http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/gotta-see-it-air-canada-centre-staff-dont-recognize-philadelphia-flyers-scott-hartnell-before-maple-leafs-game/
- nastyflyergirl

lol saw it yesterday they were clearly messing with him

anyone know Morin's favorite Canadian rock band and/or his favorite right-wing pundit radio host?
- Crimsoninja

No but I hear he's a huge Yankees fan

the problem is that when Cousins or Akeson hit a lull offensively they have zero worth two the teamuntil they further develop their defensive ability)... Laughton on the other hand isnt going to be looked to for an offensive addition to the team, but rather a solid two way contributor.
- jak521

kind of like briere.

anyone know Morin's favorite Canadian rock band and/or his favorite right-wing pundit radio host?
- Crimsoninja

Is the answer Barenaked Ladies?

The problem is, that its like when they put Mike Maneluk with Lindros & LeClair. Akeson has great instincts, but he's small & slow, and they have far better options for the spot than him.
- Jsaquella

Maneluk deserved a longer look on that RW.

Morin's at least 2 years away, most likely 3, and I don't think we'll see his full potential for 5 or 6.
- jmatchett383

I could see him making the roster next season if he has a great camp. Maybe play a season similar to what Larsson and Hamilton went through. (Larsson made the Devils as an 18 year old).

If Kimmo retires and Mez walks, the Flyers will have a need on defense. They may enter camp with a spot available. I hope it doesn't come to that though.

No but I hear he's a huge Yankees fan
- funmaster18

I don't know -- that's my point. I keep saying it, because I don't know -- personally, I don't know what he's done to make everyone so damn sure he's ready to play in the NHL that he CAN'T go back to junior!
- AllInForFlyers

Again, no one has said he "CAN'T" go back to juniors, only that he should be given a shot, along with McGinn, to earn a spot. If he gets outplayed, then he goes back to juniors. MJL has said this in multiple threads.

I only know what I've read about how he's perceived. But what if he gets totally outplayed in the preseason by McGinn, Cousins, Akeson and Raffl? What then? You can't just slap him on the team and say, "Good job, Defensively Responsible Youngster!"
- AllInForFlyers

Again, he would go back to juniors.

I've never seen "it" in a game. I saw Scott Laughton look really strong in two junior games that I watched, but I also saw Nick Cousins play one junior game and get four points.
- AllInForFlyers

Cousins had an excellent junior career, and no one doubted that. But there are perceived weaknesses away from the puck that many people feel would be exploited by full-grown men at the NHL level that currently prohibit him from making the team. 2 preseason games do not change that. Let him start in the AHL and, if he earns a call-up, so be it.

All I've said is that Laughton gets this massive benefit of the doubt because he's a first-round pick and is "defensively responsible."

No one here has seen Laughton do anything more than I have, yet, again, this belief exists on what he's going to do like few other players I've seen the Flyers have.
- AllInForFlyers

Yes. The #1 thing lacking in most young players is their defensive game. Most professional players put up good to great numbers in juniors, but many flame out because their weaknesses get exposed at the AHL/NHL level, which is why it's important to be able to play well away from the puck. Much like Couturier, it's a big part of Laughton's game, and, combined with his past offensive production, is why he's ranked ahead of others. I hope that explains it.

Again, no one's going, "Oh, he knows how to play defense, he gets an automatic roster spot." It's more like, "Wow, he is a very good defensive player for a prospect who has a good offensive track record. We should give him a chance to see if he belongs in the NHL."

noebbels needs to be admonished for his butchering of the foppa stamp move

I could see him making the roster next season if he has a great camp. Maybe play a season similar to what Larsson and Hamilton went through. (Larsson made the Devils as an 18 year old).

If Kimmo retires and Mez walks, the Flyers will have a need on defense. They may enter camp with a spot available. I hope it doesn't come to that though.
- PhillySportsGuy

He could, but I'd really prefer they bring him along slowly, and give him a full AHL year before the NHL (but he can't next year, so....yeah). I'm hoping 1-2 of Alt, Morin, or Manning blossom this year. Also, Hagg stated he wanted to play 2 years in Sweden, but that may change.

noebbels needs to be admonished for his butchering of the foppa stamp move
- Crimsoninja

anyone know Morin's favorite Canadian rock band and/or his favorite right-wing pundit radio host?
- Crimsoninja

The Guess Who.

/"At least they had the courage to be drunken buffoons"

Come on, man -- seriously? Seriously? Is this where we are now?

Just because I say the 19-year-old -- NINETEEN YEARS OLD -- might not be ready to play in the NHL, that's this crazy notion now? And I'm saying he looks awful?

Wow. Amazingly enough, I'm going to bet that of all the people on this board, I won't be the one ripping the 19 year old at year's end if he doesn't get those 11 goals like Mike Richards did as a rookie, or whatever, because clearly, not expecting much from a 19 year old who hasn't played above the fourth line or scored a professional point in any form whatsoever is the stupidest thing ever.
- AllInForFlyers

That wasn't your original argument. You tried to argue that Laughton being rated a better prospect then Akeson was just perception and hyperbole. Not that Laughton might not be NHL ready, and might need to be sent down for another Junior season. I don't think anyone would think that latter is something outlandish or off the wall.

Back reading from page 4 onward... It's like eating pudding. I know it's bad for me but I keep consuming and consuming...

He could, but I'd really prefer they bring him along slowly, and give him a full AHL year before the NHL (but he can't next year, so....yeah). I'm hoping 1-2 of Alt, Morin, or Manning blossom this year. Also, Hagg stated he wanted to play 2 years in Sweden, but that may change.
- jmatchett383

I would like to see him brought along at the right pace. It sucks that he would have to go back to juniors next season as well. Same with Laughton. I wish that rule was different. It would also make AHL games more compelling. You really would be seeing the future

It's Tim. So, uh, yeah.
- bradleyc4

I pretty much agree with the consensus on his analysis. But let's remember, he called Read making the team when he first came up.

I pretty much agree with the consensus on his analysis. But let's remember, he called Read making the team when he first came up.
- MJL

Even the blind squirrel is right twice a day.

I pretty much agree with the consensus on his analysis. But let's remember, he called Read making the team when he first came up.
- MJL

read was like 24 lol

Back reading from page 4 onward... It's like eating pudding. I know it's bad for me but I keep consuming and consuming...
- Flyskippy

Basically it's "Why is Laughton getting favoritism when Akeson, Cousins and McGin have shown more"

I would like to see him brought along at the right pace. It sucks that he would have to go back to juniors next season as well. Same with Laughton. I wish that rule was different. It would also make AHL games more compelling. You really would be seeing the future
- PhillySportsGuy

I think they have to change the rules. Once a guy has put in three years of junior hockey, he should be eligible for the AHL regardless of age. It seems kind of stupid to retard a guys development simply because he started playing earlier than someone else.

read was like 24 lol
- Crimsoninja

Plus the roster just had massive turnover. There were spots to be had. Morin would have to outplay guys like Gus AND Mez.

I think they have to change the rules. Once a guy has put in three years of junior hockey, he should be eligible for the AHL regardless of age. It seems kind of stupid to retard a guys development simply because he started playing earlier than someone else.
- MBFlyerfan

Agreed. If it was an option, I think close to 100% of people would want Laughton in the AHL...and Couturier probably would have started there as well. Unfortunately, there's no middle ground.

Part of the solution is growing a thicker skin.
- BulliesPhan87

yes and no...
overall it gets old. you can bring up your own opinion and get trashed...that's childish. it's a message board and for most of us it's an escape from our jobs. it's almost like each post someone has to agree to it or it's not allowed. it's sad and comical.

i approve of this post

I think they have to change the rules. Once a guy has put in three years of junior hockey, he should be eligible for the AHL regardless of age. It seems kind of stupid to retard a guys development simply because he started playing earlier than someone else.
- MBFlyerfan

Who makes that decision? Do the Junior leagues have to agree to what the NHL says or can they say no?

read was like 24 lol
- Crimsoninja

Still an undrafted College Free Agent that came out of no where.