Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Are Flyers Turning the Corner in Defense Development?

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Are Flyers Turning the Corner in Defense Development?
- bmeltzer

I'd like to think they are turning the corner.

While I agree with everything you said Bill, in all likeliness none of these players will be around for 4-5 years and at that point I see our offense being in a decline stage. The Flyers need a solution NOW, that's the only problem. I still believe all the way down to the bone that the biggest problem is Lavy's system. I know he tweaked his system last year (halfway through) in an attempt to help out the less mobile D-men but we will be returning essentially the same core and I still don't see this system working.

While I agree with everything you said Bill, in all likeliness none of these players will be around for 4-5 years and at that point I see our offense being in a decline stage. The Flyers need a solution NOW, that's the only problem. I still believe all the way down to the bone that the biggest problem is Lavy's system. I know he tweaked his system last year (halfway through) in an attempt to help out the less mobile D-men but we will be returning essentially the same core and I still don't see this system working.
- ICUBB

1) They will be in real trouble if NONE of them are still around in five years. In fact, I think there is a good chance that 2-3 of the young defensemen mentioned in this blog will still be in the organization.

2) The forward lineup will likely look a lot different five years from now. But if even if the core group they are building around stays the same, Giroux will only be 30, Schenn and Couturier will be in their mid 20s, Simmonds will be 29, etc.

While I agree with everything you said Bill, in all likeliness none of these players will be around for 4-5 years and at that point I see our offense being in a decline stage. The Flyers need a solution NOW, that's the only problem. I still believe all the way down to the bone that the biggest problem is Lavy's system. I know he tweaked his system last year (halfway through) in an attempt to help out the less mobile D-men but we will be returning essentially the same core and I still don't see this system working.
- ICUBB

"None of these players will be around for 4-5 years." Totally disagree. Gus, MAB, Manning, Lauriden will all have time with the big club this year. Possibly Alt as well. It's a progression. Some of the very youngest may take that long. And some of the better may be ready sooner.

While I agree with everything you said Bill, in all likeliness none of these players will be around for 4-5 years and at that point I see our offense being in a decline stage. The Flyers need a solution NOW, that's the only problem. I still believe all the way down to the bone that the biggest problem is Lavy's system. I know he tweaked his system last year (halfway through) in an attempt to help out the less mobile D-men but we will be returning essentially the same core and I still don't see this system working.
- ICUBB

I agree that Laviolette's system is still an issue, but I fully expect Gustafsson to be in the top six this season. In addition, Streit has a lot of the qualities that Laviolette's system need to work more effectively.

Having those two in the top six will mitigate a lot of the issues they had last year. The team defense will have to be better, regardless of who they have on defense. That is more on the forwards than the defense.

I will admit I have curtailed my enthusiasm this summer with what has happened this summer and for what happened last year....BUT...I think their approach of hanging on to Couturier and Schenn will prove to be correct.....much like the D philly draft, the organization has finally slowed its "uber- aggressive" mode. Its tough as a Flyer fan to slow expectations of a flurry of moves that the Flyers have a history of making.....
I like the additions the Flyers have made because they haven't lost any assets ....I think its a good thing that all these young guys are considered good prospects rather then "trading chips"....In a salary cap era, you must have home grown talent in order to remain competitive .

I like that there is balance in the types of D prospects, some shot blockers, some shut down, and some puck movers.

so far i'm ok w/ most of the moves homer has made, but it's a fallacy to assume that the streit p/u is an indication that couts or schenn are not getting moved.

While I agree with everything you said Bill, in all likeliness none of these players will be around for 4-5 years and at that point I see our offense being in a decline stage. The Flyers need a solution NOW, that's the only problem. I still believe all the way down to the bone that the biggest problem is Lavy's system. I know he tweaked his system last year (halfway through) in an attempt to help out the less mobile D-men but we will be returning essentially the same core and I still don't see this system working.
- ICUBB

Morin and Hagg might not even be ready for 4-5 years, and I truly doubt they'd just give up on their 1st round pick that they followed around for a whole year, and their 2nd round pick who was actually their 2nd choice of defenseman in the 1st round that they also followed around. I think they're gonna show patience this time.

While I agree with everything you said Bill, in all likeliness none of these players will be around for 4-5 years and at that point I see our offense being in a decline stage.
- ICUBB

In 4-5 years, B.Schenn, Couturier, and Laughton will be entering their primes. Plus there will be drafts between now and then to add quality forwards, which the Flyers have shown to be pretty adept at doing.

so far i'm ok w/ most of the moves homer has made, but it's a fallacy to assume that the streit p/u is an indication that couts or schenn are not getting moved.
- isaiah520

Who has assumed that the acquisition of Streit indicates that Couturier or Schenn are not getting moved?

Signing Streit makes a trade for Yandle extremely unlikely. They're basically the same player, and both make $5.25m.

While I agree with everything you said Bill, in all likeliness none of these players will be around for 4-5 years
- ICUBB

What do you foresee happening to Morin , Hagg and Ghostisbere?

so far i'm ok w/ most of the moves homer has made, but it's a fallacy to assume that the streit p/u is an indication that couts or schenn are not getting moved.
- isaiah520

I don't know that I'd call it a fallacy, but I do know that it's a sign that Holmgren will only move one of them if it's absolutely necessary.

so far i'm ok w/ most of the moves homer has made, but it's a fallacy to assume that the streit p/u is an indication that couts or schenn are not getting moved.
- isaiah520

I echo your sentiments. Holmgren has done a nice job of filling some glaring needs. But to assume that this is the final roster before the season starts would be shortsighted.

I'm ok with the goaltending situation, while there isn't a sure thing, it's two fairly young guys who are out to prove they are worthy of a contract. If neither work out, Flyers can simply move on. Worst case scenario is Emery injures his hip, and Mason reverts back to C-Bus form.

I don't know that I'd call it a fallacy, but I do know that it's a sign that Holmgren will only move one of them if it's absolutely necessary.
- Jsaquella

As in, in a package for a young stud dman

I echo your sentiments. Holmgren has done a nice job of filling some glaring needs. But to assume that this is the final roster before the season starts would be shortsighted.

I'm ok with the goaltending situation, while there isn't a sure thing, it's two fairly young guys who are out to prove they are worthy of a contract. If neither work out, Flyers can simply move on. Worst case scenario is Emery injures his hip, and Mason reverts back to C-Bus form.
- PLindbergh31

I expect that we'll dump Mezaros, but then after that I think you'll either see a blockbuster trade go down for that #1 dman, or I think we'll stand pat.

As in, in a package for a young stud dman
- JAKEw1234

As in, if Streit can't be more than a 6th defenseman and PP specialist, Gustafsson has troubles with injuries/development and other issues arise and they get to a point where they absolutely need to add a guy like Yandle.

I think if they could get a young stud defenseman, they would trade one of them now.

As in, if Streit can't be more than a 6th defenseman and PP specialist, Gustafsson has troubles with injuries/development and other issues arise and they get to a point where they absolutely need to add a guy like Yandle.

I think if they could get a young stud defenseman, they would trade one of them now.
- Jsaquella

I think if a blockbuster trade like that happened Coburn would be part of the package going back.

I think if a blockbuster trade like that happened Coburn would be part of the package going back.
- JAKEw1234

Very possible, because they'd need to move salary to add the kind of guy they'd want. They can't just trade Couturier for Yandle without clearing salary

I don't know that I'd call it a fallacy, but I do know that it's a sign that Holmgren will only move one of them if it's absolutely necessary.
- Jsaquella

or for the right deal. starting to think that because both are somewhat devalued, a solid first 30 gms could heat up trade talks. homer wants that certain level dman.

i saw many posts here justifying the streit move saying it was an indicator that holmgren was steadfast in letting this core grow together and i simply dont believe it...not his MO.

so far i'm ok w/ most of the moves homer has made, but it's a fallacy to assume that the streit p/u is an indication that couts or schenn are not getting moved.
- isaiah520

Unless they can acquire a Pietrangelo type of player, I think you can safely assume that neither Couturier or B. Schenn will be moved.

or for the right deal. starting to think that because both are somewhat devalued, a solid first 30 gms could heat up trade talks. homer wants that certain level dman.

i saw many posts here justifying the streit move saying it was an indicator that holmgren was steadfast in letting this core grow together and i simply dont believe it...not his MO.
- isaiah520

I'm sure Holmgren kicked the tires on Yandle, Edler, etc.... balked at the price and settled on Streit. Streit has his shortcomings but he has his strengths as well. I'm afraid the backend of his deal could be tough to swallow, but for the next two years he should be ok.

I expect that we'll dump Mezaros, but then after that I think you'll either see a blockbuster trade go down for that #1 dman, or I think we'll stand pat.
- JAKEw1234

Not sure what the market is for Meszaros, being he only has one year left, you figure a team would be willing to take a chance on him. I know the return for him will be next to nothing if he is moved, it would be strictly a move to clear cap space.

I echo your sentiments. Holmgren has done a nice job of filling some glaring needs. But to assume that this is the final roster before the season starts would be shortsighted.

I'm ok with the goaltending situation, while there isn't a sure thing, it's two fairly young guys who are out to prove they are worthy of a contract. If neither work out, Flyers can simply move on. Worst case scenario is Emery injures his hip, and Mason reverts back to C-Bus form.
- PLindbergh31

he's always "looking to improve our team" and while it might take until mid season or so, i don't think couts/schenn are safe by any means.

and w/ the ridiculous haul that clownshow just left w/, the current situation in goal should be palatable to the fan base and at least an slight upgrade .