That's assuming there are no FA signings, which could happen. I just wouldn't do anything over $1.1M, if anything at all. Also, Rinaldo usually takes someone with him when he takes a penalty (over the last 2 months or so, right before his injury, has been much better about it) where as Downie's a liability to do something stupid at any given moment.
- jmatchett383

Rinaldo has made an effort to get a lot better in that department. He knows theres no place for him in the NHL if he takes bad penalties.

Downie doesn't appear ready to change. Every game is one undisciplined penalty after another.

TBH, that's exactly what I'd like to see. Don't know if the cash would fit, and don't know if Downie's gonna come in at the number that would make it work, but yeah, I'd absolutely like to see those four guys battle for 2-3 spots.
- AllInForFlyers

That's my point: I don't wanna spend $1.5-$2M to see if a guy can win a bottom-6 winger spot and have him possibly being a healthy scratch.

Edit: If (big IF) Downie can control himself and be a net positive for most games from here on out, I have no problem with them trying to bring him back at a reasonable cost. But I have no reason to believe that will happen based on the last 3 months (Saturday aside).

Someone on the current D roster is likely going to be traded

It surprises me when Bill Meltzer thinks it is going to be LSchenn because he is more tradable.

I wouldn't bet against Bill, but I will be surprised if that happens.

Of course I would have bet money on them not trading frick and frack too.
- Marc D

I think Luke Schenn is more tradeable because of his age and the promise of what could still be. He's only 24, but it seems longer since he's been around the NHL since he was an 18 YO.

I also think the organization, to the absolute chagrin of many, just likes Nick Grossmann more than they like Luke Schenn and it's as simple as that.

canada need to get its poop together
- -davies-

it is a crazy thing where I live, close to the BC border.

when the canadian dollar is strong we have massive lines of canadians at the local costco, buying shopping carts full of milk

you can't even park at trader joe's, every license plate is from BC

Staggering numbers.
- PhillySportsGuy

We were last without Downie! How in the world is dumping one guy gonna fix that problem!

We were last without Downie! How in the world is dumping one guy gonna fix that problem!

- AllInForFlyers

Carcillo = Ultra Downie

The 4th line had quite a few legit scoring chances, almost exclusively because of Raffl.
- wolfhounds

I thought he spent quite a bit of time over both games looking awkward with the puck. I'm not saying he was terrible. I just don't understand the love for him. He's an okay player. A value for his contract and he's contributed more than most thought he would.

I watched the two games over the weekend. I don't understand the unabashed praise he's getting compared to the complete thrashing Downie's getting.

That's all I'm saying... I'm not trashing Raffl.

I think Luke Schenn is more tradeable because of his age and the promise of what could still be. He's only 24, but it seems longer since he's been around the NHL since he was an 18 YO.

I also think the organization, to the absolute chagrin of many, just likes Nick Grossmann more than they like Luke Schenn and it's as simple as that.
- johndewar

I think that is a mistake by them.

LSchenn looks pretty good since pairing with A Mac.

I like his toughness and that he is a righty.

He has been brutal for most of the year though.

I don't think they keep both of them. The summer will be interesting.

Carcillo = Ultra Downie
- jmatchett383

Number jump coincides with Hartnell and Briere…

The worst part is that its not just fighting majors. They routinely lead the league in minors. Dumb minors too like holding, hooking and tripping

That's my point: I don't wanna spend $1.5-$2M to see if a guy can win a bottom-6 winger spot and have him possibly being a healthy scratch.

Edit: If (big IF) Downie can control himself and be a net positive for most games from here on out, I have no problem with them trying to bring him back at a reasonable cost. But I have no reason to believe that will happen based on the last 3 months (Saturday aside).
- jmatchett383

Fair post. And again: Your concerns are absolutely valid. Downie leaves himself open to criticism, from time to time, and yeah, if he didn't take selfish penalties, he'd win a few more people over.

you can't even park at trader joe's, every license plate is from BC
- Marc D

Yah, Canadiens and their fondness for pretzel rolls and cheap vino.

I thought he spent quite a bit of time over both games looking awkward with the puck. I'm not saying he was terrible. I just don't understand the love for him. He's an okay player. A value for his contract and he's contributed more than most thought he would.

I watched the two games over the weekend. I don't understand the unabashed praise he's getting compared to the complete thrashing Downie's getting.

That's all I'm saying... I'm not trashing Raffl.
- mayorofangrytown

this is reasonable

no Nodl comparisons are called for

I thought he spent quite a bit of time over both games looking awkward with the puck. I'm not saying he was terrible. I just don't understand the love for him. He's an okay player. A value for his contract and he's contributed more than most thought he would.

I watched the two games over the weekend. I don't understand the unabashed praise he's getting compared to the complete thrashing Downie's getting.

That's all I'm saying... I'm not trashing Raffl.
- mayorofangrytown

When I watch Raffly play, keping in mind this is a player that is playing his first Pro Hockey after coming in from a lower Junior tier of European Hockey. And see how he has been able to step into the NHL game. And see the Hockey sense and smarts that he has as a player. And also see glimpses of offensive ability. For a player to be able to do that, in that situation. Flyers may have gotten themselves a gem of a free agent find.

I thought he spent quite a bit of time over both games looking awkward with the puck. I'm not saying he was terrible. I just don't understand the love for him. He's an okay player. A value for his contract and he's contributed more than most thought he would.

I watched the two games over the weekend. I don't understand the unabashed praise he's getting compared to the complete thrashing Downie's getting.

That's all I'm saying... I'm not trashing Raffl.
- mayorofangrytown

The major difference I see is that Raffl is faster, keeps his feet moving, and isn't prone to selfish penalties.

I thought he spent quite a bit of time over both games looking awkward with the puck. I'm not saying he was terrible. I just don't understand the love for him. He's an okay player. A value for his contract and he's contributed more than most thought he would.

I watched the two games over the weekend. I don't understand the unabashed praise he's getting compared to the complete thrashing Downie's getting.

That's all I'm saying... I'm not trashing Raffl.
- mayorofangrytown

He's a very strong defensive player, one of the few forwards who can skate, makes every line he plays on better, plays physically and brings it every game.

How many times have you walked away from a game saying Raffl had a bad game?

Raffl was a big part of the Flyers perfect PK over the weekend. But I don't think he stood out in 5 on 5 play. And he had one bad turnover that led to a goal against. That happens occasionally. He's normally very sound with the puck.
- MJL

Raffl turned it over, but why is Corburn jumping up on the play? 4-2 game in the 3rd... we have to attack, but come on

Number jump coincides with Hartnell and Briere…

The worst part is that its not just fighting majors. They routinely lead the league in minors. Dumb minors too like holding, hooking and tripping
- PhillySportsGuy

Those are the one that drive me absolutely crazy -- I lose my mind over tripping in the offensive zone.

I said it yesterday, but when that dude tried to run Downie in the third and Downie got his elbow up, that's how the game used to be played, and that kind of penalty, if it had been called, I totally understand.

Raffl turned it over, but why is Corburn jumping up on the play? 4-2 game in the 3rd... we have to attack, but come on
- CACannon18

I didn't say anything yesterday, but since you mentioned it...yeah. Holy hell. I had no effing clue what Coburn could POSSIBLY have been thinking.

It looked like his mind just locked up.

Fair post. And again: Your concerns are absolutely valid. Downie leaves himself open to criticism, from time to time, and yeah, if he didn't take selfish penalties, he'd win a few more people over.
- AllInForFlyers

Again, if he's able to control himself and be a positive over the last bit of this season, and will take a drop in salary for a reclamation year, then I'd definitely consider it. But he needs to play all of the games the way he did Saturday, not the way he has...well, almost every other game.

He's a very strong defensive player, one of the few forwards who can skate, makes every line he plays on better, plays physically and brings it every game.

How many times have you walked away from a game saying Raffl had a bad game?
- PhillySportsGuy

The man crush is in full swing then?

Those are the one that drive me absolutely crazy -- I lose my mind over tripping in the offensive zone.

I said it yesterday, but when that dude tried to run Downie in the third and Downie got his elbow up, that's how the game used to be played, and that kind of penalty, if it had been called, I totally understand.
- AllInForFlyers

The elbowing penalties as a player is about to be hit are annoying. Most of the time the player is just trying to protect his face. With Downie, he will never get the benefit of the doubt because of the way he behaves.

I dont blame him for every penalty, but he needs to understand that he brings it on himself. All of us have played sports and know how to interact with a referee. I don't see why he is always complaining and yelling at them.

It always easier to talk to a referee later on about the call and voice your opinion in a calm manner.

I didn't say anything yesterday, but since you mentioned it...yeah. Holy hell. I had no effing clue what Coburn could POSSIBLY have been thinking.

It looked like his mind just locked up.
- AllInForFlyers

Definitely not Coburn's finest moment. But I'm still coming down off of that high from him knocking the Crosby breakaway attempt away and then getting the hook called against Crosby.

The man crush is in full swing then?
- mayorofangrytown

Yup. He's like having another Read. A guy who can play all over the lineup for under $1M. I know he doesn't seem that valuable now, but just wait until they have an injury.

The elbowing penalties as a player is about to be hit are annoying. Most of the time the player is just trying to protect his face. With Downie, he will never get the benefit of the doubt because of the way he behaves.

I dont blame him for every penalty, but he needs to understand that he brings it on himself. All of us have played sports and know how to interact with a referee. I don't see why he is always complaining and yelling at them.

It always easier to talk to a referee later on about the call and voice your opinion in a calm manner.
- PhillySportsGuy

Totally agree.

Definitely not Coburn's finest moment. But I'm still coming down off of that high from him knocking the Crosby breakaway attempt away and then getting the hook called against Crosby.
- jmatchett383

I know. He, Timonen and Raffl were very good this weekend. I'm willing to look the other way on that whole sequence.