My problem is that it would be further proof that this org doesnt understand how to win...

Right now the Flyers are really in a good spot for the future... They have some solid prospects coming up the ranks in Laughton, Haag, and Morin... they have a very young core group of forwards that all have really good skill sets. Just be patient. If we miss the playoffs again this year and next we get a few more good players. Eventually we need to restock the cupboards. Draft well, and surround your core group with complimentary players.

Worked well for Pitt, Chi, Colorado, Stl, TB and Toronto..
- jak521

Exactly what bugged me about trading Bob and signing Bryz. Can't wait for all the posts about crying since I referenced a past hockey trade.

Exactly what bugged me about trading Bob and signing Bryz. Can't wait for all the posts about crying since I referenced a past hockey trade.
- funmaster18

I really dont have a problem with adding vets and older players through FA.. but DO NOT GIVE UP ASSETS FOR AGING STARS!

Instead of getting that ONE guy, assembling a better/deeper mix in the meantime while you keep trying to draft/poach a future #1 could be the least costly option.

While they're not top-pairing guys, Michael Stone, Alec Martinez, Nikita Nikitin Tyson Barrie, and Jamie McBain are all puck-movers who've been caught up in the numbers game and have been in and out of their teams' lineups.... none would cost too much, and all have top-4 potential.

Tim Erixon is also tearing up the AHL, but the Jackets have too many of those types on the roster already... maybe there's a deal to be made there. And Rundblad is still out there, too.
- Tomahawk

Those are the kinds of guys they need to be looking at, yes.

McBain has performed poorly when given extra responsibility. I would shy away from him.

Instead of getting that ONE guy, assembling a better/deeper mix in the meantime while you keep trying to draft/poach a future #1 could be the least costly option.

While they're not top-pairing guys, Michael Stone, Alec Martinez, Nikita Nikitin Tyson Barrie, and Jamie McBain are all puck-movers who've been caught up in the numbers game and have been in and out of their teams' lineups.... none would cost too much, and all have top-4 potential.

Tim Erixon is also tearing up the AHL, but the Jackets have too many of those types on the roster already... maybe there's a deal to be made there. And Rundblad is still out there, too.
- Tomahawk

If they are going to do the young, waiting game, then I would rather just wait and see what Morin, Hagg, Alt, Konan, Gostisbere, and Laurdisen can do. At least 3 will be NHL players IMO and I'm counting on at least 1 top pairing guy. Add that to Schenn and Gus and that is a solid defense for some time.

I'm wondering if, before he left, Shelley gave the deer-in-headlights when handling the puck sickness to Simmonds.
- jmatchett383

Simmonds makes Hartnell look like Foppa when it comes to puck handling and passing.

Yes, I would not be interested in a player that has averaged 35 goals per season in his whole career and is almost a point per game player. I'm sorry, can you tell me what Flyers player has done this?
- youarewrong

Relax, spanky.

I really dont have a problem with adding vets and older players through FA.. but DO NOT GIVE UP ASSETS FOR AGING STARS!
- jak521

I didn't like adding Bryz as a FA because of the length and money tied up in a soon to be aging veteran goalie with question marks while the rest of the team was young and developing with promise in a young goaltender. I just feel like they go after what lacked the year before without considering what the team may look like a few years down the road.

And on vanek, why trade for a guy that may be available in the offseason? I have to believe vanek is interested in shopping around after spending a career so far with buffalo.

While we hammer away on Simmonds, Hartnell and V and G...anyone think the pressure has gotten to these 4 guys for signing big longterm contracts in the last 2 years and missing the playoffs last year?

If they are going to do the young, waiting game, then I would rather just wait and see what Morin, Hagg, Alt, Konan, Gostisbere, and Laurdisen can do. At least 3 will be NHL players IMO and I'm counting on at least 1 top pairing guy. Add that to Schenn and Gus and that is a solid defense for some time.
- youarewrong

This will be a very telling year for Morin and Hagg. I'd like to see them progress as the year goes on, especially Hagg. Morin should be able to put up good numbers offensively, continue his positioning game, and hopefully add a few pounds of muscle. Hagg needs to work on playing consistently. I'd like to see Alt do the same. Lauridsen I think can be a good #6 heading into next year. Gostisbehere is probably still 2 full AHL seasons away (possible call-up for 2015-16).

While we hammer away on Simmonds, Hartnell and V and G...anyone think the pressure has gotten to these 4 guys for signing big longterm contracts in the last 2 years and missing the playoffs last year?
- JW98FlyerFan

I don't think helps

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/50530-NHL-scouts-rerank-2012-NHL-draft.html
- jak521

That was done in March. I'm sure Maata is higher then Laughton now. lol

Yes, I would not be interested in a player that has averaged 35 goals per season in his whole career and is almost a point per game player. I'm sorry, can you tell me what Flyers player has done this?
- youarewrong

Lindros

This will be a very telling year for Morin and Hagg. I'd like to see them progress as the year goes on, especially Hagg. Morin should be able to put up good numbers offensively, continue his positioning game, and hopefully add a few pounds of muscle. Hagg needs to work on playing consistently. I'd like to see Alt do the same. Lauridsen I think can be a good #6 heading into next year. Gostisbehere is probably still 2 full AHL seasons away (possible call-up for 2015-16).
- jmatchett383

Call me crazy but I really liked what I saw out of morin in the preseason. I'm pretty high on him and think he will be a solid player.

While we hammer away on Simmonds, Hartnell and V and G...anyone think the pressure has gotten to these 4 guys for signing big longterm contracts in the last 2 years and missing the playoffs last year?
- JW98FlyerFan

Absolutely. But I'd hope they could handle that pressure. I mean, Hartnell and Giroux both thrived in the Cup Finals. Voracek played the best hockey of his life in the Pittsburgh playoffs. I'd hope they'd be able to handle the Carolina Hurricanes in a regular season game.

I don't think helps
- funmaster18

I am sure losing doesn't help, but they hot looked like they are having fun playing since game one...too "stiff"

That was done in March. I'm sure Maata is higher then Laughton now. lol
- youarewrong

Then we better trade him for a guy almost 10 years older than him and may not resign

Call me crazy but I really liked what I saw out of morin in the preseason. I'm pretty high on him and think he will be a solid player.
- funmaster18

He didn't look out of place in the few preseason games he saw. Still, I'd like him to have one more QMJHL year and then some time (1/2 year) in the AHL before he's brought in.

Absolutely. But I'd hope they could handle that pressure. I mean, Hartnell and Giroux both thrived in the Cup Finals. Voracek played the best hockey of his life in the Pittsburgh playoffs. I'd hope they'd be able to handle the Carolina Hurricanes in a regular season game.
- jmatchett383

I think it is different pressure...excitement vs guilt

Simmonds and Hartnell before getting hurt have irritated me beyond belief. their bread and butter in in front of the net and on the wall digging out pucks. Have they forgotten this? there is NO net presence and Simmonds seems to lose every puck battle. I cringe when he has the puck on the PP.
- nastyflyergirl

Hartnell I agree with, but Simmonds is always in front of the net... they should have given him an assist for setting the screen on that Coburn goal. He almost scored one in the 1st driving hard to the weak-side post as well.

With that said, the goals haven't been there because he's missing the net (Schenn has missed easy chances in that area, too), and his teammates just aren't getting enough shots through to create enough 2nd-chance opps for him to pounce on.

I am sure losing doesn't help, but they hot looked like they are having fun playing since game one...too "stiff"
- JW98FlyerFan

The way the roster is now, a lot more pressure is on them to be the guys that lead the team

Giving up significant assets to acquire Vanek would be a terrible move IMO.

However if Giroux continues to struggle, and the Devils continue play poorly, I would consider trying to reacquire Jagr, if, and only if, we can get him for no more than a 4th rounder or a bottom end prospect.

seriously how can they all be judged already? Hamilton and Maatta could both easily level off and do nothing moving forward. Only time will tell one way or another.
- nastyflyergirl

I've already started a petition to change the name of the Norris Trophy to the Hamilton-Maatta trophy, because both players are obviously reincarnations of Bobby Rod Langway Orr.

So, suffice it to say, we all enjoyed last night's Columbus Blue Jackets alumni game, yes?

My problem is that it would be further proof that this org doesnt understand how to win...

Right now the Flyers are really in a good spot for the future... They have some solid prospects coming up the ranks in Laughton, Haag, and Morin... they have a very young core group of forwards that all have really good skill sets. Just be patient. If we miss the playoffs again this year and next we get a few more good players. Eventually we need to restock the cupboards. Draft well, and surround your core group with complimentary players.

Worked well for Pitt, Chi, Colorado, Stl, TB and Toronto..
- jak521

Toronto's turn around has nothing to do with thier dreafting... Kessel, JVR, Phaneuf, Bernier.... they didnt draft them.

And tell me how well it has worked for the ATL/Win franchise, Coyotes, Panthers, Carolina, Islanders. They have been bad for what seems like decades. If you dont get lucky (PIT, CHI, TB) then its a much longer road then you think in most cases.

Has a concussion now, too.
- Tomahawk

oh? hadn't heard. that sucks.