Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Trim Roster to 32, Quick Hits

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Trim Roster to 32, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Thanks for the updates! Quick question: Why not use Talbot as the 3rd lineLW and let Raffl, Laughton, Rosehill etc battle itout for the 4th line spot with Hall and Rinaldo?

The Phantoms look to be a better team this year. Any thoughts as to if they have a chance to push for a playoff spot?

The Phantoms look to be a better team this year. Any thoughts as to if they have a chance to push for a playoff spot?
- Coleman

I think they are still a little lacking in scoring depth and can use a few more good AHL vets if they are to compete for a playoff spot. But Murray has put a heavier emphasis on player development -- preparing players to potentially play in the NHL -- than on AHL wins. Ideally, of course, a team can do both but they really haven't had the horses to do that.

I think the forward corps could be improved this year if Flanagan and Straka play well, Noebels continues to develop, etc. Akeson and McGinn are pretty much givens to produce at least as much as last year. But I still wouldn't call the Phantoms attack an upper-echelon one in that league.

Which teams might be interested in Meszaros and Grossmann and what sort of return would the Flyers want?

Which teams might be interested in Meszaros and Grossmann and what sort of return would the Flyers want?
- Feanor

Can't speak to specific teams who've talked to the Flyers of late. However, despite Meszaros' superior offensive skills, the interest level and return on Grossmann would be higher, because he's signed for longer (Meszaros goes UFA after this season), makes less money and his team role is better defined.

I personally feel the Flyers still need Grossmann but I can't help but wonder if they've had some discussions that perhaps Gill as a number six or seven defenseman for one year on a modest contract -- with Lauridsen waiting in the wings -- might be passable and cheaper. Again, I'd oppose that course of that but there's some cap logic to it.

Can't speak to specific teams who've talked to the Flyers of late. However, despite Meszaros' superior offensive skills, the interest level and return on Grossmann would be higher, because he's signed for longer (Meszaros goes UFA after this season), makes less money and his team role is better defined.

I personally feel the Flyers still need Grossmann but I can't help but wonder if they've had some discussions that perhaps Gill as a number six or seven defenseman for one year on a modest contract -- with Lauridsen waiting in the wings -- might be passable and cheaper. Again, I'd oppose that course of that but there's some cap logic to it.
- bmeltzer

I'd greatly oppose that course also. It might make Cap sense, but that's not how they should approach it.

Any updates on Eric Wellwood?

Any updates on Eric Wellwood?
- Ondrej F

Said to be a little ahead of schedule. Hope so. That was a gruesome injury he suffered. Really, really nice and smart young man, too. I'd love to see him come back strong, get that that AHL deal converted back into an NHL contract and work his way back into contention for a PKing/checking role with the big club.

I'd greatly oppose that course also. It might make Cap sense, but that's not how they should approach it.
- MJL

Agreed, if they have to move a dman, I'd much rather move Mez. Even if they have to eat 25% of the salary and cap hit, they would still be dropping 3 million off their cap number this year which should be sufficient for their needs. Plus he would be a lot easier to move if the other team was only taking on a cap hit of 3 million and a salary of 4.125 million.

Alas, the rules say that the 19-year-old Laughton is ineligible for the American Hockey League despite having three OHL seasons under his belt. It's a joke of a rule that benefits neither the player nor the NHL team that already has him under entry-level contract.

This

This
- phatpat44

The rule should be 20 years of age or 3 Junior Seasons played.

The rule should be 20 years of age or 3 Junior Seasons played.
- MJL

Exactly. At this point you are actually punishing a kid for starting early.

Exactly. At this point you are actually punishing a kid for starting early.

- MBFlyerfan

There should be an appeal process simmilar to the one the ohl has for allowing younger kids to enter.

Exactly. At this point you are actually punishing a kid for starting early.

- MBFlyerfan

It seems so simple. A Junior team doesn't need a player for 4 Seasons. It's just holding a kid back. Laughton playing a 4th year in Juniors is going to be a waste.

Can't speak to specific teams who've talked to the Flyers of late. However, despite Meszaros' superior offensive skills, the interest level and return on Grossmann would be higher, because he's signed for longer (Meszaros goes UFA after this season), makes less money and his team role is better defined.

I personally feel the Flyers still need Grossmann but I can't help but wonder if they've had some discussions that perhaps Gill as a number six or seven defenseman for one year on a modest contract -- with Lauridsen waiting in the wings -- might be passable and cheaper. Again, I'd oppose that course of that but there's some cap logic to it.
- bmeltzer

I think I can be talked into Gill replacing Gervais as the 7th guy, but as a one for one replacement for Grossmann?

I can't see that.

I think I can be talked into Gill replacing Gervais as the 7th guy, but as a one for one replacement for Grossmann?

I can't see that.
- johndewar

Yea, I have zero interest in Gill from what I've seen so far. But I won't be terribly upset to see him as a 7th. But like you said, replacing Grossmann, no chance.

Fantastic run down of the cuts and projections for these players. Thanks, as always.

Said to be a little ahead of schedule. Hope so. That was a gruesome injury he suffered. Really, really nice and smart young man, too. I'd love to see him come back strong, get that that AHL deal converted back into an NHL contract and work his way back into contention for a PKing/checking role with the big club.
- bmeltzer

Back on August 12 Homer said he "isn't doing well" and wouldn't be ready 'til at least January. Maybe the past month has been good for him?

Gill is also a highly respected player in locker rooms throughout the NHL.

Another Jody Shelly situation???

I think they are still a little lacking in scoring depth and can use a few more good AHL vets if they are to compete for a playoff spot. But Murray has put a heavier emphasis on player development -- preparing players to potentially play in the NHL -- than on AHL wins. Ideally, of course, a team can do both but they really haven't had the horses to do that.

I think the forward corps could be improved this year if Flanagan and Straka play well, Noebels continues to develop, etc. Akeson and McGinn are pretty much givens to produce at least as much as last year. But I still wouldn't call the Phantoms attack an upper-echelon one in that league.
- bmeltzer

Hey Bill,
I know that there was talk Murray wouldn't be back with the Phantoms this season. Sounds like he is going to be? Any word on how long he will stay?

I can't believe potential Hart trophy finalist Jason Akeson got sent back to the Phantoms.

I can't believe potential Hart trophy finalist Jason Akeson got sent back to the Phantoms.
- KGBflyers10

I know! Pretty weird move for our first line winger!

Speaking of injuries, any word on Rinaldo?
And yes I know I'm beating a dead horse here.
I'm just sad cuz pre-season would be a great place for him to prove he can be used on penalty kills.

not really impressed w/ my brief look at raffl...not seeing a keeper there. obviously, we need a bigger sample.