Isn't that the truth. I was impressed with Lauridison, good to see he can play in a limited role as a call up.

Coburn wasn't hurt all year, and his play before his injury wasn't exactly indicative of a 20 minute a night defenseman warranting 4M+ a year.
- GirouxForTheShow

But his play in recent Seasons before warranted it. He had a bad year. A number of players had a bad year. He'll bounce back, if given the right role.

Schenn can't replace the elements that Carle brought to the ice. Different kind of player.
- MJL

I agree - likewise Carle couldn't come close to bring the elements Schenn brings. The question is who would you rather have. Since Timmo appears to be the only #1 we have... Schenn would be my selection to play with him. We need another #1, I'd rather have a "Timmo" like replacement (puck mover), then a defensive-defenseman. And, this type seems to be the type mentioned in rumors. Again, if this is the case.. Schenn is the better choice.

I guess my point is the Schenn is a line 1 defensive-defenseman, where as Carles is a line 2 offensive-defenseman (unless Pronger gets better, or we pick up Weber)

But his play in recent Seasons before warranted it. He had a bad year. A number of players had a bad year. He'll bounce back, if given the right role.
- MJL

If I'm Homer, I very wary about what players I give certain roles to. I don't know if Homer has the luxury on banking on Coburn regaining his form.

I agree - likewise Carle couldn't come close to bring the elements Schenn brings. The question is who would you rather have. Since Timmo appears to be the only #1 we have... Schenn would be my selection to play with him. We need another #1, I'd rather have a "Timmo" like replacement (puck mover), then a defensive-defenseman. And, this type seems to be the type mentioned in rumors. Again, if this is the case.. Schenn is the better choice.

I guess my point is the Schenn is a line 1 defensive-defenseman, where as Carles is a line 2 offensive-defenseman (unless Pronger gets better, or we pick up Weber)
- leon neon

Well, it's not a choice between the two. What you really need is a mix of the right defenseman. You really need both types of players to be an effective team. And I'm a big Luke Schenn fan. And I think he can be a compliment to a #1 defenseman on a top pair. But we've already seen how good of a compliment a player like Carle can be with a player like Pronger. And even how good he was without Pronger. Although it wasn't the biggest issue with the team this Season. They sorely missed the elements that a player like Carle brings to the ice. The Flyers were a poor 5 on 5 team for a number of reasons. Carle continues to be one of the top 5 on 5 producing defenseman in the NHL. And he was the same here. One Season putting up elite numbers in 5 on 5 play.

If I'm Homer, I very wary about what players I give certain roles to. I don't know if Homer has the luxury on banking on Coburn regaining his form.
- GirouxForTheShow

I wouldn't have any problem with putting Coburn in a defensive role and leaving him there. I do think however that the Flyers need to tweak the mix on defense. They need a high minute puck mover. They have Coburn, Grossmann, and Schenn to do the dirty work. One may be the odd man out. I doubt it would be Schenn.

I wouldn't have any problem with putting Coburn in a defensive role and leaving him there. I do think however that the Flyers need to tweak the mix on defense. They need a high minute puck mover. They have Coburn, Grossmann, and Schenn to do the dirty work. One may be the odd man out. I doubt it would be Schenn.
- MJL

I think Meszy is the odd one out just in terms of injuries. Timonen is obviously best suited to be #3 puck mover, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him most heavily relied on and then another 2nd pairing puck mover brought in, if only because that #1 isn't readily available.

I think St.L is a target for Homer, Pietry would be perfect, Shatty would be great, or even an Ian Cole would be a nice addition. But I just don't see any way to bring in that #1 without completely ripping apart our forward core.

I think Meszy is the odd one out just in terms of injuries. Timonen is obviously best suited to be #3 puck mover, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him most heavily relied on and then another 2nd pairing puck mover brought in, if only because that #1 isn't readily available.

I think St.L is a target for Homer, Pietry would be perfect, Shatty would be great, or even an Ian Cole would be a nice addition. But I just don't see any way to bring in that #1 without completely ripping apart our forward core.
- GirouxForTheShow

You're right, getting a #1 is going to disrupt the current forward core. No interest in Ian Cole. Don't see what he does for the Flyers. A big defenseman who isn't real physical overall. Rather see how the players who are already here develop.

I don't report it because they obviously have an agenda. And I won't be their puppet. And if I did decide to report it, I tell them I'm using your names in the story. And if they don't agree, then I tell them don't come to me with that nonsense then. Real brave of the players. Whatever happened to responsible journalism?
I agree that it will affect it. Bryzgalov gets the attention because they're hoping he will stumble to find the words and it will be misinterpreted, and it will create drama. As I said previously, he's a strange guy. Doesn't make him a bad guy.
- MJL

What happened to responsible journalism? Journalism? Is that the stuff they used to have in those paper things you used to get on your doorstep every day? What did they call those? Newspapers?

Bryz had the same problems with the media in his native Russia. I don't know if he's a good guy or not. He provides content so he gets attention.

What a bunch of crud you got spewing out of that trap of yours. I love the fact that with in a couple sentences you complain about the use of the word 'like' and then say using the word doesn't mean anything.
"It infuriates FLyers fans to hear Holmgren said, 'I like our team.'

How can you possibly like a team that doesn't make the playoffs? It's insulting to the fan base but it's because Holmgren protects his players and uses code words such as "like" which mean nothing because two hours later, that player he liked could just as easily be traded which has happened already."

I heard 'the whole' statement Homer made about the team and I as a longtime Flyers fan agree with him. I like this team, yes it could get better but all-in-all I would rather have this team than most others that I 'like'. Did you follow up his statement and ask him if he liked not being in the playoffs? I bet I know his answer to that.
Stop making crap out of a cupcake. There are lot of things to like on this team. He gave the coach a vote of confidence and now you figure you will move on to some other way to cause a riff.

Hey Ek, if you are reading this, this 'writer' is one of the main reasons I don't pay to be a season ticket holder.

What happened to responsible journalism? Journalism? Is that the stuff they used to have in those paper things you used to get on your doorstep every day? What did they call those? Newspapers?

Bryz had the same problems with the media in his native Russia. I don't know if he's a good guy or not. He provides content so he gets attention.
- Dkos

I'm not aware of any issues he had in Russia. I don't know if he's a good guy or not either. That's why I give him the benefit of the doubt.

I am not sure which Flyers' fans cringe when they hear Holmgren say "I like our team." Quite the opposite--I think many of us find it refreshing that managment is exercising patience in young players development. (Bobrovsky, after all, was not Holmgren's call.)

Why do you say that Holmgren failed to address the team defense? What, prey-tell, would you have liked him to do last off season? He did go out and get Luke Schenn--who performed admirably this year. Holmgren did sign Shea Weber, who, unfortunately, had his poisonous contract matched by Nashville. And, furthermore, I do not hear too many fans in Tampa clamoring with excitement that Matt Carle is signed for five more years at $5.5mil.

I do not fully blame Laviolette, either. He chose to give his players rest in the early part of the season rather than holding practices. That makes sense because of the brutality of the Flyers' early season schedule, but also makes it difficult to make adjustments in addressing the problems from the 2011-12 season.

Do I like this team--yes (for the most part). I like this team more than many Flyers teams in recent memory. I think they have balance down the center and some good young wingers. Am I disappointed, of course. But I was also disappointed after 2006-07 when Carter, Richards, and Umberger were sorting things out.

No need to overreact--it was a half season.

On second thought, can we use our amnesty clause on Tim?
- Moose_15

Ok... One question... How are you enjoying the playoffs ?

Makes no sense to make an offer for Pietrangelo. St Louis is in better financial shape than Nashville and if the Preds matched Weber, the Blues will CERTAINLY match any offer to their franchise defenseman. It would make much more sense to try and make a deal for Bouwmeester, which would then allow St. Louis to be able to re-sign their own RFA's.

The other possibility, and this would depend on the ownership of Nashville, is to once again try and trade for Weber. Poile's bad feelings aside, if ownership feels they have taken too great a loss this season, they may be receptive to moving him. I love Couturier, but I would move him in a heartbeat to get Weber. Offer Nashville Couturier, Coburn, Ghostisbehere, and 1st round picks this year and next and see what Nashville says.

It sounds like an awful lot to trade, but ask yourselves: are any of those players better than Weber? And what are the odds of either 1st being a better player than Weber? 27 year old Norris quality defenseman don't grow on trees!

Ok... One question... How are you enjoying the playoffs ?
- section32

I rather enjoyed the Minny-Chicago game last night.


As I said before--I am disappointed that they did not make the playoffs. But I am glad management did not overreact and blow up the team at the trade deadline.

Lot of young guys were asked to take on bigger roles this season. Not exactly similar to 2006-07, but I'm excited to see how this group responds next season.

I am willing to allow Holmgren to try the patient, slow approach.

The last 20 years of selling the farm to buy the best rentals did not really work either.

Makes no sense to make an offer for Pietrangelo. St Louis is in better financial shape than Nashville and if the Preds matched Weber, the Blues will CERTAINLY match any offer to their franchise defenseman. It would make much more sense to try and make a deal for Bouwmeester, which would then allow St. Louis to be able to re-sign their own RFA's.

The other possibility, and this would depend on the ownership of Nashville, is to once again try and trade for Weber. Poile's bad feelings aside, if ownership feels they have taken too great a loss this season, they may be receptive to moving him. I love Couturier, but I would move him in a heartbeat to get Weber. Offer Nashville Couturier, Coburn, Ghostisbehere, and 1st round picks this year and next and see what Nashville says.

It sounds like an awful lot to trade, but ask yourselves: are any of those players better than Weber? And what are the odds of either 1st being a better player than Weber? 27 year old Norris quality defenseman don't grow on trees!
- BiggE

Since Weber can't be traded until sometime in early July, the Flyers would have already used their first round pick for this year. They could trade the player they selected with that pick though.

I'm not aware of any issues he had in Russia. I don't know if he's a good guy or not either. That's why I give him the benefit of the doubt.
- MJL

He was feuding with the Russian Media during the lockout. He accused them of "writing filth" about him and refused to do interviews saying they needed to get permission from his wife and parents to do interviews.

Since Weber can't be traded until sometime in early July, the Flyers would have already used their first round pick for this year. They could trade the player they selected with that pick though.
- MJL

Good point, they could even agree to the deal and let Nashville tell them who to select with the pick.

Makes no sense to make an offer for Pietrangelo. St Louis is in better financial shape than Nashville and if the Preds matched Weber, the Blues will CERTAINLY match any offer to their franchise defenseman. It would make much more sense to try and make a deal for Bouwmeester, which would then allow St. Louis to be able to re-sign their own RFA's.

The other possibility, and this would depend on the ownership of Nashville, is to once again try and trade for Weber. Poile's bad feelings aside, if ownership feels they have taken too great a loss this season, they may be receptive to moving him. I love Couturier, but I would move him in a heartbeat to get Weber. Offer Nashville Couturier, Coburn, Ghostisbehere, and 1st round picks this year and next and see what Nashville says.

It sounds like an awful lot to trade, but ask yourselves: are any of those players better than Weber? And what are the odds of either 1st being a better player than Weber? 27 year old Norris quality defenseman don't grow on trees!
- BiggE

Again, and this coming from Nashville ownership (although second-hand): Weber is not for sale. They are not moving him after investing $25M for 48 games. He will be a Predator for a LONG LONG time.

Again, and this coming from Nashville ownership (although second-hand): Weber is not for sale. They are not moving him after investing $25M for 48 games. He will be a Predator for a LONG LONG time.
- jmatchett383

I haven't heard anything publicly from Nashville ownership. But I have to beleive that is true. That Nashville is not interested in trading Weber.

But his play in recent Seasons before warranted it. He had a bad year. A number of players had a bad year. He'll bounce back, if given the right role.
- MJL

Is there a role for him on this team anymore that makes sense? Are you ok with allocating that gusty on a reup and grossman on a 3rd pairing that will prob cost close to 5 mil?

I would look to trade coburn

I haven't heard anything publicly from Nashville ownership. But I have to beleive that is true. That Nashville is not interested in trading Weber.
- MJL

Without naming names, I was talking to someone who posts a blog on this site who knows Nashville ownership. I asked about it because of the ridiculous idea that, after trying to screw Nashville out of their best player, and after Nashville just gave him $25M for 48 games of service, that Nashville would consider trading him to us. He told me that ownership is not interested in moving him at all, and further that the Flyers are basically blacklisted as far as trades with Nashville go.

Without naming names, I was talking to someone who posts a blog on this site who knows Nashville ownership. I asked about it because of the ridiculous idea that, after trying to screw Nashville out of their best player, and after Nashville just gave him $25M for 48 games of service, that Nashville would consider trading him to us. He told me that ownership is not interested in moving him at all, and further that the Flyers are basically blacklisted as far as trades with Nashville go.
- jmatchett383

If I'm Nashville GM I go down with the weber ship unless ownership says different

Is there a role for him on this team anymore that makes sense? Are you ok with allocating that gusty on a reup and grossman on a 3rd pairing that will prob cost close to 5 mil?

I would look to trade coburn
- Just5

I'd say Coburn's role is a #4 defenseman who plays on the PK and is a solid defensive player who has good foot speed and is a fine puck mover. He can occasionally chip in some points (would score more if he knew how to get a shot through traffic).

Is there a role for him on this team anymore that makes sense? Are you ok with allocating that gusty on a reup and grossman on a 3rd pairing that will prob cost close to 5 mil?

I would look to trade coburn
- Just5

Really a confusing question asking if there is a role for him on this team that makes sense. Of course there is. No such thing as having too many good defenseman. Did this Season not teach you that?

Without naming names, I was talking to someone who posts a blog on this site who knows Nashville ownership. I asked about it because of the ridiculous idea that, after trying to screw Nashville out of their best player, and after Nashville just gave him $25M for 48 games of service, that Nashville would consider trading him to us. He told me that ownership is not interested in moving him at all, and further that the Flyers are basically blacklisted as far as trades with Nashville go.
- jmatchett383

I'm not a beleiver in second hand information. But I have to beleive the part about Weber. But I don't beleive the blacklist part for a second.

I'm not a beleiver in second hand information. But I have to beleive the part about Weber. But I don't beleive the blacklist part for a second.
- MJL

Well, you can take it for what it's worth, but from what I was told, the Flyers were discussed in some very colorful, unflattering terms after the Weber O.S.