I don't see how it's an overpayment for McDonald, who is a bonafide established NHL defenseman. Neither of the players Chicago got are.
- MJL

They gave up a low second rounder whose chances are much smaller to become a bonafied nhl player...Not like they traded a roster player. No one is comparing rundblad to Macdonald. I just think their backend would be much better set for the future with rundblad and macdonald versus macdonald alone.

Not sure I want Conacher matched up against other team's best lines. He's not really suited for 4th line duty either. He's more of a guy who needs to be in the top 6 to be effective. Unless we're moving Vinny, I don't see that happening.
- PhillySportsGuy

yeah can't move vinny. looking back. i would have rather played laughton this year, the kid is man amongst boys in juniors right now. than signed vinny. the PK is playing well, hall, coots, read. guys like that do their jobs on the pk. I really like the PP system with hartsy and simmer in front of the net and the umbrella of g kimmo and jake is just fine. personally the team is still lacking a bonafide goal scorer. too many players are too inconsistent in that department whether its brayden, reader, and vinny. we have depth in scoring but not that one player who with a flick of his wrist can be a game changer

I realize Grossman is the one thats signed out. But really if we deal Mez right now what do we have? We have weakened the offense from the back end, not really changing the mix at all. We gave up a 2nd rounder and a 3rd rounder to not change the mix, getting a little stronger in our own end (was that the problem?)

I'd rather keep Mez for the playoff run on the 3rd pairing where he is most effective, risk losing him in UFA after throwing him a lowball 1 or 2 year deal.

Dealing Grossman changes the mix from what we've talked about. Should be able to recoup the 3rd and a later pick also.

So in essence we've brought in Macdonald who blocks a hell of a lot of shots (biggest part of Grossman's game) while adding way more mobility, the cost is exchanging a 2nd rounder for lets say a 5th rounder.
- Just5

MacDonald is a player that can be just as good offensively as Meszaros, while being a better defensive player. So if the end result is McDonald replaces Meszaros, it has changed the mix.

The move itself isn't terrible, but seeing as Chicago got Rundblad and another RH defenseman for their second (which would be worse than our second), it's definitely an overpayment.
- jmatchett383

Im not sure I totally agree with this. Rundblad has played 50 games in the NHL and never more than 24 in a season. He has been up and down to the minors numerous times for two different franchises and probably a third.

This is not to say that he is not a better potential player than MacDonald.....But MacDonald is a guy who is playing 25 minutes a night and leading the league in blocked shots. Granted, its for the Icelanders, but that right there is a third round pick difference.

So, prospect on his third team for a second.........
25 minute a night league leading shotblocker who puts up points on a bad team for a 2nd, 3rd, and minor leaguer.

The deal doesnt seem so bad to me. Definitely not an overpayment.

Bill, what are your opinions on Grossman and Mez?
- Flyersgod

Like Grossmann a lot for the role he plays. Always have. He had an awful month of January. The Flyers now have three D-men who block a lot of shots, though, and you really don't need more than two such players. MacDonald has more mobility than either Grossmann or Luke Schenn (who is actually the one I'd shop but I could understand either of them getting moved).

Meszaros has regressed a lot defensively -- and has lost his former physical game entirely -- since all the injuries. He has played well offensively this season when given a chance to play. He won't be back here next season even if he survives the trade deadline today.

They gave up a low second rounder whose chances are much smaller to become a bonafied nhl player...Not like they traded a roster player. No one is comparing rundblad to Macdonald. I just think their backend would be much better set for the future with rundblad and macdonald versus macdonald alone.
- PhillaBully

That's fine, but that doesn't point out that the Flyers overpaid for MacDonald.

McDonald is a player that can be just as good offensively as Meszaros, while being a better defensive player. So if the end result is McDonald replaces Meszaros, it has changed the mix.
- MJL

didnt know the flyers brought in this guy



its macdonald....LOL just busting your stones man

That's fine, but that doesn't point out that the Flyers overpaid for McDonald.
- MJL

I dont think they overpaid for Amac.....i think its a great deal for the flyers.

McDonald is a player that can be just as good offensively as Meszaros, while being a better defensive player. So if the end result is McDonald replaces Meszaros, it has changed the mix.
- MJL

This move gives them options.

Like Grossmann a lot for the role he plays. Always have. He had an awful month of January. The Flyers now have three D-men who block a lot of shots, though, and you really don't need more than two such players. MacDonald has more mobility than either Grossmann or Luke Schenn (who is actually the one I'd shop but I could understand either of them getting moved).

Meszaros has regressed a lot defensively -- and has lost his former physical game entirely -- since all the injuries. He has played well offensively this season when given a chance to play. He won't be back here next season even if he survives the trade deadline today.
- bmeltzer

The question really becomes what you're looking for. Schenn will bring in a much better return in a trade then Grossmann will. But Grossmann isn't likely to get better, while Schenn still has the potential to do so.

didnt know the flyers brought in this guy



its macdonald....LOL just busting your stones man
- PhillaBully

Yes and no.
I like Rundblad, and longterm, he projects to be a quality defenseman.

This move means Homer wants to get in playoffs this season, not take on another dman with a learning curve.

Yes--the Flyers payed more up front, and have more immediate value.
Chicago got the better deal long-term.

But Homer might not get "long-term" with an angry Mr. Snider breathing down his neck.
- Moose_15

Not sure about Rundblad. He really has not progressed much the last three years since coming to N. America. He's a very good AHL offensive defenseman but suspect in his own zone. He needs to get better all-around to have a regular top-six job in the NHL (which he's been unable to do thus far).

More and more, I have started to wonder if he's one of those AHL-NHL tweeners in terms of his total game -- which in the long run portends more of an KHL future than NHL unless he starts to pick up the pace very soon.

I dont think they overpaid for Amac.....i think its a great deal.
- PhillaBully

not giving up any roster players for him makes it a good move. the team has a ton of quality guys on it, and theres a ton of positive character in that locker room for sure. most of the guys have been playing together now for 3 (one shortened) seasons and as a whole have def improved since all the acquisitions a few years back.

McDonald is a player that can be just as good offensively as Meszaros, while being a better defensive player. So if the end result is McDonald replaces Meszaros, it has changed the mix.
- MJL

We have seen what a healthy and confident Mezsaros can bring to a 3rd pairing and to a 2nd power play unit. Adding Macdonald pushes Grossman out of the Top 4. If it's my choice, I'm getting what I can for Grossman rather than Mez.

The question really becomes what you're looking for. Schenn will bring in a much better return in a trade then Grossmann is. But Grossmann isn't likely to get better, while Schenn still has the potential to do so.
- MJL

Exactly.

We have seen what a healthy and confident Mezsaros can bring to a 3rd pairing and to a 2nd power play unit. Adding Macdonald pushes Grossman out of the Top 4. If it's my choice, I'm getting what I can for Grossman rather than Mez.
- Just5

MacDonald plays on the PP also. He's a better player then Meszaros. Meszaros isn't likely coming back. And I think another defenseman is going with him eventually.

Not sure about Rundblad. He really has not progressed much the last three years since coming to N. America. He's a very good AHL offensive defenseman but suspect in his own zone. He needs to get better all-around to have a regular top-six job in the NHL (which he's been unable to do thus far).

More and more, I have started to wonder if he's one of those AHL-NHL tweeners in terms of his total game -- which in the long run portends more of an KHL future than NHL unless he starts to pick up the pace very soon.
- bmeltzer

That's very fair. I should say Chicago has the potential to win big. As the Rundblad risk (for a late 2nd rounder) could reap a big reward. Flyers opted to use that second foran entity that is less risky--looking for immediate return (I think).

The question really becomes what you're looking for. Schenn will bring in a much better return in a trade then Grossmann will. But Grossmann isn't likely to get better, while Schenn still has the potential to do so.
- MJL

I'm hanging onto Luke b/w the two of them. A few reasons...

1. His RH shot
2. Better outlet passer
3. Less wear and tear, and some room for growth in game.

Grossmann can handle the tougher assignments better right now, but with Macdonald in the fold, we have someone for that.

We have seen what a healthy and confident Mezsaros can bring to a 3rd pairing and to a 2nd power play unit. Adding Macdonald pushes Grossman out of the Top 4. If it's my choice, I'm getting what I can for Grossman rather than Mez.
- Just5

like what pronger said yesterday, the 3rd line d pairing has to play, a team cant just weather the storm when the line is out there. (think kraijcek and bartulis) and right now flyers have 3 lines with nhl caliber dmen. andy mac will be log to minutes when needed, hopefully the 15-20 range

thoughts on Sammi Vatenan?

The question really becomes what you're looking for. Schenn will bring in a much better return in a trade then Grossmann will. But Grossmann isn't likely to get better, while Schenn still has the potential to do so.
- MJL

Schenn will bring a bigger return, but what will that return be? His stock is at an all time low. He'd get you your 2nd and 3rd back, but I don't see him getting you much more.

Potentially. It's hard to say what Schenn's value is around the league. I doubt he'd bring back a 1st rounder in the top 25.

Schenn will bring a bigger return, but what will that return be? His stock is at an all time low. He'd get you your 2nd and 3rd back, but I don't see him getting you much more.
- PhillySportsGuy

yeah so basically in a sense trading andy mac for luke schenn straight up?

thoughts on Sammi Vatenan?
- PhillaBully

Talent
Cost

thoughts on Sammi Vatenan?
- PhillaBully

I like Sami Vatanen a lot. Reminds me so much of a righthanded version of Kimmo Timonen at the same age. Undersized but courageous, smart and skilled at both ends of the ice.

thoughts on Sammi Vatenan?
- PhillaBully

Loved him. Forgot about him. Don't know if he's been a bust or not.