Laughton is a start. I still think that Vinny will be moved. i know everyone will be saying it is impossble but I still think there would be some interest and if it was to the right team he would waive his NTC. Never know what guys are made avaiable in the offseason. I wouldn't mind seeing what you could do with SJ if they want to make a change. Burns could be a monster on the wing with G and Voracek.
- J35Bacher

I also think there is a good chance that Lecavalier is moved. The NMC certainly makes it harder, but not impossible. And it may be the best thing for both sides. But again, I'm using that Cap space to upgrade the defense, first and foremost before worrying about the 4th line.

And if that younger D man falters, then what? What will be a bigger hole? A 4th line low minute forward, or a top 6 defenseman? I'm not against upgrading the 4th line. I just think there are priorities. And upgrading the 4th line isn't a high one in my opinion.
- MJL

It isn't a top priority. But bringing Kimmo back I don't think is the right answer. I like him but you have to start letting yuonger guys play. Or maybe bring in somone like Del Zotto if he doesn't get a QO from Nashville. Low risk/high reward type. Kimmo would have to come back at a very reduced rate for me to like it. They have enough vets to help a younger d.

What a job Chiarelli the Bruins GM has done. Looking at their roster and cap numbers, there isn't one player who is overpaid, most are signed for significantly lower numbers than what they are worth. That's how you build a team. Literally a perfect roster. Not a mistake on it.
- PLindbergh31

Until the bonus overages for a player like Iginla kick in, and are placed on next years cap. If they don't win it, will it be worth it?

I also think there is a good chance that Lecavalier is moved. The NMC certainly makes it harder, but not impossible. And it may be the best thing for both sides. But again, I'm using that Cap space to upgrade the defense, first and foremost before worrying about the 4th line.
- MJL

Oh I agree. Defense needs a definate upgrade.

It isn't a top priority. But bringing Kimmo back I don't think is the right answer. I like him but you have to start letting yuonger guys play. Or maybe bring in somone like Del Zotto if he doesn't get a QO from Nashville. Low risk/high reward type. Kimmo would have to come back at a very reduced rate for me to like it. They have enough vets to help a younger d.
- J35Bacher

It's a given that Del Zotto gets a qualifying offer from Nashville. I'd rather see a more long term solution also, but not against bringing back Timonen at the right price.

Until the bonus overages for a player like Iginla kick in, and are placed on next years cap. If they don't win it, will it be worth it?
- MJL

Didn't Iginla score 30 goals this year? He's still a top player.

Didn't Iginla score 30 goals this year? He's still a top player.
- PLindbergh31

Nothing to do with being a top player. He has 4.2M in potential bonuses that are unaccounted for on this year's cap due to the Bruins using the Bonus cushion. Other player such as Krug and Hamilton have performance bonuses. They used LTIR, and the bonus cushion to stay Cap compliant. They could have a large chunk of bonus overage money on the Cap next year as a result.

Any news on Wellwood?

Nothing to do with being a top player. He has 4.2M in potential bonuses that are unaccounted for on this year's cap due to the Bruins using the Bonus cushion. Other player such as Krug and Hamilton have performance bonuses. They used LTIR, and the bonus cushion to stay Cap compliant. They could have a large chunk of bonus overage money on the Cap next year as a result.
- MJL

Good. Hopefully they suck next year. I won't hold my breath.

- PLindbergh31

It's a given that Del Zotto gets a qualifying offer from Nashville. I'd rather see a more long term solution also, but not against bringing back Timonen at the right price.
- MJL

I would like a long term solution but I think those are Haag, Ghost, Alt, Morin. I don't think Del Zotto gets one. he was a scatch for Nashville and i think he will be allowed to walk. I think Del Zotto could be a low risk move for a 1 year and see if he hits on his potential. If not it is not a huge risk for a 1 year. I think looking a for a player like del zotto of the low risk/high reward type on a one year deal allows for you to improve your forward group and not rush the young demn if they ren't ready.

- PLindbergh31

I took me a while to see that he squirted water into carters gloves.

I would like a long term solution but I think those are Haag, Ghost, Alt, Morin. I don't think Del Zotto gets one. he was a scatch for Nashville and i think he will be allowed to walk. I think Del Zotto could be a low risk move for a 1 year and see if he hits on his potential. If not it is not a huge risk for a 1 year. I think looking a for a player like del zotto of the low risk/high reward type on a one year deal allows for you to improve your forward group and not rush the young demn if they ren't ready.
- J35Bacher

Why would Nashville just give up his rights when they can trade him for an asset, if he's not in their future plans?
Realistically, any of the young defenseman are a number of years away from playing a prominent role on the Flyers blueline.

Why would Nashville just give up his rights when they can trade him for an asset, if he's not in their future plans?
Realistically, any of the young defenseman are a number of years away from playing a prominent role on the Flyers blueline.
- MJL

If you look at my comment I stated if he doesn't get a QO. If he gets one then that changes things. But those type of players could be attractive. Maybe they haven't hit their potential yet or just need a change of scenery. Del Zotto. Maybe a guy like Larsson from Devils if he was made available since he really hasn't come along like the devils have hoped for being the 4th overal pick. Maybe Rundbland. I am just saying i think that could take a chance on that type of player and still improve.

I would like a long term solution but I think those are Haag, Ghost, Alt, Morin. I don't think Del Zotto gets one. he was a scatch for Nashville and i think he will be allowed to walk. I think Del Zotto could be a low risk move for a 1 year and see if he hits on his potential. If not it is not a huge risk for a 1 year. I think looking a for a player like del zotto of the low risk/high reward type on a one year deal allows for you to improve your forward group and not rush the young demn if they ren't ready.
- J35Bacher

The new coach Nashville brings in may have a different opinion about him and his use. I think it's highly unlikely they trade for him to just let him walk away

If you look at my comment I stated if he doesn't get a QO. If he gets one then that changes things. But those type of players could be attractive. Maybe they haven't hit their potential yet or just need a change of scenery. Del Zotto. Maybe a guy like Larsson from Devils if he was made available since he really hasn't come along like the devils have hoped for being the 4th overal pick. Maybe Rundbland. I am just saying i think that could take a chance on that type of player and still improve.
- J35Bacher

I'm not against taking a low risk chance on a player like Del Zotto. But I don't see Nashville just walking away from a 23 year old defenseman. Nor do I see the Devils giving up on 21 year Larsson.

What a job Chiarelli the Bruins GM has done. Looking at their roster and cap numbers, there isn't one player who is overpaid, most are signed for significantly lower numbers than what they are worth. That's how you build a team. Literally a perfect roster. Not a mistake on it.
- PLindbergh31

And they will be hit hit a $4.5m cap penalty to start next season.

http://www.bostonglobe.co...BJcBnxjfb2e2XP/story.html

I'm not against taking a low risk chance on a player like Del Zotto. But I don't see Nashville just walking away from a 23 year old defenseman. Nor do I see the Devils giving up on 21 year Larsson.
- MJL

Larsson is worth much more keeping than trading. His trade value is at an all time low. Might as well just keep him and see how things play out.

I think MDZ is an interesting case. I don't think Nashville is married to him. They only gave up Klein to get him. If the flyers can offer a little more value than a Klein, they may be able to get him.

I would be completely shocked if they didn't qualify him

I'm not against taking a low risk chance on a player like Del Zotto. But I don't see Nashville just walking away from a 23 year old defenseman. Nor do I see the Devils giving up on 21 year Larsson.
- MJL

Oh I know but they were examples. I wouldn't be against a move for Kulikov in Florida. i am just trying to find the right risk. Can't just risk it on someone like Keith Aulie or Matt Gilroy. I think guys like del zotto and Larsson are at least worth the risk possibly. But remember Nashville is going to want to really build the offense and have young dmen so a guy like Del Zotto might be let go to use that money to the offense

Oh I know but they were examples. I wouldn't be against a move for Kulikov in Florida. i am just trying to find the right risk. Can't just risk it on someone like Keith Aulie or Matt Gilroy. I think guys like del zotto and Larsson are at least worth the risk possibly. But remember Nashville is going to want to really build the offense and have young dmen so a guy like Del Zotto might be let go to use that money to the offense
- J35Bacher

Jersey will never trade with the flyers(As long as uncle Lou is GM).

Jersey will never trade with the flyers.
- PhillaBully

Ok. The point of my comments is about risk. Taking a risk on certain guys to improve the d compared to others. Maybe NJ wouldn't trade with us but Larsson is someone I am ok taking a risk with. So is Del zotto and Rundbland a little bit. If we are going to be a cap team and want to improve d you have to try and make moes with a little risk but might bring high reward. You cuold always offer sheet Larsson to an offer sheet that isn't massive but only gives up a second round pick. That money might make a team like NJ think. if they match they match.

If Kimmo decides to retire, you can't replace him with an inexperienced player. Not going to happen.

I hope if he does want to play, he would be willing to take a slight pay cut, somewhere around 4mil
- Streit2ThePoint

I'm actually hoping we walk away from Timonen. I love the guy but time to move on. Time to look forward. Time to move forward. Time to find other ways to succeed in this league.

It's also worth noting that, now that his entry level contract has expired, Akeson would have to clear waivers to be sent to the Phantoms next season.
- bmeltzer

Bill, just a heads up, CapGeek has Akeson with 1 season or 60-games remaining before he loses waiver-exempt status:

http://www.capgeek.com/wa..._games_radio=1&Calculate=


As for the player, I think he's in the same boat as guys like Clarke MacArthur or Rich Peverley... guys who were written off as career AHL stars, who would have to score to stay in the NHL, but eventually showed that they were more than just offensive specialists once they were given a chance at more responsibility.

Akeson deserves a lot of credit for the way he played under pressure in the Rangers series, especially when you consider that Read didn't play all that well and Coots was playing through a sports hernia. That line was still the Flyers' 2nd-best at driving play, and most of it was due to Akeson being a very strong possession player throughout the series, while not being much of a liability on defense.

I agree that he's going to have to show up to camp assuming that he's still going to have to fight tooth and nail for a spot, but he's never exactly had anything handed to him since he turned pro, so I'm actually pretty confident that we'll see him in the lineup next season.

Ok. The point of my comments is about risk. Taking a risk on certain guys to improve the d compared to others. Maybe NJ wouldn't trade with us but Larsson is someone I am ok taking a risk with. So is Del zotto and Rundbland a little bit. If we are going to be a cap team and want to improve d you have to try and make moes with a little risk but might bring high reward. You cuold always offer sheet Larsson to an offer sheet that isn't massive but only gives up a second round pick. That money might make a team like NJ think. if they match they match.
- J35Bacher

Uncle Lou will match to spite the Flyers. Anyway Larson isnt worth the stigma that comes with offersheeting a guy.