I agree, I think Schenn has as much if not more offensive upside then Couturier has. But that gap is much, much smaller then the gap between the defensive acumen and natural hockey sense between the two. Schenn can get better defensively. But I don't see him coming close to the defensive player that Couturier already is. The gap offensively between the two, would have to be substantial for Schenn to be an equal player to Couturier in the future, in my opinion. It's a crap shoot, none of us really know. But that's how I see it.
- MJL

That's a fair analysis.

In thinking about it, even though he's a bit older, Schenn seems slightly less mature than Couts, and I think that has an impact on his overall game.

No, Schenn probably won't develop the defensive instincts Couts has, but if he can improve his defensive game while putting up goals and assists, I think that would work out just fine for the Flyers.

Personally, I'll be more than happy to watch these 2 young hockey players develop.

Which UFA forwards do you guys like for the 1st 2 lines, if any? I'm not really sure who fits in this lineup, given current makeup and cap. I'd like more of a sniper type forward, but seems best options are more power forwards, and with Simmonds and Hartnell not sure that's what we need.
- TheGreat28

David Clarkson. Him + Hartnell + Simmer and we have 3 of the best power forwards in the game, making one of the most girtty, physical and "Philly"esque offenses in the league. I love the idea, personally.

That's a fair analysis.

In thinking about it, even though he's a bit older, Schenn seems slightly less mature than Couts, and I think that has an impact on his overall game.

No, Schenn probably won't develop the defensive instincts Couts has, but if he can improve his defensive game while putting up goals and assists, I think that would work out just fine for the Flyers.

Personally, I'll be more than happy to watch these 2 young hockey players develop.
- wolfhounds

+1

Pierre-Marc Bouchard, but not necessarily for the top two lines... he's going to be affordable, good both ways, super speedy, solid playmaker, could help get Couts or Schenn going.

Downside is he's got a horrific injury history (but healthy now), and he's undersized.

Flyers can't afford any of the big names, anyway.
- Tomahawk

We could if we bought out Briere and Bryz in favor of a cheaper goalie we could afford a bigger name.

His shot isn't A grade yet.
- JAKEw1234

Here's the pre-draft analysis of Filatov:

Scouting reports on Filatov were mixed in advance of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Sergei Nemchinov, coach of Russia's junior national team said of Filatov, "He definitely has an NHL upside because he can score, is a well-rounded player and is responsible in the defensive zone." Independent scouting service Red Line Report at one point declared Filatov "the next best thing to Steven Stamkos" (who was eventually selected first overall in the 2008 draft). McKeen's Hockey scouts described him as a cross between Ilya Kovalchuk and Maxim Afinogenov. His strengths included his skating and vision, as well as the inclination to play at high intensity. The NHL's Director of European Scouting, Goran Stubb, assessed Filatov's NHL readiness as, "Nikita is a leader, has a great attitude, an excellent work ethic and tons of talent."

It's called pre-draft hype. I'm not trading Baby Schenn over some careless comparisons.

Here's the pre-draft analysis of Filatov:

It's called pre-draft hype. I'm not trading Baby Schenn over some careless comparisons.
- Tomahawk

Now find the pre-draft analysis of Steven Stamkos. Just because there have been players that don't live up to pre-draft hype, doesn't mean all players with alot of pre-draft hype will fail to meet the expectations. It could go either way.

Now find the pre-draft analysis of Steven Stamkos. Just because there have been players that don't live up to pre-draft hype, doesn't mean all players with alot of pre-draft hype will fail to meet the expectations. It could go either way.
- JAKEw1234

If the comparisons were something within the realm or reality, like Rick Nash or Nathan Horton, maybe it wouldn't seem so far-fetched to me.

But OV, Malkin and Lindros? Seriously? Those are generational, HOF-level talents. Those players were on the radar years before they were draft-eligible.

Nichushkin's a name that only popped up for most people this year... mostly after some impressive goals scored during the KHL PO's.

I call BS.

If the comparisons were something within the realm or reality, like Rick Nash or Nathan Horton, maybe it wouldn't seem so far-fetched to me.

But OV, Malkin and Lindros? Those are generational, HOF-level talents. Those players were on the radar years before they were draft-eligible.

Nichushkin's a name that only popped up for most people this year... mostly after some impressive goals scored during the KHL PO's.

I call BS.
- Tomahawk

I don't trust Nichushkin either, my sharp, ax-like friend...

You like Richards, Couturier or even Bergeron over Stamkos?
- TheGreat28

He said "solid offensive center".

Stamkos isn't a solid offensive center.

Stamkos is a top 3 in the NHL talent. That's spectacular, not solid.

I don't trust Nichushkin either, my sharp, ax-like friend...
- Giroux_Is_God

He might be a good player, he might even be better than most of us expect.

But in a draft where even MacKinnon is projected to be a notch or two below Crosby/OV/Lindros, you're really going to have a consensus 4-6 guy being compared to those rarefied talents? Common.

He might be a good player, he might even be better than most of us expect.

But in a draft where even MacKinnon is projected to be a notch or two below Crosby/Tavares/OV/Lindros, you're really going to have a consensus 4-6 guy being compared to those rarefied talents? Common.
- Tomahawk

I just....have this feeling about him that I don't like.

I agree he could be a great player, but it's just a hunch. I dunno.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard, but not necessarily for the top two lines... he's going to be affordable, good both ways, super speedy, solid playmaker, could help get Couts or Schenn going.

Downside is he's got a horrific injury history (but healthy now), and he's undersized.

Flyers can't afford any of the big names, anyway.
- Tomahawk

Is it an either/or with Gagne and Bouchard? I like Bouchard but they'd be real small on 3rd line with Coots and Read, so either Read or Bouchard would probably have to move up and Simmonds on 3rd line. Not sure if they're better though.

Real slim pickings tho. I like Horton but he'd be expensive.

David Clarkson. Him + Hartnell + Simmer and we have 3 of the best power forwards in the game, making one of the most girtty, physical and "Philly"esque offenses in the league. I love the idea, personally.
- JAKEw1234

i brought that up weeks ago, add in rinaldo on the fourth and they're an annoying pain in the ass to play against on every shift

David Clarkson. Him + Hartnell + Simmer and we have 3 of the best power forwards in the game, making one of the most girtty, physical and "Philly"esque offenses in the league. I love the idea, personally.
- JAKEw1234

I think they need a little more skill personally. You're losing Briere, so really G and Jake are the two playmakers. To a lesser extent Read. I'd go Horton over Clarkson personally, except maybe for the cost, but still prefer a skill guy.

FWIW and cause I have way too much time on my hands

1. Trade Read and the 41st pick for JayBo
2. Take the BPA with the 11th pick or trade down as long as they still get a pick in the top 20.
3. Trade Mez for as high a pick as you can get, likely mid to late 2nd round
4. Buyout Briere and Bryz
5. re-sign Gagne
6. sign Jagr
7. sign Ray Emery

Lineup:
Forwards
Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek
McGinn or Gagne-Schenn-Jagr
Gagne or Talbot-Couturier-Simmonds
Talbot or Rosehill-Laughton-Rinaldo
Akeson (to give Jagr 15-18 games off)

D
Jaybo-Schenn
Timonen-Coburn
Gus-Grossmann
Gervais (Lauridsen is 7th on my depth chart, but I would rather see him play regularly in the AHL than sit in the pressbox)

G
Mason
Emery

Is it an either/or with Gagne and Bouchard? I like Bouchard but they'd be real small on 3rd line with Coots and Read, so either Read or Bouchard would probably have to move up and Simmonds on 3rd line. Not sure if they're better though.

Real slim pickings tho. I like Horton but he'd be expensive.
- TheGreat28

It would be either/or for me, unless Read gets dealt, then I could see a spot for both.

It would be either/or for me, unless Read gets dealt, then I could see a spot for both.
- Tomahawk

What's the deal with Damien Brunner? I would imagine the Wings bring him back, right? I'd be interested in him if they don't sign him before UFA begins.

That's a fair analysis.

In thinking about it, even though he's a bit older, Schenn seems slightly less mature than Couts, and I think that has an impact on his overall game.

No, Schenn probably won't develop the defensive instincts Couts has, but if he can improve his defensive game while putting up goals and assists, I think that would work out just fine for the Flyers.

Personally, I'll be more than happy to watch these 2 young hockey players develop.
- wolfhounds

I'm with you there. I really want to see both have long careers as a Flyer. Just don't know if it's going to happen.

It would be either/or for me, unless Read gets dealt, then I could see a spot for both.
- Tomahawk

i'd be interested at the right price

schenn-giroux-jake
hartnell-couturier-read
bouchard-laughton-simmonds

could be a solid top 9 if the kiddies play well. i just don't want them to go crazy for anyone... save that for next offseason once giroux, schenn, and couturier are locked up (as they damn well better be)

David Clarkson. Him + Hartnell + Simmer and we have 3 of the best power forwards in the game, making one of the most girtty, physical and "Philly"esque offenses in the league. I love the idea, personally.
- JAKEw1234

That'd sure be great if PIM won cups.

I have no problem adding Clarkson if they move Hartnell, but I dont think it is very likely.

I'd hate to sign Clarkson just to sign the best guy in this UFA class. I'd wait til next year and spend the money more wisely.

i'd be interested at the right price

schenn-giroux-jake
hartnell-couturier-read
bouchard-laughton-simmonds

could be a solid top 9 if the kiddies play well. i just don't want them to go crazy for anyone... save that for next offseason once giroux, schenn, and couturier are locked up (as they damn well better be)
- FlyerMike18

He hasn't been a good player for a significant number of years. And he has had 3 serious concussions. I'd stay away.

i'd be interested at the right price

schenn-giroux-jake
hartnell-couturier-read
bouchard-laughton-simmonds

could be a solid top 9 if the kiddies play well. i just don't want them to go crazy for anyone... save that for next offseason once giroux, schenn, and couturier are locked up (as they damn well better be)
- FlyerMike18

if the kids play well, locking them all up is going to take a good amount of money though. not saying its not possible, but it might be hard to retain the core and then go crazy in free agency

He hasn't been a good player for a significant number of years. And he has had 3 serious concussions. I'd stay away.
- MJL

if i were running the show the only thing i'd really be looking to add in free agency is a solid fourth line natural center. let the kids (like laughton and mcginn) take their swings at the other open spots in the lineup. if they do go for more of a "scoring" type player, i'd rather it be a low-risk small contract type of deal (i want them to have flexibility for next offseason). my interest only goes so far as bouchard falling into that category

Off topic but I just started binge watching Game of Thrones. On episode 6 and have the rest Tivo'd. Wow!

Thanks guys.