What ever happened to Nik Grossman. Always liked the way that guy plays, how come everyone poops on him these days?
- TheJerseyDevil1

I haven't heard/read much criticism of Grossmann at all. Just some concerns over his most recent concussion (which had associated balance-related complications when he was reported as being close to being medically cleared to return) and a past history of injuries to both knees. In terms of his play, though, most consider him solid and reliable.

I really liked the way Huskins played for us. If we do move a veteran defenseman for salary cap space I wouldn't mind spending the money we have left after signing Gagne on Huskins.
- Coburns_Nose

I have no problem with it, but I'd rather it be a handshake deal that doesn't happen until after the "conditional" period has expired.

Who is pooping on him? No one poops on him here. Not one poop.
- feelingkettle

Thought I heard pooping at one point, good to know there's no poop to be found here.

Edit: I googled "Nicklas Grossman happy" to add to the end of this, but not such picture exists. Just mean mugging 24/7.

Nope, we still like him. Dude's a horse.

The only thing to worry about with him is recovery from his concussion suffered last season.

He also may or may not get traded in a salary cap shedding deal, but I don't think Homer is in a rush to trade Grossmann.
- johndewar

Im more worried about his knees tbh

Im more worried about his knees tbh
- jak521

I think he's got those Forrest Gump like knee braces to help him out.

It's not like he's employed here for his speed anyways.

I haven't heard/read much criticism of Grossmann at all. Just some concerns over his most recent concussion (which had associated balance-related complications when he was reported as being close to being medically cleared to return) and a past history of injuries to both knees. In terms of his play, though, most consider him solid and reliable.
- bmeltzer

Bill, Not sure how you pick your blog topic of the day... I know that you're not a doctor, but it would be interesting to hear your perspectives on our Defense and Injuries. From bloggers and commenters... I've seen a lot of "if healthy".

Specifically, Mez versus Grossmann. We'll most-likely dump one of these guys due to cap issues. The decision will most-likely be made on projected health, not necessarily how well they play (they're different styles, but I'd only give Grossmann a slightly edge, but I fell Mez is a more rounded player). When it comes to health - I would give the edge to Mez... Mez injuries can heal (Achilles/Shoulder), where as Grossmann's injuries (Concussion/Knees) can be reoccurring, nagging issues - and can be career ending.

Also, normally tough... Timmo age and back issue could be a problem again in a full season.

Hey Hammar welcome back.

I wanted to ask you, are non Jews allowed to play in the Maccabian games?
What are the qualifications for it?
- Marc D

thanks, marc!

technically yes, considering the russian and ukrainian teams weren't jewish. and funny enough, the guy who scored our winning goal against russia, garth klimchuk, was converted by the rabbi on our team when we got to israel (he's married to a jewish woman). his cousin's grandson was just drafted by the flames in the first round - morgan klimchuk. generally speaking, though, it's part of the deal to be jewish. i don't know what the process is for making exceptions.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Foster to KHL, Tuesday Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Good morning Bill!

Quick question re: Huskins

If Huskins is still unsigned at the start of camp, accepted an invitation to camp on a tryout basis and was then signed on say the opening day of the season; would the Flyers still owe the Red Wings a 7th round pick?

I was there. Place went absolutely nuts. I think maybe Zhamnov scored the EN. I got tix through Rowan for $30. Totally worth missing 2 classes that day.
- jmatchett383

sami with the EN'er with 5 seconds to go. what a great (frank)ing end to that series.

Good morning Bill!

Quick question re: Huskins

If Huskins is still unsigned at the start of camp, accepted an invitation to camp on a tryout basis and was then signed on say the opening day of the season; would the Flyers still owe the Red Wings a 7th round pick?
- BiggE

That's pretty much my thinking. Sign him after the conditional pick window has closed.

Good morning Bill!

Quick question re: Huskins

If Huskins is still unsigned at the start of camp, accepted an invitation to camp on a tryout basis and was then signed on say the opening day of the season; would the Flyers still owe the Red Wings a 7th round pick?
- BiggE

Not under that circumstance. I believe the conditional period ends once the season starts.

thanks, marc!

technically yes, considering the russian and ukrainian teams weren't jewish. and funny enough, the guy who scored our winning goal against russia, garth klimchuk, was converted by the rabbi on our team when we got to israel (he's married to a jewish woman). his cousin's grandson was just drafted by the flames in the first round - morgan klimchuk. generally speaking, though, it's part of the deal to be jewish. i don't know what the process is for making exceptions.
- hammarby31

I was just backreading yesterday's thread, I didn't know you guys won the gold medal!
that is freakin great, hearty congrats!

That's pretty much my thinking. Sign him after the conditional pick window has closed.
- jmatchett383

Heck why not, I'm pretty sure Mez is going to be moved by October 1st and I have doubts about MAB being able to stay healthy. That would leave Gervais as the 7th man, I would much rather waive Gervais and have Huskins in that role.

thanks, marc!

technically yes, considering the russian and ukrainian teams weren't jewish. and funny enough, the guy who scored our winning goal against russia, garth klimchuk, was converted by the rabbi on our team when we got to israel (he's married to a jewish woman). his cousin's grandson was just drafted by the flames in the first round - morgan klimchuk. generally speaking, though, it's part of the deal to be jewish. i don't know what the process is for making exceptions.
- hammarby31

A lot of the Russian/Ukrainian players were also likely allowed to participate because they are either marginally Jewish (claiming a Jewish ancestor on the maternal side), or married to a Jewish woman, etc.

Things get very complicated in determining who is and isn't Jewish, especially for events like these. For example, Evgeni Malkin reportedly has partial Jewish ancestry on his father's side of the family (how distantly is unclear) but is himself an observant Russian Orthodox Christian. Under traditional Jewish law, he would not be classified as Jewish because only maternal lineage is looked at. But if someday after his pro career is over, he were to want to participate in the Maccabiah event, I'm quite sure an exception would be made.

In the 2004 playoff run, despite numerous injuries that destroyed the Flyers' blueline as well as their chances at a title, Markov was an absolute rock and warrier back there! I thought for sure Clarkie would extend him. I'm sure the lockout complicated that a bit. It was a short but memorable stay for Markov in Philly.
- BOSS_TWEED

that was the year i first started watching and i recall really liking him and being bummed he didn't return to the team

that was the year i first started watching and i recall really liking him and being bummed he didn't return to the team
- Don'tForgetTocchet

Especially in light of losing a promising young player like Justin Williams to acquire him.

Especially in light of losing a promising young player like Justin Williams to acquire him.
- MBFlyerfan

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Foster to KHL, Tuesday Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Danny Markov is only 37???

A lot of the Russian/Ukrainian players were also likely allowed to participate because they are either marginally Jewish (claiming a Jewish ancestor on the maternal side), or married to a Jewish woman, etc.

Things get very complicated in determining who is and isn't Jewish, especially for events like these. For example, Evgeni Malkin reportedly has partial Jewish ancestry on his father's side of the family (how distantly is unclear) but is himself an observant Russian Orthodox Christian. Under traditional Jewish law, he would not be classified as Jewish because only maternal lineage is looked at. But if someday after his pro career is over, he were to want to participate in the Maccabiah event, I'm quite sure an exception would be made.
- bmeltzer

i'm sure. just like alexei zhitnik was on the ukrainian squad. although it's possible he is. we're trying to get JR and a couple of other guys to convert for 2017.

adam henrich (former lightning and penguin) was the captain of the canadian open team. he's a big boy. good hands. playing in england this year with his brother. really nice guy.

Danny Markov is only 37???
- dingo8urbaby

that was my reaction. i thought he was 37 at the time.

that was my reaction. i thought he was 37 at the time.
- hammarby31

"When I see the Pittsburgh players, I just think "[Frank] you!", and "[Frank] you too!!'" - Danny Markov

Why I loved this guy, even if he was on Toronto when he said this.

Especially in light of losing a promising young player like Justin Williams to acquire him.
- MBFlyerfan

Trading Justin Williams away was necessary at the time. It was like trading jvr for Schenn. We needed the D. The problem was and I still don't understand is why Markov was traded that summer to Nashville. Maybe he had a bad attitude behind the scenes.

i'm sure. just like alexei zhitnik was on the ukrainian squad. although it's possible he is. we're trying to get JR and a couple of other guys to convert for 2017.

adam henrich (former lightning and penguin) was the captain of the canadian open team. he's a big boy. good hands. playing in england this year with his brother. really nice guy.
- hammarby31

What's the level of competition there? Is it ECHL-level? Also, is it full pro rules (checking, fighting, etc)? I'm afraid I really know nothing about it.

And congrats!

"When I see the Pittsburgh players, I just think "
- Moose_15[Frank] you!", and "[Frank] you too!!'" - Danny Markov

Why I loved this guy, even if he was on Toronto when he said this.

I really liked the way Huskins played for us. If we do move a veteran defenseman for salary cap space I wouldn't mind spending the money we have left after signing Gagne on Huskins.
- Coburns_Nose

There's not likely going to be any money left over to sign Huskins.