I don't think he's more NHL-ready than Tye McGinn, who has been playing against men for two seasons. But we'll see -- but what will your opinion be if Laughton scores...two goals?
- AllInForFlyers

If he scores 2 goals, I'll say he projects as a 4th liner unless he improves. I don't see what your point is. He's a good defensive prospect who was also able to put up very good offensive numbers as well. But since he hasn't scored in 2 preseason games or in spot duty as a 4th liner on a terribly underachieving Flyers team last year, he shouldn't get a shot? I just don't know what your point is.

For franks sake, are we really arguing whether or not Jason FRANKING Akeson should be playing on the top line or not?


Lets reel ourselves back in to reality here people.
- MBFlyerfan

Supplant G

For franks sake, are we really arguing whether or not Jason FRANKING Akeson should be playing on the top line or not?


Lets reel ourselves back in to reality here people.
- MBFlyerfan

yes, of course there's arguing. look who you're speaking to...this group is not into reality.

If he scores 2 goals, I'll say he projects as a 4th liner unless he improves. I don't see what your point is. He's a good defensive prospect who was also able to put up very good offensive numbers as well. But since he hasn't scored in 2 preseason games or in spot duty as a 4th liner on a terribly underachieving Flyers team last year, he shouldn't get a shot? I just don't know what your point is.
- jmatchett383

I'm trying to understand it also. If I read it right, saying that Laughton is a better prospect, and has a better chance of making the Flyers, and having a solid NHL career, then undrafted free agent Jason Akeson does. Is all just perception and hyperbole!

He's not there yet
- Marc D

I'll be disappointed this year if I don't see 80 points, 30 goals and GREAT two-way play. He also needs a few short handed goals and throw in a 3-5 shorthanded goal as well.

Or they become Alexandre Giroux or Keith Aucoin (who finally made it age 33).
- bradleyc4

There are just as many -- if not more -- flameouts from first-round picks who never come close to their projections.

Scott Glennie. Louis Leblanc just got cut by the Canadiens yesterday -- while they still have 40-some players left in camp. So on and so forth.

Again, it isn't just Jason Akeson who might not make it. Personally, I think it's just as easy to pick holes in Scott Laughton's game as anybody else's -- but for some reason, we are more willing to accept Laughton's flaws.

I don't get that.

Jason Akeson

He does have great offensive instincts

His size and skating work against his chances

I could see him as a top six call up in case of injuries this year
Hard to see him getting a top six wing spot ahead of Hartsy, Jake, Schenn, or Read at this point
- Marc D

Akeson may end up holding down a full-time NHL job at some point.

I just don't think it will be here, given the current roster.

There are just as many -- if not more -- flameouts from first-round picks who never come close to their projections.

- AllInForFlyers

Hugh Jessiman called and would like to be in on this conversation.

yes, of course there's arguing. look who you're speaking to...this group is not into reality.
- hammarby31

Expecting Raffl to be good enough to play in the top 9 on what we hope to be a playoff team, may be equally delusional.

Exactly. Akeson would have to score at a high level to become an NHL player. Because there is little else to his game. Which is why Terry Murray demoted him to the ECHL, to show him that he needs to develop some other parts of his game, to give himself a better chance at making the NHL.
- MJL

Which leads back to what I was saying. If the 3 of Giroux, Voracek and Akeson have a good chemistry and Akeson can show that he can score, why shouldn't get get a chance to play on the top line. Its obvious that Akeson will not be well suited for a bottom 6 role. There are other players more suited to that. But if somehow this line clicks.... I would like to see at least 1 game where Akeson Giroux and Vorack play together to see how well they work together.

I think I heard that Giroux was pushing for Akeson to make the team at some point. Its possible Akeson could get a look as a consession that Giroux didn't get Jagr back. Possible, not probable.

I'm trying to understand it also. If I read it right, saying that Laughton is a better prospect, and has a better chance of making the Flyers, and having a solid NHL career, then undrafted free agent Jason Akeson does. Is all just perception and hyperbole!
- MJL

I think the argument is that some in here feel Laughton is getting the keys to the car without having to prove as much as Akeson. Meanwhile Akeson isn't being considered for a more major role because of his size and draft position. Am I right?

Expecting Raffl to be good enough to play in the top 9 on what we hope to be a playoff team, may be equally delusional.
- PLindbergh31

Yeah, I'm not too sure about that either. It seems an awful big jump for the guy.

If he scores 2 goals, I'll say he projects as a 4th liner unless he improves. I don't see what your point is. He's a good defensive prospect who was also able to put up very good offensive numbers as well. But since he hasn't scored in 2 preseason games or in spot duty as a 4th liner on a terribly underachieving Flyers team last year, he shouldn't get a shot? I just don't know what your point is.
- jmatchett383

You ask, why shouldn't he get a shot? I ask, why should he get a shot?

I'm baffled by the logic that says Scott Laughton should get a shot "because he's a good defensive prospect" -- yet you acknowledge that he had spot duty on the fourth line.

In other words, none of us have any idea whatsoever what Scott Laughton is going to do with any responsibility at the NHL level, at 19 years old. But because we've been told he's a good defensive prospect, well, just wind him up and watch him go!

Yeah, I'm not too sure about that either. It seems an awful big jump for the guy.
- MBFlyerfan

Agreed. What makes most sense to me is move Talbot up to the third line and let Mcginn play on the 4th line.

For franks sake, are we really arguing whether or not Jason FRANKING Akeson should be playing on the top line or not?


Lets reel ourselves back in to reality here people.
- MBFlyerfan

This is all MJL. All I said is I would like him to get a look because he has chemistry with G and JV.

I'll be disappointed this year if I don't see 80 points, 30 goals and GREAT two-way play. He also needs a few short handed goals and throw in a 3-5 shorthanded goal as well.
- PhillySportsGuy

Sounds like a good description for Matt Read.

I know you are referring to Richards, but I think Read could have a year like that if he gets a little PP time like he should on an improved second unit this year.

I hope they get his contract done soon.

I think the argument is that some in here feel Laughton is getting the keys to the car without having to prove as much as Akeson. Meanwhile Akeson isn't being considered for a more major role because of his size and draft position. Am I right?
- PhillySportsGuy

That is certainly part of it. But of course Laughton is going to get more consideration because of his draft position.

Plus it cant be argued that Akeson is a pretty one dimensional player so far in his career, whereas Laughton has shown himself to be a more well rounded player in all aspects save pure offensive skills. No one here is saying Laughton has the keys to anything, but he certainly SHOULD have the inside track based on his track record and draft position.

This is all MJL. All I said is I would like him to get a look because he has chemistry with G and JV.
- youarewrong

No, this is you putting out stuff that is easily argued, and you don't like it when a guy you have a problem with destroys your premise...on a daily basis....

I think the argument is that some in here feel Laughton is getting the keys to the car without having to prove as much as Akeson. Meanwhile Akeson isn't being considered for a more major role because of his size and draft position. Am I right?
- PhillySportsGuy

That's exactly what I'm saying -- it's not just Akeson. But Nick Cousins, Marcel Noebels, Tye McGinn, etc., all those guys "have something to work on."

But Scott Laughton, scoreless in five games at the NHL level at 19 years old? He's got stuff he could be working on, too!

There are just as many -- if not more -- flameouts from first-round picks who never come close to their projections.

Scott Glennie. Louis Leblanc just got cut by the Canadiens yesterday -- while they still have 40-some players left in camp. So on and so forth.

Again, it isn't just Jason Akeson who might not make it. Personally, I think it's just as easy to pick holes in Scott Laughton's game as anybody else's -- but for some reason, we are more willing to accept Laughton's flaws.

I don't get that.
- AllInForFlyers

Common Belief Fallacy

Greg Nemisz says hello.

Sounds like a good description for Matt Read.

I know you are referring to Richards, but I think Read could have a year like that if he gets a little PP time like he should on an improved second unit this year.

I hope they get his contract done soon.
- Marc D

I think Read could have a really big year this year.

awesome...
early on after a game day and we have entered Law and Buzz Order

Opinions not needed, only facts.

Cheers everyone.

Go Flyers!!!

Went to Open practice on Saturday and enjoyed it. the only thing missing was to have Lavy mic'd up to hear his cussing or instructions.

This is all MJL. All I said is I would like him to get a look because he has chemistry with G and JV.
- youarewrong

FYI
it's a losing battle and not worth the headache...


Happy Tuesday!!!

I think Read could have a really big year this year.
- johndewar

Me too, that's why I'm hoping they get something done sooner rather then wait.
I think they are trying and it may be a tough negotiation.

He could be third on the team in points this year unless Hartnell goes nuts, which would be great.

Sounds like a good description for Matt Read.

I know you are referring to Richards, but I think Read could have a year like that if he gets a little PP time like he should on an improved second unit this year.

I hope they get his contract done soon.
- Marc D

I think that's a bit much. He will play with Couts on the third line. 50 points and 25 goals along with PK time would be a very solid year. Especially if he's matching up against other team's top lines.