The Cap might force some moves. And so far I haven't seen a lot of signs that the Flyers are enamored with Gustafsson. We'll see what happens down the stretch. I'd like to see them put him in the lineup and leave him there.
- MJL

So would I. You can see his mobility and puck skills make this team better. Its an area this team absolutely needs and he can provide, at least, a little of it.

The Flyers have been in existence since 1967.....
How many top pairing defensemen have they drafted, and developed?

Most 18 year old defenseman do.
- MJL

I don't think most 18 year olds have the potential to be #1 defensemen. Very few do.
Also, he, in particular, has a further way to go that some others because of his rawness.

The Flyers have been in existence since 1967.....
How many top pairing defensemen have they drafted, and developed?
- PLindbergh31

Have they ever?

They may need to move some money around. I would like to see them upgrade the overall skill and mobility of the blue line. Timonen is set to retire, Coburn is our best dman, Streit isn't going anywhere, Schenn's value is at an all time low and most of us would like to see Gus get a full time spot. That leaves only Grossmann.
- PhillySportsGuy

One thing that Pinocchio mentions in his article that I agree with is that they're probably going to be tempted to fast-track Morin to the NHL next season and they'll probably succumb.

The Flyers have been in existence since 1967.....
How many top pairing defensemen have they drafted, and developed?
- PLindbergh31

By my count, 4, unless we also include Dan Kordic (who played defense during his first season). But yes, 4: Watson, Bladon, Wilson, and Pitkanen. All played as true #1 defensemen on this team, yet none were the "elite" defenseman that we're talking about.

The Flyers have been in existence since 1967.....
How many top pairing defensemen have they drafted, and developed?
- PLindbergh31

Also, how many superstar defensemen have Pittsburgh, LA, St. Louis, and Minnesota/Dallas drafted and developed? All I can think of are Pietrangelo, Letang, and Doughty between them.

please god let canada fail to medal

One thing that Pinocchio mentions in his article that I agree with is that they're probably going to be tempted to fast-track Morin to the NHL next season and they'll probably succumb.
- Tomahawk

They haven't really done for a while though. The exception being Sbisa. Richards, Carter, Giroux, Couturier, Schenn have all been brought along at a reasonable pace. People even argued that Laughton is being brought along too slowly.

I don't think Morin makes the team unless he wows them. I could see him getting a potential 9 game tryout if he looks good in camp.

please god let canada fail to medal
- Crimsoninja

I was really hoping they lost to Finland and set up a Canada Russia quarterfinal.

One thing that Pinocchio mentions in his article that I agree with is that they're probably going to be tempted to fast-track Morin to the NHL next season and they'll probably succumb.
- Tomahawk

If he's ready, he's ready. Simple as that.

By my count, 4, unless we also include Dan Kordic (who played defense during his first season). But yes, 4: Watson, Bladon, Wilson, and Pitkanen. All played as true #1 defensemen on this team, yet none were the "elite" defenseman that we're talking about.
- jmatchett383

Niiniimaa was pretty good on and off, too.

Niiniimaa was pretty good on and off, too.
- Tomahawk

Yeah, but he got traded after a year+. I didn't count him.

Also, how many superstar defensemen have Pittsburgh, LA, St. Louis, and Minnesota/Dallas drafted and developed? All I can think of are Pietrangelo, Letang, and Doughty between them.
- jmatchett383

I think it should be less about quality and more about quantity. The sheer number of NHL caliber defenseman other teams develop dwarfs what the Flyers have done.

Yeah, but he got traded after a year+. I didn't count him.
- jmatchett383

Don't spoil the narrative!

I was really hoping they lost to Finland and set up a Canada Russia quarterfinal.
- PhillySportsGuy

You think Russia is going to beat Norway tomorrow?

I think it should be less about quality and more about quantity. The sheer number of NHL caliber defenseman other teams develop dwarfs what the Flyers have done.
- PhillySportsGuy

I won't argue that. I was just answering the question and asking to compare it to the other 4 (still-existing) 1967 expansion teams.

Also, LA also drafted Murphy and Blake.

Also, how many superstar defensemen have Pittsburgh, LA, St. Louis, and Minnesota/Dallas drafted and developed? All I can think of are Pietrangelo, Letang, and Doughty between them.
- jmatchett383

Would have to look back at their draft history. I don't know off the top of my head.

You think Russia is going to beat Norway tomorrow?
- PLindbergh31

Norway wins 1-0 with the loan goal coming off a Thoreson cup deflection.

One thing that Pinocchio mentions in his article that I agree with is that they're probably going to be tempted to fast-track Morin to the NHL next season and they'll probably succumb.
- Tomahawk

You think they might fast track Ghost as well?

Would have to look back at their draft history. I don't know off the top of my head.
- PLindbergh31

LA picked Kimmo.

You think they might fast track Ghost as well?
- Feanor

I think Ghost would be perfect for the AHL next year. Give him a chance to play in a lesser league, but against more physically mature opponents. If Murray stays, he will help Ghost with his positional play as well.

Also, how many superstar defensemen have Pittsburgh, LA, St. Louis, and Minnesota/Dallas drafted and developed? All I can think of are Pietrangelo, Letang, and Doughty between them.
- jmatchett383

Looking at the Pens top defenseman ever. They don't have much either. At least the Flyers have signed guys and made some good trades for top dmen. I just saw a list of Pens top 25 defenseman ever and Alex Goligoski was number 25!

You think they might fast track Ghost as well?
- Feanor

I do.

I'm really excited to see this future hall of famer Zdeno Chara aka Samuel Morin play. Our prayers are answered.