Flyers defense prospect Valeri Vasiliev had to leave Spartak Moscow's KHL regular season opener midway through the third period with an apparent wrist injury. He took a crosscheck in the back about two feet from the boards and went in awkwardly with his wrist pinned under his own weight. He was in a lot of pain immediately and went up the tunnel holding his wrist.

Vasiliev, who said in a recent interview that he want to play three KHL seasons before taking his shot at the Flyers, had been playing very well in the opener. He was also coming off a very solid preseason with Spartak and the Russian national U20 team.

Unfortunately, I'd be surprised if he doesn't have a broken wrist... which could put him out for a substantial amount of time.
- bmeltzer

Would you consider Vasi to have NHL upside?

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nhl/4048

Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that Scott Laughton has the best chance of making the team of any prospect or rookie in the system.
If the Flyers' attacking system rebounds in 2013, then plenty of players are worth watching, Laughton included. Avoiding the disruption of the lockout might just be the best thing going for Philly heading into 2013-14. Sep 5 - 2:25 PM
- MrBigglesworth

What seems to be a major recurring factor of recent cup winners (Chicago, LA, Boston, Detroit), is an abundance of quality two-way forwards (including a Selke-level or Selke-nominee level forward). I like the direction we're going with that. Giroux has shown flashes of being very good defensively. Lecavalier isn't too shabby defensively, and Coots and Laughton have a very good defensive upside.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nhl/4048

Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that Scott Laughton has the best chance of making the team of any prospect or rookie in the system.
If the Flyers' attacking system rebounds in 2013, then plenty of players are worth watching, Laughton included. Avoiding the disruption of the lockout might just be the best thing going for Philly heading into 2013-14. Sep 5 - 2:25 PM
- MrBigglesworth

I've been trying to tell obie for months. Kid's a lock to make the team.

I've been trying to tell obie for months. Kid's a lock to make the team.
- aightwebang17

Not a lock, but a fair shot for sure.

I've been trying to tell obie for months. Kid's a lock to make the team.
- aightwebang17

playing center?

What seems to be a major recurring factor of recent cup winners (Chicago, LA, Boston, Detroit), is an abundance of quality two-way forwards (including a Selke-level or Selke-nominee level forward). I like the direction we're going with that. Giroux has shown flashes of being very good defensively. Lecavalier isn't too shabby defensively, and Coots and Laughton have a very good defensive upside.
- JAKEw1234

Schenn was viewed as a pretty good two way player in juniors. (Don't you remember the comparisons to Mike Richards!?!?!?!). And, obviously Read is a very good two way player as well.

Having good two way depth allows Lavi to roll all lines without worrying about big mis-matches. Everyone stays fresh and in the game.

What seems to be a major recurring factor of recent cup winners (Chicago, LA, Boston, Detroit), is an abundance of quality two-way forwards (including a Selke-level or Selke-nominee level forward). I like the direction we're going with that. Giroux has shown flashes of being very good defensively. Lecavalier isn't too shabby defensively, and Coots and Laughton have a very good defensive upside.
- JAKEw1234

In my opinion if there is one area of Giroux's game that needs significant improvement, it's on the defensive side of the puck. I'd like for him to show leadership and set an example in that area, by improving that aspect of his game.

In my opinion if there is one area of Giroux's game that needs significant improvement, it's on the defensive side of the puck. I'd like for him to show leadership and set an example in that area, by improving that aspect of his game.
- MJL

I think the issue is Giroux already has the skill set. He has played very well in defensive positions early in his career when he was behind Richards and Carter. I believe that Giroux has been concentrating mostly on scoring and neglecting the defensive side of the game in most situations. ie going for high risk passes, stepping off defendee to cheat down ice for outlet pass, anticipating passes.... Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It's been like that since he became the number 1 with Jagr on his team. Learned it from the best at neglecting defense for offense.

Would you consider Vasi to have NHL upside?
- JAKEw1234

Yes.... similar style and upside to Montreal's Alexei Emelin (at the same age).

I think the issue is Giroux already has the skill set. He has played very well in defensive positions early in his career when he was behind Richards and Carter. I believe that Giroux has been concentrating mostly on scoring and neglecting the defensive side of the game in most situations. ie going for high risk passes, stepping off defendee to cheat down ice for outlet pass, anticipating passes.... Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It's been like that since he became the number 1 with Jagr on his team. Learned it from the best at neglecting defense for offense.
- youarewrong

I don't agree with this. I don't believe that Giroux neglects the defensive side of the puck, or cheats offensively. Defensive effort and hustle is not the main issue, in my opinion. It's just simply getting better at it individually.

In my opinion if there is one area of Giroux's game that needs significant improvement, it's on the defensive side of the puck. I'd like for him to show leadership and set an example in that area, by improving that aspect of his game.
- MJL

Cosign. Giroux is always going to put up numbers and make his linemates better. Attention to defensive detail and back-checking effectively to set the table for the rest of team's forwards would be awesome to see.

Vasiliev's wrist injury is at 3:28 of game highlight clips: http://en.khl.ru/news/2013/09/05/25231.html

I don't agree with this. I don't believe that Giroux neglects the defensive side of the puck, or cheats offensively. Defensive effort and hustle is not the main issue, in my opinion. It's just simply getting better at it individually.
- MJL

Definitely. Scoring or setting up odd-man rush SHG's isn't enough either. 5-on-5 defensive prowess - especially on the back-check to break up plays from other teams top units is what I'd like to see Giroux excel at more consistently.

Definitely. Scoring or setting up odd-man rush SHG's isn't enough either. 5-on-5 defensive prowess - especially on the back-check to break up plays from other teams top units is what I'd like to see Giroux excel at more consistently.
- Pixote Andolini

It's not just Giroux, but I'd like him to lead the way. So many times I've seen the effort made to skate back hard on the back check, but not pick anybody up. Not identifying the late and dangerous man coming late. It's not enough to just skate back hard. You have to do something when you get there. Same thing in the defensive zone. Can't lose your check, because you make a bad decision or are caught watching the puck. It's not a lack of effort or neglecting that part of the game. It's just needing to get better at it. It starts with the Coach, he needs to demand it. Which is a problem. Then it's onto the leaders of the team to set the example.

Vasiliev's wrist injury is at 3:28 of game highlight clips: http://en.khl.ru/news/2013/09/05/25231.html
- bmeltzer

Sucks. He seems to be an immense value for a 7th rounder.

Godspeed & good health to him.

Quick thought, how long do the Flyers hold his rights, Bill?

Sucks. He seems to be an immense value for a 7th rounder.

Godspeed & good health to him.

Quick thought, how long do the Flyers hold his rights, Bill?
- Jsaquella

They'll hold his rights at least 3 more years.

Sucks. He seems to be an immense value for a 7th rounder.

Godspeed & good health to him.

Quick thought, how long do the Flyers hold his rights, Bill?
- Jsaquella

They'll hold his rights at least 3 more years.

They'll hold his rights at least 3 more years.
- bmeltzer

Thanks, I wasn't sure how it worked with the KHL contract/status.

Which players on this roster seem to be the most approachable when it comes to autographs?

I am actually being a little serious about this. I am guessing this individual would be awesome when it comes to slapshots. 1 on 1 I think he might have an agility problem.
- Bearintheforest

I have long been a proponent of the Sumo goaltender.

So my team won the Mens League championship last night in thrilling fashion.. It only needed triple OT.
- jak521

Congrats.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Rookie Camp Preview - Goalies and Defensemen
- bmeltzer

It's good to see the depth begin to happen in the system on D, keep adding to it.

So my team won the Mens League championship last night in thrilling fashion.. It only needed triple OT.
- jak521

good work

Should have posted this days ago.


Son of Selanne gets chance with Hitmen

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...-gets-chance-with-hitmen/

Which players on this roster seem to be the most approachable when it comes to autographs?
- dingo8urbaby

Are you talking Flyers or the rookies? For the Flyers, I'd say probably Mason & Read. Oddly enough, Hartnell doesn't seem to be, and I always thought he would be. No one's as bad as Richards though.