Yes, I could see this, I don't know if the kids would be ready to take on big minutes for a while, maybe 2-3 years down the road, this team needs another capable defenseman.
Homer had no problem throwing the cash and term at Vinny, giving it to Niskanen would be $$$ well spent in caparison.
If Kimmo does retire, we have Coburn, MacDonald, Luke, & what else?
Streit did play much better, but again, he's 36?
Grossmann is ok, so is Gus, but for this team to seriously contend, the back line needs to be solidified.
- puckhead17

I'm okay with one of the top 6 going to one of the kids. Which one? I don't know, probably Alt. So I do agree, other additions need to be made to the blueline. I'm not sure I would feel comfortable paying a d-man $6 million + who doesn't play on the PK (at least according to the stats on NHL.com). Hypothetically, let's just suppose he replaces Kimmo. Already, Streit isn't on the PK much. The 6th d-man spot held down by a young player, probably won't do much PK work. If Niskanen doesn't assume some of that responsibility, that's some major heavy lifting for Grossmann, Schenn, MacDonald, and Coburn. We all know this team will see plenty of work in the PK department. Again, Niskanen is a free agent move that has the Flyers written all over him. I just hope they don't fork over another 3rd round draft pick to negotiate early with him.

Maybe he can play on the PK. Byslma certainly hasn't been inclined to put him there.

No way would I sign him for $6 million/ 6 years. If that's the market then I take a step back. Not going $6 million and not going 6 years. Hartnell has 5 years left at $4.75 years. Moulson is 1.5 years younger and gets over 100 less PIM a year. Would you trade Hartnell for a 4th round pick and sign Moulson 5/$25 with no MNC?
- jstross

Hartnell takes some awful penalties, but he is a PF. Moulson will go to the net, but he's much smaller. He's not going to mix things up with the other team the way Hartnell will.

I think Moulson is better than Hartnell, but I don't think it's worth going through all that would need to be done in order to get him. I think Moulson will be $6M.

I'd say it's a lot more then a handful. It's not uncommon for player to play at a high level well into their 30's. A lot of things have to happen for Lecavalier to be a good player again. He has to be healthy. He has to be used right, and he has to play with the right kind of players. But there is no doubt in my mind, that unless his back injury is chronic, that he can produce at a level to make the contract and the signing worth it. The Flyers have to decide what they want, going forward. If they're not going to use him right, then they should try to move him.
- MJL

I do believe Homer when he said Lava really sold Vinny about coming to Philly. Vinny is exactly the type of center he would like for Lava's aggressive forecheck. Big and strong along the walls, who could protect the puck. Best defense is just to keep forechecking and keep the puck in the offensive zone.

Realistically, I think it is 50/50 whether he is on the roster come training camp.

I'm okay with one of the top 6 going to one of the kids. Which one? I don't know, probably Alt. So I do agree, other additions need to be made to the blueline. I'm not sure I would feel comfortable paying a d-man $6 million + who doesn't play on the PK (at least according to the stats on NHL.com). Hypothetically, let's just suppose he replaces Kimmo. Already, Streit isn't on the PK much. The 6th d-man spot held down by a young player, probably won't do much PK work. If Niskanen doesn't assume some of that responsibility, that's some major heavy lifting for Grossmann, Schenn, MacDonald, and Coburn. We all know this team will see plenty of work in the PK department. Again, Niskanen is a free agent move that has the Flyers written all over him. I just hope they don't fork over another 3rd round draft pick to negotiate early with him.

Maybe he can play on the PK. Byslma certainly hasn't been inclined to put him there.
- ravishingone

I didn't realize that, but, maybe he can.
I know he would be able to replace Kimmo on the PP, but he would have to log PK time as well, your correct.

Yup. I guess it was all just bad luck. The other team kept scoring just as Vinny hopped off the bench.

Get real, dude. VL was sheltered all season. He has the highest ozone starting% and only Rinaldo played against weaker competition.

There is a reason he's been moved around so much and demoted to the 4th line. Its not like Berube is some bumhole who likes putting prestigious players down in the lineup.

Edit: I put weight on both players who score goals and players who prevent goals. Saying VL "isn't known as a defensive player" is such a lame excuse for his poor defense.
- PhillySportsGuy

Get real dude? LOL. He should be sheltered, and he should start a lot of his shifts in the offensive zone. He's an offensive player, and that's how he should be used.
I've never denied that Lecavalier has weaknesses to his game. He is not a good defensive player, and never has been known as one. Is that a new revelation? He has to be used right to be effective. Players have roles on a team.
What's a lame excuse is citing shooting percentage numbers and trying to say that it would be a normal year if Lecavalier scored 15 goals. When he has scored 20 or more goals in 13 out of 15 NHL seasons, and has scored over 400 goals in the NHL.
He was moved around so much for a number of reasons. One is that Berube wants a certain kind of player in his centers. And then there is the injury factor.
What is legitimate is wondering if the Flyers can put the right kind of players around him, and if he fits into Berube's style of play going forward.
What is not legitimate, is ignoring some of the factors that were a part of Lecavalier's season such as the injury and the position change. And not recognizing that he is still a good offensive player in this league.

I do believe Homer when he said Lava really sold Vinny about coming to Philly. Vinny is exactly the type of center he would like for Lava's aggressive forecheck. Big and strong along the walls, who could protect the puck. Best defense is just to keep forechecking and keep the puck in the offensive zone.

Realistically, I think it is 50/50 whether he is on the roster come training camp.
- ravishingone

Well said. All of that needs to be considered. I would agree also with the 50/50.

I do believe Homer when he said Lava really sold Vinny about coming to Philly. Vinny is exactly the type of center he would like for Lava's aggressive forecheck. Big and strong along the walls, who could protect the puck. Best defense is just to keep forechecking and keep the puck in the offensive zone.

Realistically, I think it is 50/50 whether he is on the roster come training camp.
- ravishingone

He seemed really excited about playing in Lavi's system. Thats why I think he will be very receptive to a trade. He's just not built for Berube's system which preaches defensive responsibility at all times.

Hartnell takes some awful penalties, but he is a PF. Moulson will go to the net, but he's much smaller. He's not going to mix things up with the other team the way Hartnell will.

I think Moulson is better than Hartnell, but I don't think it's worth going through all that would need to be done in order to get him. I think Moulson will be $6M.
- PhillySportsGuy

One thing we agree on is $6 million is too steep. I just like to look at different scenarios. I wasn't happy with Hartnell at all this season.

Well said. All of that needs to be considered. I would agree also with the 50/50.
- MJL

Hope Lavvy gets another gig & then immediately call that team and try to move him to it.

Hope Lavvy gets another gig & then immediately call that team and try to move him to it.
- ob18

Not a Vinny fan?

He seemed really excited about playing in Lavi's system. Thats why I think he will be very receptive to a trade. He's just not built for Berube's system which preaches defensive responsibility at all times.
- PhillySportsGuy

It's not just defensive responsibility. Berube wants his centers to pressure the puck in all 3 zones. That is not Lecavalier's game.

Not a Vinny fan?
- puckhead17

Not a fan of that contract.

Hope Lavvy gets another gig & then immediately call that team and try to move him to it.
- ob18

I can see Lava getting a job this summer. A Stanley Cup winning coach, who took another team to the Finals is a pretty impressive resume. He worked with Poile with Team USA, I can see a fit there.

Hope Lavvy gets another gig & then immediately call that team and try to move him to it.
- ob18

I want what's best for the Flyers. If that's moving him that's fine. If he stays, that's fine also. Use him right, and if he's healthy, he can be a good player for the Flyers.

Not a fan of that contract.
- ob18

I agree, I guess that trumps the 20 goals he scored, & whatever he may do next season, and the next season, etc.

I want what's best for the Flyers. If that's moving him that's fine. If he stays, that's fine also. Use him right, and if he's healthy, he can be a good player for the Flyers.
- MJL

Anything is possible, if something does I'd imagine it will be after free agency to see what teams do & who may develop more interest.

Get real dude? LOL. He should be sheltered, and he should start a lot of his shifts in the offensive zone. He's an offensive player, and that's how he should be used.
I've never denied that Lecavalier has weaknesses to his game. He is not a good defensive player, and never has been known as one. Is that a new revelation? He has to be used right to be effective. Players have roles on a team.
What's a lame excuse is citing shooting percentage numbers and trying to say that it would be a normal year if Lecavalier scored 15 goals. When he has scored 20 or more goals in 13 out of 15 NHL seasons, and has scored over 400 goals in the NHL.
He was moved around so much for a number of reasons. One is that Berube wants a certain kind of player in his centers. And then there is the injury factor.
What is legitimate is wondering if the Flyers can put the right kind of players around him, and if he fits into Berube's style of play going forward.
What is not legitimate, is ignoring some of the factors that were a part of Lecavalier's season such as the injury and the position change. And not recognizing that he is still a good offensive player in this league.
- MJL

When the team is sheltering a player the way they sheltered VL, he shouldn't be finishing as the worst +/- on the team.

Whats the point in having a strong offensive player who is going to be a net negative because he's so bad defensively?

You're so obsessed with displaying Vinny's career achievements. Maybe we should sign Heatley and Ray Whitney this offseason to form a super line of Heatley-Lecavalier-Whitney.

I agree, I guess that trumps the 20 goals he scored, & whatever he may do next season, and the next season, etc.
- puckhead17

I view it like any other contract. If the player plays well, it's good. If he doesn't he, isn't. It's not a lot of money.

I view it like any other contract. If the player plays well, it's good. If he doesn't he, isn't. It's not a lot of money.
- MJL

Its the term more so.

Don't get me wrong, I thought he was an awesome player in Tampa, the 04 cup run, etc.
I just think we signed him a few years too late, & we're trying to wind back the clock somewhat on his abilities.

When the team is sheltering a player the way they sheltered VL, he shouldn't be finishing as the worst +/- on the team.

Whats the point in having a strong offensive player who is going to be a net negative because he's so bad defensively?

You're so obsessed with displaying Vinny's career achievements. Maybe we should sign Heatley and Ray Whitney this offseason to form a super line of Heatley-Lecavalier-Whitney.
- PhillySportsGuy

You're so obsessed with ignoring Lecavalier's proven offensive ability. And also ignoring the injury and playing out of position. Is defensive play the only thing that contributes to a players +/-? When an offensive player has an off year point wise, it can affect his +/-.
The fact that he had a bad year and still scored 20 goals, says something about the player. If he's healthy, and in the right situation, he can still be effective. And he's not the only player on the ice when goals are scored against.

Streit scored 4 PP goals to 1 compared to Timonen. Streit shoots the puck much better then Timonen does.
- MJL

Weren't we talking about getting shots through?

Streit's bombs are much more likely to get blocked than Kimmo's judicious use of the wrister... again, the numbers don't lie.

Kimmo's on the 1st-PP because he's not just a better distributor, but plain better at getting shots through, so our two big-bodies in front can tip and bang home rebounds.

Remember, Streit had a shot to steal Kimmo's QB job, but dropped the ball.

Not a fan of that contract.
- ob18

I like Vinny, but that contract is just onerous. You have to be a healthy player, productive and not have skating issues to have that kind of contract in your mid-30s.

I respect what he's done, and I recognize that he was hurt. But the bottom line is that contract exceeds his worth, and unless he proves he is a more effective player than we saw this year, that contract will be a problem going forward.

Weren't we talking about getting shots through?

Streit's bombs are much more likely to get blocked than Kimmo's judicious use of the wrister... again, the numbers don't lie.

Kimmo's on the 1st-PP because he's not a better distributor, but plain better at getting shots through, so our two big-bodies in front can tip and bang home rebounds.

Remember, Streit had a shot to steal Kimmo's QB job, but dropped the ball.
- Tomahawk

Totally serious, two-part question:

1. Would you bring Kimmo back if he wanted to play?

2. At what salary would you decline to bring him back, if he wants to play?

Weren't we talking about getting shots through?

Streit's bombs are much more likely to get blocked than Kimmo's judicious use of the wrister... again, the numbers don't lie.

Kimmo's on the 1st-PP because he's not just a better distributor, but plain better at getting shots through, so our two big-bodies in front can tip and bang home rebounds.

Remember, Streit had a shot to steal Kimmo's QB job, but dropped the ball.
- Tomahawk

Kimmo is also a much better passer and keeping the puck in the offensive zone.

Totally serious, two-part question:

1. Would you bring Kimmo back if he wanted to play?

2. At what salary would you decline to bring him back, if he wants to play?
- AllInForFlyers

1. 1000%

2. I'd give him up to his present cap-hit, if he'd accept a contract that is mostly p-bonuses like Iginla's.