Theres no way Downie gets resigned next year unless hes willing to take half of what he makes now.

I will admit, there are good things he does out there that I wont say a Mcginn can come in and do. Hes not terrible in his own zone. I would still be shocked if they bring him back.
- Just5

Raffl can take his third line spot and they can sign a guy like Mike Rupp, Taylor Pyatt or Chris Thorburn to play on the 4th line and provide gritty play

with the emergence of Raffl, Downie has no role on this team imo - he does very little effectively at this point. he is know longer the agitator, but the agitated.

This depends, though, on what else they do. I wouldn't mind seeing a guy like Raffi Torres/Ott added to the roster somewhere.
- wilsonecho91

With Laughton coming up next year....he can play a little agitator role too. Your right there's no spot for him.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Laughton see some time at Raffl's expense on board the 3rd line next season, especially early in the year

Raffl can take his third line spot and they can sign a guy like Mike Rupp, Taylor Pyatt or Chris Thorburn to play on the 4th line and provide gritty play
- Jsaquella

What about Vinny going forward for the 2nd line? I'm not ok with it. Unless he blows our doors off in the playoffs which I do not see happening.

That 2nd PP unit shouldn't be as dreadful as it is either. Not saying its all his fault but it looks like theres no plan except for point shots on that 2nd unit.

With Laughton coming up next year....he can play a little agitator role too. Your right there's no spot for him.
- Just5

according to some(ob) he will need a few years of seasoning in the A

What about Vinny going forward for the 2nd line? I'm not ok with it. Unless he blows our doors off in the playoffs which I do not see happening.

That 2nd PP unit shouldn't be as dreadful as it is either. Not saying its all his fault but it looks like theres no plan except for point shots on that 2nd unit.
- Just5

Can't see Vinny moving. He can't play shutdown role and he's making too much to be Homer's popcorn and Pepsi runner.

Laughton could well end up on the third line, too, or maybe Brayden Schenn ends up being dealt for a defenseman

Wouldn't be surprised to see Laughton see some time at Raffl's expense on board the 3rd line next season, especially early in the year
- Giroux_Is_God

wouldn't think it would be at Raffl's expense. I'd see it as follows:

19-28-93
17-14-40 (yack)
12-Laughton-Read
4th line

10 traded for D


edit: (frank) leight

according to some(ob) he will need a few years of seasoning in the A
- Crimsoninja

This too.

I'd actually like to see him further develop his offensive game in the AHL. I don't think a season there would kill him.

All hinges on his preseason performance really. His try out has been exhausted right?

This too.

I'd actually like to see him further develop his offensive game in the AHL. I don't think a season there would kill him.

All hinges on his preseason performance really. His try out has been exhausted right?
- Giroux_Is_God

I'd love a 4th line of Laughton, Hall and Raffl

according to some(ob) he will need a few years of seasoning in the A
- Crimsoninja

Never once said Laughton needs AHL time, I've said that about Morin.

I'd love a 4th line of Laughton, Hall and Raffl
- Jsaquella

That is an appetizing 4th line indeed. Those guys certainly would work the forecheck and cycle hard.

Seems like it's a misconception throughout many in the hockey world that the fourth line guys need to throw hits. That's really not the case.

That is an appetizing 4th line indeed. Those guys certainly would work the forecheck and cycle hard.

Seems like it's a misconception throughout many in the hockey world that the fourth line guys need to throw hits. That's really not the case.
- Giroux_Is_God

I have little issue with Rinaldo continuing to play on the 4th line.

I have little issue with Rinaldo continuing to play on the 4th line.
- wilsonecho91

When Rinaldo plays his "effective" game, he's a HUGE asset. When he plays his stupid game....well he's stupid.

He's certainly brought his effective game since the break ended. Hopefully he keeps that up

Never once said Laughton needs AHL time, I've said that about Morin.
- ob18

im just messing

Iginla sniped that one

He's their first round pick from 2 seasons ago. His season in Finland just ended so he can sign his entry level contract.
- mayorofangrytown

Wonder if the new rules allow him to ATO in Rockford... I heard freshly signed college UFAs are no longer allowed to join AHL clubs down the stretch. Wonder if it's the same for pros crossing the pond.

im just messing
- Crimsoninja

i just saw Sean Avery on Dancing with the Stars

Theres no way Downie gets resigned next year unless hes willing to take half of what he makes now.

I will admit, there are good things he does out there that I wont say a Mcginn can come in and do. Hes not terrible in his own zone. I would still be shocked if they bring him back.
- Just5

Downie is a talented gritty player....but your right that he doesn't deserve an extension.....but there's 15 games left for him to right the ship.... I haven't sold him down the river yet, balls in his court....he needs to get it going.

When Rinaldo plays his "effective" game, he's a HUGE asset. When he plays his stupid game....well he's stupid.

He's certainly brought his effective game since the break ended. Hopefully he keeps that up
- Giroux_Is_God

I like him on the 4th line.....he is maturing and getting better as he goes....all good signs.

Honestly I think some are selling Raffl short....to me he has the talent to be a top six forward....and what I love is that he's defensively responsible as well....all this and he's still just a rookie.

Can't see Vinny moving. He can't play shutdown role and he's making too much to be Homer's popcorn and Pepsi runner.

Laughton could well end up on the third line, too, or maybe Brayden Schenn ends up being dealt for a defenseman
- Jsaquella

For Vinny to be moved it's going to have to be his idea. The bright side is he is too talented not to be able to produce better then he has to this point.....my question is his health.....both this year and going forward....lot of hard miles on this car.

Honestly I think some are selling Raffl short....to me he has the talent to be a top six forward....and what I love is that he's defensively responsible as well....all this and he's still just a rookie.
- landros 2

But he's 25 or so isn't he? Matt Read came in the same age, he pretty much is what he is. I love Raffl as a 3rd liner. Absolutely love him and dont see why a Raffl-coots-Read line doesnt work going forward.

Boston really are head and shoulders above any team in the East. I think the conference will have to depend on Montreal knocking them off as they seem to give them fits.

Honestly I think some are selling Raffl short....to me he has the talent to be a top six forward....and what I love is that he's defensively responsible as well....all this and he's still just a rookie.
- landros 2

He's a rookie, but he's also 24, so he's not a kid fresh out of juniors. That's not to say he can't be a top 6 guy, he's made a lot of huge adjustments over the course of this season and still could grow.

Fortunately, the Flyers don't have to count on him becoming a top 6 guy.

For Vinny to be moved it's going to have to be his idea. The bright side is he is too talented not to be able to produce better then he has to this point.....my question is his health.....both this year and going forward....lot of hard miles on this car.
- landros 2

The only way I could see him going is if it was back to Tampa...Maybe the Rangers as a wildcard and a reunion with Richards & St Louis, because Sather and the Rangers do poop like that.