Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Thoughts and Notes from Clean-Out Day

its time for a new GM

Let's go 1.5%!

Good post, Bill.

(Dave Isaac asked "Apart from new writers, what does this team need?")

Well played, Dave Isaac. Well played.

Informative as always Big Al!

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Thoughts and Notes from Clean-Out Day
- bmeltzer

I'm still torn on which approach to take on the defense. I think that Coburn and Timonen will be solid next year, and if Meszaros can stay healthy, he'd be more valuable to the Flyers on the ice than simply dumping him to get salary relief.

They still will need at least one, good mobile top four guy to plug in. But that should be doable. I'd just really prefer seeing them be smart, rather than swing for the fences. They can be in good shape by hitting a double. No massive need to swing from the heels for the home run now

I'm still torn on which approach to take on the defense. I think that Coburn and Timonen will be solid next year, and if Meszaros can stay healthy, he'd be more valuable to the Flyers on the ice than simply dumping him to get salary relief.

They still will need at least one, good mobile top four guy to plug in. But that should be doable. I'd just really prefer seeing them be smart, rather than swing for the fences. They can be in good shape by hitting a double. No massive need to swing from the heels for the home run now
- Jsaquella

I love baseball!

According to Swedish newspapers, Gustafsson will be playing for Tre Kronor in the World Championship. Good for him. I might actually watch the Worlds this time.

http://www.aftonbladet.se...ckeyvm/article16690164.ab

According to Swedish newspapers, Gustafsson will be playing for Tre Kronor in the World Championship. Good for him. I might actually watch the Worlds this time.

http://www.aftonbladet.se...ckeyvm/article16690164.ab
- PhillySteen

Are the World Championships televised?

Lots to be optimistic about.

They showed what can happen if they play team defense.
They picked up a back up goalie who can actually play.
The sophomore slump for a couple of key centers will be over, but they are "still kids playing in a mens league" (great quote Homer).
Hartnell should have a great bounce back season.
They will be getting a very good prospect in the draft.
A full off season to heal and get ready.
Gusty and maybe Lauridsen showing they can play in the NHL, at least in call up roles and maybe more.
Homer showing patience with the kids.

I'm still torn on which approach to take on the defense. I think that Coburn and Timonen will be solid next year, and if Meszaros can stay healthy, he'd be more valuable to the Flyers on the ice than simply dumping him to get salary relief.

They still will need at least one, good mobile top four guy to plug in. But that should be doable. I'd just really prefer seeing them be smart, rather than swing for the fences. They can be in good shape by hitting a double. No massive need to swing from the heels for the home run now
- Jsaquella

What evidence would lead anyone, in this case you, to believe Coburn will be solid next year? Apart from a good series against Pittsburgh in the 2012 playoffs, he has been regressing since his breakout season in 2007-2008.

I'm still torn on which approach to take on the defense. I think that Coburn and Timonen will be solid next year, and if Meszaros can stay healthy, he'd be more valuable to the Flyers on the ice than simply dumping him to get salary relief.

They still will need at least one, good mobile top four guy to plug in. But that should be doable. I'd just really prefer seeing them be smart, rather than swing for the fences. They can be in good shape by hitting a double. No massive need to swing from the heels for the home run now
- Jsaquella

Do you think Gustafsson can be that guy? He played some big minutes down the stretch and had a really solid end to the season. I think he maxes out as a #4 with a healthy lineup, but he seems to have pretty good hands.

Lots to be optimistic about.

They showed what can happen if they play team defense.
They picked up a back up goalie who can actually play.
The sophomore slump for a couple of key centers will be over, but they are "still kids playing in a mens league" (great quote Homer).
Hartnell should have a great bounce back season.
They will be getting a very good prospect in the draft.
A full off season to heal and get ready.
Gusty and maybe Lauridsen showing they can play in the NHL, at least in call up roles and maybe more.
Homer showing patience with the kids.
- Marc D

Yep. Totally agree.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Thoughts and Notes from Clean-Out Day
- bmeltzer

why didn't B. Schenn make Team Canada for the WC?

I know this was posted yesterday but :

Coach Bilyaletdinov to RUS media: Bryzgalov will play Worlds, choice b/w Varlamov, Bobrovski as No 2 and KHL Barulin, Koshechkin as 3rd.

First off, I don't think Bryz would've gone at all without being promised the #1 job. Secondly, if he were to get pulled in favor of Bob during the tournament I'm pretty sure he would boycott the media next year (if he doesn't already plan on doing that).

What evidence would lead anyone, in this case you, to believe Coburn will be solid next year? Apart from a good series against Pittsburgh in the 2012 playoffs, he has been regressing since his breakout season in 2007-2008.
- aantny88

What do you want/expect out of Coburn? If you want him to consistently put up 35 points, then you'll be upset. If you want 15-20 points and generally responsible hockey for 20 minutes a night, he should be able to provide that.

You also failed to mention that he was arguably our 2nd best defenseman in the 2010 playoffs (no offense to Timonen), especially the Finals, and maybe our best in the 2011 playoffs. I get it that he's the new Carle, but the dude had one bad year. There's more to suggest it's an anomaly than the norm.

What evidence would lead anyone, in this case you, to believe Coburn will be solid next year? Apart from a good series against Pittsburgh in the 2012 playoffs, he has been regressing since his breakout season in 2007-2008.
- aantny88

Because he's been a solid, second pair defenseman for 5 years or so now.

Yes, he does have moments of inconsistency, but overall he's been a very solid and capable player for the Flyers. He probably should be getting more out of his physical tools than he does, but he's still solid.

Also, he's probably paid at a very fair price for what he brings.

Do you think Gustafsson can be that guy? He played some big minutes down the stretch and had a really solid end to the season. I think he maxes out as a #4 with a healthy lineup, but he seems to have pretty good hands.
- jmatchett383

I'm counting on Gustafsson to be in the top 6, but I want to add another capable, mobile guy with some puck skills.

why didn't B. Schenn make Team Canada for the WC?
- sarmen25

Here's the Team Canada roster:

http://www.tsn.ca/canadia..._hockey/feature/?id=63060

He just isn't good enough to crack that lineup.

World. Wide. Leader.

Here's the Team Canada roster:

http://www.tsn.ca/canadia..._hockey/feature/?id=63060

He just isn't good enough to crack that lineup.
- johndewar

yikes....that's not good...cant be good in the kid's confidence either...

especially all that he's done for canada in WJC...

yikes....that's not good...cant be good in the kid's confidence either...

especially all that he's done for canada in WJC...
- sarmen25

That's a pretty solid lineup of forwards. Who would you remove to add Schenn?

yikes....that's not good...cant be good in the kid's confidence either...

especially all that he's done for canada in WJC...
- sarmen25

I hope Brayden takes it as an insult and rightfully focuses on his off-season workouts in preparation for next year.

He has no reason to be self-satisfied at this point of his career.

yikes....that's not good...cant be good in the kid's confidence either...

especially all that he's done for canada in WJC...
- sarmen25

Who do you bump to take him? He'd be the 13th forward on that group.