His defensive game is nowhere in the realm of m Richards. Just think giroux, cooter, and Laughton are the centers going forward.
- Just5

After G, not a whole lot of scoring up the middle there...

People will bring up Thorne made a lot of mistakes in pronunciation and had to wait a few seconds after a goal to say who scored but I could deal with it. I don't expect perfection just a voice that fits the sport and an announcer that doesn't try to be the show. I always felt Gary and gene before him filled those characteristics beautifully
- JoeRussomanno

In general, I thought the coverage of the NHL on ESPN2 was very, very good. The announcers, the pre and post game shows I liked. NBC is getting better with their coverage, but Milbury has to go.

For a second I thought Patrick sharp was the player who scored... It's bad enough he's probably the single worst trade of the franchise but man if he scored that it would've been painful to watch
- JoeRussomanno

Sharp is the leading goal scorer in the playoffs so far
And Justin Williams not doing too bad either

ugh ... Blackhawks, Kings, Bruins, Pens ... no matter who wins it's another kick to the gut of Flyers fans.

After G, not a whole lot of scoring up the middle there...
- Yosimar89

Couturier has an offensive game. He's 20 years old, he will bounce back this year. And I don't agree that Schenn isn't a center moving forward. He's defensive game isn't as good as Richards but his offensive game is more developed now than Richards was at the same age, and he's just as aggressive.

ugh ... Blackhawks, Kings, Bruins, Pens ... no matter wins it's another kick to the gut of Flyers fans.

- FlyerGuy

Yup. Dynasties being built through, around, and over the Flyers while we patiently wait for the elusive.

Couturier has an offensive game. He's 20 years old, he will bounce back this year. And I don't agree that Schenn isn't a center moving forward. He's defensive game isn't as good as Richards but his offensive game is more developed now than Richards was at the same age, and he's just as aggressive.
- GirouxForTheShow

Agreed. If we're patient with B Schenn and Couts, I think we'll be rewarded.

Agreed.

Simmonds plays the crease on the PP and drops the gloves with anyone. Other than that he is quite replaceable in the grand scheme of things.
- hereticpride

I see Simmer as a core part of the team. His presence and hands in the low slot are special abilities...not a lot of guys can do that successfully year in and year out, and it really helps to have that kind of player on the pp. While I think he's best slotted on the 2nd line and 1st/2nd PP, I believe he can play on the first line if needed, in a similar way as Hartnell can...probably with less boneheaded plays.

Simmer's grit and toughness are also something this team can ill afford to lose...they're too easy to play against as it is.

For Edler, I'd give Hartnell and pile lesser assets ontop of that. As I've said before, if the Couv are changing their philosophy to be more tough and grittier, then Hartnell can spearhead that new system, and at a slightly discounted price on Edler's cap hit. Maybe Hartnell, Cousins, and a 2nd/3rd can convince them?
- JAKEw1234

I'm on board with this type of move based around Hartnell. I value Hartnell's ability on front of the net and he's a good guy, but I'd rather move an "older" guy like him and his contract than say a Simmonds who, I feel, can more or less jump into his role imo.

After G, not a whole lot of scoring up the middle there...
- Yosimar89

There's always FA if one of these kids end up getting dealt at some point. At least a decent offensive 2nd line Center is a lot easier to find than a top pairing defenseman.

I'm on board with this type of move based around Hartnell. I value Hartnell's ability on front of the net and he's a good guy, but I'd rather move an "older" guy like him and his contract than say a Simmonds who, I feel, can more or less jump into his role imo.
- exlund

People keep saying Hartnell for Edler but the Nucks have stated they need to get younger and cheaper. Hartnell and Simmonds wont be too far off money wise but the big difference is Hartnell will eventually be on the decline in the next few years whereas Simmonds will just be entering his prime.

I'm not opposed to trading Hartnell for defense... but it's not going to be with the Nucks.
Hartnell plus for Ehrhoff? That's a deal that makes a lot more sense.

I see Simmer as a core part of the team. His presence and hands in the low slot are special abilities...not a lot of guys can do that successfully year in and year out, and it really helps to have that kind of player on the pp. While I think he's best slotted on the 2nd line and 1st/2nd PP, I believe he can play on the first line if needed, in a similar way as Hartnell can...probably with less boneheaded plays.

Simmer's grit and toughness are also something this team can ill afford to lose...they're too easy to play against as it is.
- exlund

Simmonds is a perfect Flyer. I love him.
I don't think he is ideal for a top six forward but his toughness and attitude is what makes him valuable.

Simmonds isn't consistent enough to say he's a first liner. He's feast or famine.

Also Ryan played first line for the Ducks. His most common linemates were Getzlaff & Perry.

I rate Read and Simmonds as fairly even. Simmonds big plus is that he's younger than Read. But he's not a rarity.
- Jsaquella

You can see I rate Simmonds highly...Read as well. We know he's going to get a raise, but let's see what we're dealing with before putting him in every trade scenario by default, because nobody wants to give up Coots or Schenn. Read can play any (forward) position well, is very good on special teams, skates and works hard. I can see him being part of leading this team to many victories over the next several years. I'd love to keep him around.

Nurse isn't really in the top 5 with Jones, MacKinnon, Drouin, Barkov and Nichushkin. He's getting attention because he's a physical machine, who dominates because he's bigger and stronger than everyone else.

But there's teams that figure they can build on that.
- Jsaquella

Nurse also has an emergent offensive game which isn't so much dependent on his size so much as his skating, agility, mobility, and solid shot. His 300% gain in offensive production this season was good enough to rank 7th amongst those not already drafted in OHL D man scoring (41 pts). The more I think about it, the more I realize there's no way he's going to make it to #11. Assuming that is true,

If these guys are gone:

Jones
Mac
Drouin
Barkov
Lindholm
Nichushkin
Nurse

At least one of these will be left:
(my rank in preference for the Flyers)
----------------
Pulock
Morrissey
Shinkaruk
Zadorov
----------------

"Other guys"

Monahan
Ristolainen
Horvat

People keep saying Hartnell for Edler but the Nucks have stated they need to get younger and cheaper. Hartnell and Simmonds wont be too far off money wise but the big difference is Hartnell will eventually be on the decline in the next few years whereas Simmonds will just be entering his prime.

I'm not opposed to trading Hartnell for defense... but it's not going to be with the Nucks.
Hartnell plus for Ehrhoff? That's a deal that makes a lot more sense.
- hereticpride

Ehrhoff would be a nice addition if he's available...not "The guy" but would help provide a lot of what is lacking, at a manageable cap hit...I'd do it for Hartnell + (depending on the +, of course)...have to lose either Mez or Coburn, I'd think...but who knows if Mez will be healthy...lots of ways things can play out.

Simmonds is a perfect Flyer. I love him.
I don't think he is ideal for a top six forward but his toughness and attitude is what makes him valuable.
- Marc D

I think his ability to establish and maintain position down low combined with his quick hands on deflections/tip-ins can make him a valuable asset to any line. He skates hard and hits...I think people underrate his offensive abilities a bit.

People keep saying Hartnell for Edler but the Nucks have stated they need to get younger and cheaper. Hartnell and Simmonds wont be too far off money wise but the big difference is Hartnell will eventually be on the decline in the next few years whereas Simmonds will just be entering his prime.

I'm not opposed to trading Hartnell for defense... but it's not going to be with the Nucks.
Hartnell plus for Ehrhoff? That's a deal that makes a lot more sense.
- hereticpride

I think we'd regret losing hartnell. statistically every line that guy plays on becomes our best line. lets not forget he was hurt last season... i think he will bounce back.

I hope homer holds the course at least through the offseason. Last season was so hard to gage with all the injuries.... especially on D. I don't think a healthy Luke Schenn, Coburn, Grossmann, Timonen, and Meszaros is THAT bad of a defense. I wouldn't mind the flyers getting a guy like whitney or ian white in FA for depth. Prospects like Gus and Lauridsen eventually can grab the 6-7 spots.

Nurse also has an emergent offensive game which isn't so much dependent on his size so much as his skating, agility, mobility, and solid shot. His 300% gain in offensive production this season was good enough to rank 7th amongst those not already drafted in OHL D man scoring (41 pts).
- exlund

The flip side of that 300 percent gain is that 41 points for an OHL defenseman still typically translates to being strictly a defensive defenseman at the pro level. He'd have to get considerably better from where he is NOW to get on track to be a significant point contributing D at the NHL level. His shot is not very accurate and his release is not particularly fast.

A more realistic NHL hope for Nurse is that he becomes a shutdown D with good mobility. Any offense beyond 15-20 points would be a bonus.

The flip side of that 300 percent gain is that 41 points for an OHL defenseman still typically translates to being strictly a defensive defenseman at the pro level. He'd have to get considerably better from where he is NOW to get on track to be a significant point contributing D at the NHL level. His shot is not very accurate and his release is not particularly fast.

A more realistic NHL hope for Nurse is that he becomes a shutdown D with good mobility. Any offense beyond 15-20 points would be a bonus.
- bmeltzer

That just screams blocks and break-aways the other direction.

And the Flyers are all set on limited O defensemen, so it would be nice to get a prospect with a solid offensive upside. And I guess that's Pulock.

? Simmonds was one of our most consistent players this season. Also, last time I checked Ryan played Anaheims second line, as he has little chemistry with Getzlaf and Perry.
- JAKEw1234

You're dead wrong on Ryan. His most common linemates 5 on 5 were Getzlaff and Perry. The second most common were Getzlaff and Palmieri. In fact, Ryan's most common linemates the last 3 years have been Getzlaff & Perry.

Simmonds had two 6+ game stretches this past season where he didn't score any goals. He also had 3 other 3+ game scoring droughts. In 2011-12, he had similar stretches where he simply didn't score for several games in a row. That's not a consistent offensive performer.

He's a good player, and I see him as a big part of the team moving forward. But if they can get a mobile, top pair defenseman for him, I definitely consider it.

And, yes, we'd all prefer to move Hartnell more. Being open to trading a player doesn't mean you necessarily want the player traded. I'd like to see them find a way to keep Simmonds & Read and get a defenseman in another way.

ugh ... Blackhawks, Kings, Bruins, Pens ... no matter who wins it's another kick to the gut of Flyers fans.

- FlyerGuy

Actually, I have no problem with the Hawks or even the Broons.

I predicted the Hawks to win the Cup early on and I've been rooting for an Original 6 Finals since the playoffs started, so I'm not gonna stop now.

Anybody else get a feeling we'll see Steve Walkom calling the SCF?

You're dead wrong on Ryan. His most common linemates 5 on 5 were Getzlaff and Perry. The second most common were Getzlaff and Palmieri. In fact, Ryan's most common linemates the last 3 years have been Getzlaff & Perry.
- Jsaquella

Hmm, he moves constantly between the 1st and 2nd unit depending on the situation/score... he spends only about 40% of ES shifts w/ the top-line, whereas Perry and Getzlaf spend about 80% of ES shifts together. He spends about 40% of the time on the 2nd-line w/ Selanne, but they haven't had a steady centerman this year, with it bouncing between Holland and Bonino.

Simmonds had two 6+ game stretches this past season where he didn't score any goals. He also had 3 other 3+ game scoring droughts. In 2011-12, he had similar stretches where he simply didn't score for several games in a row. That's not a consistent offensive performer.
- Jsaquella

Inconsistency is more the norm for players that young... yet he still managed to score at a near-30-goal pace these past couple of seasons, with more than 2/3 coming at ES on the 2nd/3rd lines. He's already well ahead of where Hartnell was at the same age and the sky's still the limit with the kid -- he's certainly got the shot and skating to be more of a threat from farther out. Perennial 30-goal scorer is probably not out of the question. It would really hurt to trade him now, IMO.

He's a good player, and I see him as a big part of the team moving forward. But if they can get a mobile, top pair defenseman for him, I definitely consider it.
- Jsaquella

Maybe they just need to set their sights a little lower. Instead of obsessing over a replacement for Pronger, which we know is near impossible to pull off... maybe just be happy this summer if they can get a replacement for Matt Carle's minutes. John-Michael Liles, Jamie McBain, Alec Martinez, Tom Gilbert, Kris Russell... not the sexiest names, I know, but they wouldn't cost you Simmonds (or even Read).

Hell, I'd even look at Tomas Kaberle and Tallinder if they were COB'd.

Maybe they just need to set their sights a little lower. Instead of obsessing over a replacement for Pronger, which we know is near impossible to pull off... maybe just be happy this summer if they can get a replacement for Matt Carle's minutes. John-Michael Liles, Jamie McBain, Alec Martinez, Tom Gilbert, Kris Russell... not the sexiest names, I know, but they wouldn't cost you Simmonds (or even Read).

Hell, I'd even look at Tomas Kaberle and Tallinder if they were COB'd.
- Tomahawk

Setting your sights lower, also gives lesser results. None of those players can give the Flyers what they really need. And are stopgaps. You have to look long term. They need a legitimate top pairing puck mover. Especially with the way Laviolette plays. If your looking to replace one of the stay at home types already on the roster, maybe some of those players would be adequate. To increase mobility and puck movement. But I'd rather see what Gustafsson has then to add one of those players. I have no interest in shopping in the bargain bin. They need a high minute, quality 2 way defenseman.

You're dead wrong on Ryan. His most common linemates 5 on 5 were Getzlaff and Perry. The second most common were Getzlaff and Palmieri. In fact, Ryan's most common linemates the last 3 years have been Getzlaff & Perry.

Simmonds had two 6+ game stretches this past season where he didn't score any goals. He also had 3 other 3+ game scoring droughts. In 2011-12, he had similar stretches where he simply didn't score for several games in a row. That's not a consistent offensive performer.

He's a good player, and I see him as a big part of the team moving forward. But if they can get a mobile, top pair defenseman for him, I definitely consider it.

And, yes, we'd all prefer to move Hartnell more. Being open to trading a player doesn't mean you necessarily want the player traded. I'd like to see them find a way to keep Simmonds & Read and get a defenseman in another way.
- Jsaquella

I'm with you, especially if they use the 11th pick on a defenseman like Pulock or Ristolainen. Keep all the young forwards, and continue to build through the draft. The more spots you can fill on your top 2 lines and D pairs via the draft, the better! It is much easier to make trades and use free agency to fill out the bottom 6 forwards and 5,6,7 dmen.