Why not try to get better players than Emery or Grossmann? Why stick with the status quo? We already know Grosmann is a limited guy, why not see if you can move him for picks, and get a better guy in free agency? You don't have to sign every free agent to a 6 year deal.

As for the question, it'd depend a lot on what it cost to land Phaneuf. Timonen is no longer a number one defenseman, who can play a lot of minutes. And adding Phaneuf would have zero bearing on Streit or Gustafsson, unless one of them was traded in the deal to land Phaneuf
- Jsaquella

If they can move players to make the team better as a whole for the present and future, then they should. What they shouldn't do is, for instance, move Grossmann for picks and hope to adequately replace him (for the same or better cap hit) in free agency. Much like they hoped on Weber and let Carle walk. So, as long as they have something in place that is guaranteed, then I'm not opposed to it.

Why not try to get better players than Emery or Grossmann? Why stick with the status quo? We already know Grosmann is a limited guy, why not see if you can move him for picks, and get a better guy in free agency? You don't have to sign every free agent to a 6 year deal.

As for the question, it'd depend a lot on what it cost to land Phaneuf. Timonen is no longer a number one defenseman, who can play a lot of minutes. And adding Phaneuf would have zero bearing on Streit or Gustafsson, unless one of them was traded in the deal to land Phaneuf
- Jsaquella

Who is available that's a better back up then Emery by free agency or other wise? I was comfortable with Emery starting in the playoffs for us, I'm not so sure I would be comfortable with any other backup in that situation.

I don't have a problem with Grossmann. I like him a lot.

I'd prefer Timonen, because it's one a year-by-year basis, so you're not tied up long term. So, when/if one of Ghost/Morin/Hagg/Alt becomes that #1 guy, you're not paying Phaneuf $7M for the next 4-5 years. As for Streit, he's probably here for another 2 years before a trade/buyout can be realistically explored.
- jmatchett383

If all three aren't named captain and Calder finalists next year it'll be a disappointment

Why not try to get better players than Emery or Grossmann? Why stick with the status quo? We already know Grosmann is a limited guy, why not see if you can move him for picks, and get a better guy in free agency? You don't have to sign every free agent to a 6 year deal.

As for the question, it'd depend a lot on what it cost to land Phaneuf. Timonen is no longer a number one defenseman, who can play a lot of minutes. And adding Phaneuf would have zero bearing on Streit or Gustafsson, unless one of them was traded in the deal to land Phaneuf
- Jsaquella

I think the mix on the blue line is obviously bad and I doubt you'll see all of Grossmann, LSchenn, and Andrew McDonald on the same blue line going into next year.

Yep. No way that being 40 does anything but improve Timonen's speed and stamina.
- Jsaquella

I'm thinking he'll hit double digits in goals. President's trophy will just be a pit stop on the way to the parade

Simmonds has played both wings, provides a ton of production on the PP and is a good physical presence and forechecker.

Unlike Lecavalier, Simmonds was effective with most of his other linemates.
- Jsaquella

I have not seen Wayne Simmonds play left wing since coming to the Flyers.

If they can move players to make the team better as a whole for the present and future, then they should. What they shouldn't do is, for instance, move Grossmann for picks and hope to adequately replace him (for the same or better cap hit) in free agency. Much like they hoped on Weber and let Carle walk. So, as long as they have something in place that is guaranteed, then I'm not opposed to it.
- jmatchett383

The problem there is, I think it'd be pretty easy to find a better all around defenseman than Grossmann in free agency. It's not replacing Pronger, it's replacing a limited physical player.

If they can move players to make the team better as a whole for the present and future, then they should. What they shouldn't do is, for instance, move Grossmann for picks and hope to adequately replace him (for the same or better cap hit) in free agency. Much like they hoped on Weber and let Carle walk. So, as long as they have something in place that is guaranteed, then I'm not opposed to it.
- jmatchett383

They really hoped on Suter and let Carle walk. They did the same with Parise and let Jagr walk

If all three aren't named captain and Calder finalists next year it'll be a disappointment
- funmaster18

Ah, I see you've been taking notes from my posts.

I expect them to be all be Calder and Norris finalists. Also, it's quite possible that one of them will win the Vezina.

Who is available that's a better back up then Emery by free agency or other wise?
- SuperSchennBros

Montoya, Greiss and Hutton for starters.

http://www.capgeek.com/ufa-finder/?position_id=G

Sort them by SV%. You'll find Emery near the bottom.

Ah, I see you've been taking notes from my posts.

I expect them to be all be Calder and Norris finalists. Also, it's quite possible that one of them will win the Vezina.
- jmatchett383

True, but grossman will be tough to beat out with his outstanding shot blocking ability

How long until CORSI of the year award? It could be named after Hextall

They really hoped on Suter and let Carle walk. They did the same with Parise and let Jagr walk
- PhillySportsGuy

Grass = Greener

Who is available that's a better back up then Emery by free agency or other wise? I was comfortable with Emery starting in the playoffs for us, I'm not so sure I would be comfortable with any other backup in that situation.

I don't have a problem with Grossmann. I like him a lot.
- SuperSchennBros

Brian Elliott, Thomas Griess, Jonas Gustavsson, JS Giguere, Al Montoya, Chad Johnson are all UFA this summer. All of whom had better numbers than Emery.

Grossmann is limited. He is bad at transition, when he is on the ice, the Flyers are generally bad at getting out of their own end. A guy like Mark Fayne or Zach Redmond(as discussed on yesterday's blog) will be better in that regard and possibly cost less against the cap.

Grass = Greener
- Tomahawk

True, but grossman will be tough to beat out with his outstanding shot blocking ability
- funmaster18

Its a lock

Montoya, Greiss and Hutton for starters.

http://www.capgeek.com/ufa-finder/?position_id=G

Sort them by SV%. You'll find Emery near the bottom.
- Feanor

I couldn't care less what a website says. I'm perfectly happy with Ray Emery. He knows that his role is now a backup.

I think the mix on the blue line is obviously bad and I doubt you'll see all of Grossmann, LSchenn, and Andrew McDonald on the same blue line going into next year.
- johndewar

Also, it is too freaking expensive.

Brian Elliott, Thomas Griess, Jonas Gustavsson, JS Giguere, Al Montoya, Chad Johnson are all UFA this summer. All of whom had better numbers than Emery.

Grossmann is limited. He is bad at transition, when he is on the ice, the Flyers are generally bad at getting out of their own end. A guy like Mark Fayne or Zach Redmond(as discussed on yesterday's blog) will be better in that regard and possibly cost less against the cap.
- Jsaquella

Or we could put grossman in the right situation and put the right 4 players around him

I couldn't care less what a website says. I'm perfectly happy with Ray Emery. He knows that his role is now a backup.
- SuperSchennBros

Ignoring even the most basic of stats is plain embarrassing.

I couldn't care less what a website says. I'm perfectly happy with Ray Emery. He knows that his role is now a backup.
- SuperSchennBros

So do those guys. All of them have been in the league for a few years and know their jobs....and played better than Emery

Or we could put grossman in the right situation and put the right 4 players around him
- funmaster18

Yeah, that's great. Replace 4 guys that bring more valuable skills rather than the guy who has the limited skillset

Yeah, that's great. Replace 4 guys that bring more valuable skills rather than the guy who has the limited skillset
- Jsaquella

I don't know why you can't get on board with this

I don't know why you can't get on board with this
- funmaster18

It's my blind hatred of Grossmann. It has nothing to do with the fact that he can't make outlet passes or provide any offense. I just despise the guy

Yeah, that's great. Replace 4 guys that bring more valuable skills rather than the guy who has the limited skillset
- Jsaquella

I think he is trying to say put a team together that can play defense. And Grossmann won't look so bad.

But, that is flawed logic as well. The team wasn't that bad defensively and was caused in part by the insane cost of our defensive group to begin with.