Gone from Faceoff Winner/Good PK guy to "Elf on the Shelf" quickly. I wouldn't say he's played his way out of the lineup.
- Flyskippy

or that rosehill played his way into it

Question was asked indirectly ("Have you been happy with the fourth line the last few games?") but not really answered ("Yeah, like everyone, I thought the line was good on the Island; skated with energy and gave us some good shifts. Fine early on Tuesday and then our play dropped off.")
- bmeltzer

yuck.

thanks bill

the USHL and NAHL is just basically a stepping stone for kids going to college.
- nastyflyergirl

Okay. I know they're pretty much bottom of the bareel competition-wise, but I know several USHL players have been pretty good (Vanek as an example).

You might want to check your facts... he's up w/ the big club.
- Tomahawk

When did that happen?

Steve Downie! Yay more penalties

I'm not hating on Phaneuf. Like I said, its all about term. Those guys will take 3-4 years to be ready, but as UFA Phaneuf will be looking for 8 years... so in 4 years when those guys are ready, then Phaneuf's 7 million dollar contract with NMC becomes a liability. If he signs in toronto it will either be under 5 years, or have a limited NTC... Not a full NTC or NMC. Or at least that is what I would do if I was Toronto.

As for the Flyers. Homer put all his eggs in the Suter basket 2 years ago and came up empty. I wouldnt do the same for Phaneuf. You just can't risk it. Better to make a trade then Hope you sign a guy and be left with nothing.
- youarewrong

As a UFA Phanuef can only get 7 years, but that's neither here nor there. The right move needs to be available. And a trade might not net you a better player then Phaneuf. And you don't have to give up any players to sign a UFA.

When did that happen?
- MJL

He played really well in preseason, then carried that into his stint w/ the Marlies -- earned himself an early reprieve:
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=688867

I agree with all of that, its basically what I've been saying, except the nothing to lose part. If you wait until UFA then you lost most of your chances to make a trade to get a number 1 defenseman. Most moves happen before or at the draft. Then if the Flyers dont land Phaneuf they are dealing from a positon of weakness.

I like Phaneuf and would be willing to get him, but I dont want to wait a full season just for a "chance" to get him "IF" Toronto doesnt resign him. Better to just make a move for Campbell or Buff now.
- youarewrong

I'd rather wait the full year then trade for Byfuglien or Campbell.

WE JUST TRADED TALBOT!


Steve Downie for Talbot straight-up.

Steve Downie! Yay more penalties
- PLindbergh31

I don't see you guys talking about it, but Talbot was traded for Downie, E5

I don't see you guys talking about it, but Talbot was traded for Downie, E5
- jimbro83

Yeah, kind of shocking actually... lol.

Yeah, kind of shocking actually... lol.
- Flyers_V88

Very shocking.

Yeah, kind of shocking actually... lol.
- Flyers_V88

good trade for Flyers I think

Very shocking.
- MJL

Can someone explain this move? Does Downie make us better?

Can someone explain this move? Does Downie make us better?
- PhillySportsGuy

Offensively, yes. Defensively and on the PK. It makes them worse.

good trade for Flyers I think
- jimbro83

Overall, I'd say so. Some changes needed to be made, and unfortunately Max had to go. I wonder if there are more dominoes to fall? lol.

WE JUST TRADED TALBOT!


Steve Downie for Talbot straight-up.
- Flyers_V88

Not a bad deal... he's more of a viable top-9 forward than Talbot... a UFA at the end of the year... gonna miss Max, but not his contract.

Offensively, yes. Defensively and on the PK. It makes them worse.
- MJL

Agreed, but I think the plan is to try Rinaldo on the PK.

When did that happen?
- MJL

Last week.

Not a bad deal... he's more of a viable top-9 forward than Talbot... a UFA at the end of the year... gonna miss Max, but not his contract.
- Tomahawk

Agreed!

Very shocking.
- MJL

Come on. You can find a way to rationalize it.

WTF?

I'd imagine there are more dominoes? At least I hope so.

Offensively, yes. Defensively and on the PK. It makes them worse.
- MJL

Who will take Talbot's spot on PK?

Offensively, yes. Defensively and on the PK. It makes them worse.
- MJL

Makes them more disciplined.