tbh no one gives a poop
- 2Real

Plenty of people care. Do you know how big an NBA city Philadelphia was in the late 70's until the end of the Barkley era? There was also this guy named Wilt Chamberlain that used to play in Philly. The Iverson era saw the arena sold out most nights too.

Actually Luke Schenn was a top defenseman playing top minutes in key situations in Toronto for a couple of Seasons. And also had some inconsistent Seasons where his minutes were down.
The only time that JVR was a top forward for the Flyers was for a short span of 11 games one playoff Season. The rest of the time, he was way down on the list of key forwards for the Flyers.
Luke Schenn spent far more time as a top player as a Leaf, then JVR did as a Flyer.
- MJL

No actually Schenn was not that guy, not sure who you confused him with....he had a strong Rookie season then regressed badly....he never regained his rookie showing..
JVR scored 15 as a rookie....21 in year two where he also had a good playoff, then it was his third year after getting hurt that Philly got cold feet.
Schenn is inconsistent in year 6..... Got news for ya....JVR has only gotten better since he been in TO....has Schenn gotten better as time has gone on ? But wait....he might!!!!!

I wouldn't be too mad about a Laughton for Kulikov deal. Comparable talent levels. Not giving up much in terms of youth. Addresses the biggest need on the team by dealing from a position of strength. I dont know, not a whole lot for me to get angry over if that deal were to go down.

Leier and Laughton winning back to back player of the week honors for their respective leagues. I like it!

I wouldn't be too mad about a Laughton for Kulikov deal. Comparable talent levels. Not giving up much in terms of youth. Addresses the biggest need on the team by dealing from a position of strength. I dont know, not a whole lot for me to get angry over if that deal were to go down.
- hereticpride

I don't think there is anyone more disappointed than me seeing what Maatta is doing in Pittsburgh, that said, Laughton appears to have a legit chance to be a second line Center, that can put up 50 or so points and be a shutdown type. If that is truly his ceiling, I would prefer to keep him. Just my opinion.

Leier and Laughton winning back to back player of the week honors for their respective leagues. I like it!
- PhillySportsGuy

It's the best 2 forwards prospects they have........They've added plenty of D in the drafts the last 2 years. Now if it allows some forwards needs to be added, hell even another goalie.

Plenty of people care. Do you know how big an NBA city Philadelphia was in the late 70's until the end of the Barkley era? There was also this guy named Wilt Chamberlain that used to play in Philly. The Iverson era saw the arena sold out most nights too.
- PLindbergh31

I care about the team. I disagree with the notion that you NEED to tank in order to get better. There are plenty of teams that have gotten better and become contenders through savvy drafting and free agency. The Pacers don't have any top 5 picks on their team (except turner lol) and they are a legit contender. In fact, some people believe they're the favorite.

I don't think there is anyone more disappointed than me seeing what Maatta is doing in Pittsburgh, that said, Laughton appears to have a legit chance to be a second line Center, that can put up 50 or so points and be a shutdown type. If that is truly his ceiling, I would prefer to keep him. Just my opinion.
- PLindbergh31

I wouldn't have an issue with that if it weren't for the Vinny signing/BSchenn's better abilities at Center. I just cant see Laughton getting quality playing time if he comes up and replaces Downie. I'm not sure how he would look on the left wing, but that may be his best shot at the Flyers keeping him in the long run.

It's the best 2 forwards prospects they have........They've added plenty of D in the drafts the last 2 years. Now if it allows some forwards needs to be added, hell even another goalie.
- ob18

I know. I like both Laughton and Leier, but they do need to add some depth at forward and goalie. You look at other teams and they have 3 prospects like Stolarz. Goalies are so flaky. It's dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket.

I always advocate BPA, but all things being equal, I'd rather they take a forward in the first round.

I care about the team. I disagree with the notion that you NEED to tank in order to get better. There are plenty of teams that have gotten better and become contenders through savvy drafting and free agency. The Pacers don't have any top 5 picks on their team (except turner lol) and they are a legit contender. In fact, some people believe they're the favorite.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yup. I agree 100%. All pro Leagues should do that with the draft process. Give the team with the best record that doesn't make the playoffs the best chance at the # 1 pick. If that was the case, you wouldn't see teams tanking. It would give incentive for every team to field the most competitive team possible.

No actually Schenn was not that guy, not sure who you confused him with....he had a strong Rookie season then regressed badly....he never regained his rookie showing..
JVR scored 15 as a rookie....21 in year two where he also had a good playoff, then it was his third year after getting hurt that Philly got cold feet.
Schenn is inconsistent in year 6..... Got news for ya....JVR has only gotten better since he been in TO....has Schenn gotten better as time has gone on ? But wait....he might!!!!!
- landros 2

That is not the case. Here are the facts. Luke Schenn in his rookie year, averaged 21:32 of TOI per game which was 4th overall among Leafs defenseman. Which included 18:10 of ES icetime per game, which was 2nd among Leafs defenseman, and averaged 3:05 of ice time per game shorthanded. Which led all Leafs defenseman.
He was inconsistent and his icetime dropped the next Season in 09/10.
Then again in 10/11, his icetime actually increased from where it was in his rookie year to average 22:22 TOI. 3rd overall in ES ice time. And he again was a top PK defenseman, second only to Beauchemin with 2:44 of PK ice time. So to say that he never regained his rookie showing, is inaccurate.

And yes, Luke Schenn can get better going forward. Just as JVR can regress going forward. Time will tell.

I know. I like both Laughton and Leier, but they do need to add some depth at forward and goalie. You look at other teams and they have 3 prospects like Stolarz. Goalies are so flaky. It's dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket.

I always advocate BPA, but all things being equal, I'd rather they take a forward in the first round.
- PhillySportsGuy

There are some goalies I'd sure look at in the draft but won't rush to select one.

I wouldn't have an issue with that if it weren't for the Vinny signing/BSchenn's better abilities at Center. I just cant see Laughton getting quality playing time if he comes up and replaces Downie. I'm not sure how he would look on the left wing, but that may be his best shot at the Flyers keeping him in the long run.
- hereticpride

A lot can change in a Season or two. With the Flyers depth at Center, it's a good bet that one of them is traded at some point to shore up another area.

tbh no one gives a poop
- 2Real

Philadelphia is a good basketball town.

The problem is, with the rules in the NBA, with respect to player movement, etc, it's impossible for a team to go from last to first like in so many sports. You have to be wretched before you can contend in the NBA, which is why, I believe, the league is terribly flawed. No one cares about the Sixers because they can't get competitive until they completely tank (which they are doing now, thankfully).

I care about the team. I disagree with the notion that you NEED to tank in order to get better. There are plenty of teams that have gotten better and become contenders through savvy drafting and free agency. The Pacers don't have any top 5 picks on their team (except turner lol) and they are a legit contender. In fact, some people believe they're the favorite.
- PhillySportsGuy

I wouldn't have an issue with that if it weren't for the Vinny signing/BSchenn's better abilities at Center. I just cant see Laughton getting quality playing time if he comes up and replaces Downie. I'm not sure how he would look on the left wing, but that may be his best shot at the Flyers keeping him in the long run.
- hereticpride

Fair points. When Laughton becomes an NHL regular, I certainly don't want him being buried on a 4th line playing 7-8 minutes a game.

Regarding Downie, in theory he was brought here because the Flyers were struggling to score, well he's got 3 goals in 50 games. I know he's been injured, but he hasn't played well for the most part.

I know. I like both Laughton and Leier, but they do need to add some depth at forward and goalie. You look at other teams and they have 3 prospects like Stolarz. Goalies are so flaky. It's dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket.

I always advocate BPA, but all things being equal, I'd rather they take a forward in the first round.
- PhillySportsGuy

I dont know a ton about the top prospects this year but it sure looks like there are ton of nice looking skill wingers in the first round. I definitely wouldn't mind them getting a real fancy skill guy to play on the outside.

Fair points. When Laughton becomes an NHL regular, I certainly don't want him being buried on a 4th line playing 7-8 minutes a game.

Regarding Downie, in theory he was brought here because the Flyers were struggling to score, well he's got 3 goals in 50 games. I know he's been injured, but he hasn't played well for the most part.
- PLindbergh31

There is nothing wrong with Laughton starting his Flyers career playing on the 4th line. Richards and Carter spent time on the 4th line as Rookies. Raffl has been playing on the 4th line and getting plenty of ice time.

Yup. I agree 100%. All pro Leagues should do that with the draft process. Give the team with the best record that doesn't make the playoffs the best chance at the # 1 pick. If that was the case, you wouldn't see teams tanking. It would give incentive for every team to field the most competitive team possible.
- PLindbergh31

With the "Bird Rule", they practically killed the idea of player movement in that league. You can pay extra to keep your own guy, which pretty much guarantees free agency is not a typical route to be a contender (the LeBron James thing notwithstanding).

I don't think there is anyone more disappointed than me seeing what Maatta is doing in Pittsburgh, that said, Laughton appears to have a legit chance to be a second line Center, that can put up 50 or so points and be a shutdown type. If that is truly his ceiling, I would prefer to keep him. Just my opinion.
- PLindbergh31

Rod Brind'Amour lite....

There are some goalies I'd sure look at in the draft but won't rush to select one.
- ob18

Im an advocate of selecting at least one goalie in every draft. I believe goaltending prospect depth is much better than having 1 guy with great potential.

The future is always so unpredictable with goalies. Its nice knowing you have young guys coming through the system more often. This franchise has done a poor job developing both defenseman and goaltenders.

There is nothing wrong with Laughton starting his Flyers career playing on the 4th line. Richards and Carter spent time on the 4th line as Rookies. Raffl has been playing on the 4th line and getting plenty of ice time.
- MJL

I don't mind that but I'd prefer it not be with certain players.

- johndewar

!

Fair points. When Laughton becomes an NHL regular, I certainly don't want him being buried on a 4th line playing 7-8 minutes a game.

Regarding Downie, in theory he was brought here because the Flyers were struggling to score, well he's got 3 goals in 50 games. I know he's been injured, but he hasn't played well for the most part.
- PLindbergh31

Laughton will play more than 8 minutes, but don't be surprised if it's in a 4th line/PK role.

And let's see how Downie is now, down the stretch. I'm guessing you see a different player from here on out.

With the "Bird Rule", they practically killed the idea of player movement in that league. You can pay extra to keep your own guy, which pretty much guarantees free agency is not a typical route to be a contender (the LeBron James thing notwithstanding).
- johndewar

They should bring that concept over to the NHL. Call it the "Holmgren rule"!