.

http://www.isshockey.com/...op-30-released-for-april/

Any idea on whether or not he'd be interested in coaching? I'd love to see him still with the organization.
- FlyersGrace

I can't see him not staying in hockey in some capacity. I know he's talked about moving year-round back to Finland, where he has business interests even apart from his minority co-ownership of KalPa (which is really majority owner Sami Kapanen's heart-and-soul and a secondary interest to Timonen). But I also know that when he moved his family to Philly area, he wanted it to be where he spent the rest of his playing career and somewhere that he and his family really like to live.

So it is possible he could stay in the organization in some capacity, particularly one that would allow him to remain close to home -- which is the one thing during the lockout that he actually enjoyed, and (along with the back surgery rehab) was why he stayed put throughout the lockout rather than going to Finland to play for KalPa.

When there are five good defensive prospects in the top 14, it makes sense to take one of them.

http://www.isshockey.com/...op-30-released-for-april/
- Feanor

I disagree. I think it always makes sense to take the best available player. If there is an exclusive run on the top forwards after Jones is on the board, then the BAP may be a defenseman when the Flyers' turn comes up at #8 or #9 (presuming they don't win the lottery). Otherwise, there is a good chance that player will be a forward. I personally wouldn't pass on any of Monahan, Lindholm or Nichushkin -- in that order -- to take any of the D after Jones.

I personally wouldn't pass on any of Monahan, Lindholm or Nichushkin -- in that order -- to take any of the D after Jones.
- bmeltzer

I don't see Homer passing on Monahan or Lindholm, either. Both are exactly the kind of players that they tend to rank highly.

Nichushkin could be the best out of the three, but I could see them passing on him just based on not being able to get him over for at least two seasons.

Yeah, you're right. All he's ever done is become the NHL's leading playoff goal-scorer since the last lockout, and had a pair of 30-goal regular season in Philly (and four in his career). Oh, and during his Flyers' career, Briere has notched a combined 23 game-winners (14 in the regular season and nine in the playoffs). Counting ONLY regular season games, he has scored 11 overtime goals in his career, including four in a Flyers uniform.

But apart from THAT, what has he ever done on the ice for the Flyers?
- bmeltzer

Well said Bill..And agreed with...

I disagree. I think it always makes sense to take the best available player. If there is an exclusive run on the top forwards after Jones is on the board, then the BAP may be a defenseman when the Flyers' turn comes up at #8 or #9 (presuming they don't win the lottery). Otherwise, there is a good chance that player will be a forward. I personally wouldn't pass on any of Monahan, Lindholm or Nichushkin -- in that order -- to take any of the D after Jones.
- bmeltzer

10th, 11th or even 12th are still possible spots and I think all those forwards will be gone by then.

Detroit or Columbus will probably win the lottery just to spite us.

I'd say most improved was Mason. If you watched him at all in Columbus... well there was a reason they traded him for Leighton... and it wasn't just the Pick.

Are players who have struggled elsewhere but found the scenery in Philly more to their liking taken into consideration for Most Improved? or does it have to be just over their time in Philly. Cause Luke Schenn's a pretty good case too.

I'd prefer Ed Snider to just flat-out buy the Panthers (assuming they have the first overall pick) and trade it along with Huberdeau to the Flyers for the rights to Matt Walker. Then fold the franchise.

Well said and very true about Timonen. He'll flatly call the team on its shortcomings, be brutally honest about his own performance, call out the writers when he thinks it is merited and does it all with a very dry sense of humor (except when he's legitimately ticked off). When he declines to comment on something, he looks you straight in the eye. You know what he really feels but he's not going to put a quote out to attach to it.

I think he'd make a great coach -- and he wouldn't be a players' coach, either. He'd push the guys hard and spare no feelings behind closed doors.
- bmeltzer

#8 and Brayden Schenn for #2 pick
- mighty13duck

If jones is on the board consider it done. Otherwise no thanks

I disagree. I think it always makes sense to take the best available player. If there is an exclusive run on the top forwards after Jones is on the board, then the BAP may be a defenseman when the Flyers' turn comes up at #8 or #9 (presuming they don't win the lottery). Otherwise, there is a good chance that player will be a forward. I personally wouldn't pass on any of Monahan, Lindholm or Nichushkin -- in that order -- to take any of the D after Jones.
- bmeltzer

I thought you had mentioned there is some concern about whether Lindholm's offense would transfer to the NHL level. Wouldn't that be a little high for a forward with questionable production offensively?

http://www.nhl.com/ice/pl...lusMinus&viewName=summary

Was looking towards the bottom for Briere on the Flyers +/- list and wasn't seeing him. Surprised that he may actually not be as bad a minus as I thought, I looked a little bit higher on the list.

Then I realized there was a page 2

Detroit or Columbus will probably win the lottery just to spite us.
- Feanor

Monday's Draft lottery is going to fun...

The last place team has lost the drawing 11-times since 1995, and that was under the old ~50% chance of winning. The worst team (FLA) now only has 25% chance to win, with the odds of all other teams getting a boost.

NJ won it in 2011 w/ a 3.6% chance -- roughly what the Flyers are looking at sitting in 8th -- but the Devils couldn't move up more than 4 spots with the old rules. This year, if the Flyers win with 3.6% chance, they get Seth Jones. Crazy.

Florida's also traded out of the top-pick twice in recent history, so that ought to add some spice to the conversation should the odds fall in their favor.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20132PHISASALL&sort=plusMinus&viewName=summary

Was looking towards the bottom for Briere on the Flyers +/- list and wasn't seeing him. Surprised that he may actually not be as bad a minus as I thought, I looked a little bit higher on the list.

Then I realized there was a page 2
- eayost

He only scored 3 even strength goals this year in 32 games, ouch.

- Don'tForgetTocchet

seriously

hire him now!

Yeah, you're right. All he's ever done is become the NHL's leading playoff goal-scorer since the last lockout, and had a pair of 30-goal regular season in Philly (and four in his career). Oh, and during his Flyers' career, Briere has notched a combined 23 game-winners (14 in the regular season and nine in the playoffs). Counting ONLY regular season games, he has scored 11 overtime goals in his career, including four in a Flyers uniform.

But apart from THAT, what has he ever done on the ice for the Flyers?
- bmeltzer

The aqueduct?

The aqueduct?
- Flyskippy

leight

He's very special. I'll miss the Ironman when he retires. I was happy when they re-signed him for next season. The only better ending would be for him to raise a cup before he goes.
And going back to the media and honesty. If you're looking for someone who is honest, has a sense of humor, and doesn't let poop slide I think Timmonen does a very good job in his interviews.
Although I do miss Pronger. There is no one in the locker room who could put an idiot in their place like Pronger...
- FlyersGrace

Without that presence -- the "Boys, I'll handle this" attitude with regards to the press, I think the media circus became what it became this year. It's a shame.

I disagree. I think it always makes sense to take the best available player. If there is an exclusive run on the top forwards after Jones is on the board, then the BAP may be a defenseman when the Flyers' turn comes up at #8 or #9 (presuming they don't win the lottery). Otherwise, there is a good chance that player will be a forward. I personally wouldn't pass on any of Monahan, Lindholm or Nichushkin -- in that order -- to take any of the D after Jones.
- bmeltzer

Say this were baseball and you had holes in #4 and #5 of your starting pitching rotation as well as a few holes in the bullpen, but the best player available with your first round pick is a left fielder, a position you've got covered with talented youth. And the next best player is a second baseman, another position covered by talent and youth. The 3rd best player as assessed by your scouts is a pitcher who they project to be a starter, but who might also become a middle reliever.

Do you ignore your need and take the best player that doesn't fill any glaring holes, or do you take the player that might, given the vagaries of the draft, best fill the needs of the team and turn into a damn good player?

To me, it's a no-brainer, especially given the unpredictability of drafted players. If I'm going to gamble, which almost every pick is to one degree or another, I gamble on a defenseman.

leight
- BulliesPhan87

I checked before posting it.

seriously

hire him now!
- Crimsoninja

Player-coach next season? You sure he can handle both roles? Or do you mean promote a new head coach and have Timonen on as assistant coach/player?