His age and term is a problem... he'll be another albatross we'll be trying to get rid of once Morin/Hagg/Ghost/Alt hit their strides. I like his skillset and his current level of play, but I think there are comparable players who might be available that fit that criteria without the carrying the same baggage/risk.
- Tomahawk

Yup, and we just don't need another bird of ill fate...or something like that.

What do you think will happen with Orpik? I've always liked him for his physicality, and he could be a good replacement if we move Gmann and/or L Schenn.

His age and term is a problem... he'll be another albatross we'll be trying to get rid of once Morin/Hagg/Ghost/Alt hit their strides. I like his skillset and his current level of play, but I think there are comparable players who might be available that fit that criteria without the carrying the same baggage/risk.
- Tomahawk

A very good point

I'll chime in here since I'm bored.


Myers statistics were bad this year, +/- is bad and the offensive numbers weren't good.

But here's the thing, nobody is going to put up good offensive on a team where the best pure goal scorer was Drew Stafford. We weren't just bad, we were record setting bad, so the fact that Myers even put up any numbers is its own reward.

He was great for us this year. After having a terrible time under Ron Rolston, he got his ass handed to him by ownership and Nolan got him playing his style of hockey again. He was one of only three real bright spots on that team.

I know the numbers don't suggest it but he was a top pairing defencemen for us. His defensive play improved significantly and the offensive numbers followed (well, right until he got injured).
- Sabresfan-365

You guys have the potential to be a serious contender in 2 seasons or so with your crop of prospects and draft picks. Of course, being one of the worst teams in the league for one more season could bring a very nice reward.

You guys have the potential to be a serious contender in 2 seasons or so with your crop of prospects and draft picks. Of course, being one of the worst teams in the league for one more season could bring a very nice reward.
- wolfhounds

Next two drafts are key.

Depth in the system is good but we lack high end talent. I hope they make a good pick this year since there really isn't much to separate the 4 top players in the draft.

Playing for the Flyers as their #1 dman on a bad 5v5 team will make his game takeoff?
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah compared to buf. Maybe because I live here and watch a lot of their games. Man it's the worst hockey I've ever seen. It makes 08 look like a cup year for us. Honestly I think half the ahl teams could have taken buf this year.

Next two drafts are key.

Depth in the system is good but we lack high end talent. I hope they make a good pick this year since there really isn't much to separate the 4 top players in the draft.
- Sabresfan-365

Forget Myers I want risto. He's going to be the real deal

Forget Myers I want risto. He's going to be the real deal
- Sms401

Then again I live right down the street from Myers. Gotta stay loyal

Next two drafts are key.

Depth in the system is good but we lack high end talent. I hope they make a good pick this year since there really isn't much to separate the 4 top players in the draft.
- Sabresfan-365

Are you hearing buf gonna trade their pick from nyi next year for this years #5 pick plus a 2nd rounder???

What do you think will happen with Orpik? I've always liked him for his physicality, and he could be a good replacement if we move Gmann and/or L Schenn.
- wolfhounds

I think somebody will give him way too much money and end up regretting it... like Avs-era Scott Hannan/Flyers-era Derian Hatcher/'Lumbus-era Adam Foote.

Are you hearing buf gonna trade their pick from nyi next year for this years #5 pick plus a 2nd rounder???
- Sms401

Not sure why the isles would do that, if they wanted the pick next year they could have just given us this pick and kept the 2015 1st rounder.

Next two drafts are key.

Depth in the system is good but we lack high end talent. I hope they make a good pick this year since there really isn't much to separate the 4 top players in the draft.
- Sabresfan-365

Agreed. It seems in all likelihood you guys have a very good defense locked up, but are missing 1 or 2 high-end forwards. Filling the stable with solid players so you can roll 4 legit lines isn't a bad thing, and I don't doubt some very good talent can be found in this coming draft, and definitely the next one.

Forget Myers I want risto. He's going to be the real deal
- Sms401

I wanted the Flyers to pick Risto this past draft, but obviously he didn't make it that far. Still, I'm excited to see what Morin can do, and then comparing the players in 5 years could be interesting.

Not sure why the isles would do that, if they wanted the pick next year they could have just given us this pick and kept the 2015 1st rounder.
- Sabresfan-365

Yeah that makes no sense.

I think somebody will give him way too much money and end up regretting it... like Avs-era Scott Hannan/Flyers-era Derian Hatcher/'Lumbus-era Adam Foote.
- Tomahawk

Yeah, that wouldn't be smart. Still, the Pens losing Orpik and Niskanen and being married to Letang gives me the warm fuzzies.

The commentators in the Sweden-Russia game still referring to Gus as "Gustafsson of the Flyers"

Agreed. It seems in all likelihood you guys have a very good defense locked up, but are missing 1 or 2 high-end forwards. Filling the stable with solid players so you can roll 4 legit lines isn't a bad thing, and I don't doubt some very good talent can be found in this coming draft, and definitely the next one.
- wolfhounds

At some point though, they're going to have make a big move. you can only draft for so long, eventually talent will have to come from trades or a big FA signing. I eagerly await to see what that is because it could make or break the franchise.

The commentators in the Sweden-Russia game still referring to Gus as "Gustafsson of the Flyers"
- JAKEw1234

Technically he still is until July 1

The commentators in the Sweden-Russia game still referring to Gus as "Gustafsson of the Flyers"
- JAKEw1234

Those bastards! Cry it out...you'll feel better in the morning.

I wanted the Flyers to pick Risto this past draft, but obviously he didn't make it that far. Still, I'm excited to see what Morin can do, and then comparing the players in 5 years could be interesting.
- wolfhounds

I'm excited to see what Morin can do at the NHL level, I just hope he doesn't get rushed. Lot's of talent there though.

Yeah that makes no sense.
- jstross

Yeah I forget where I read that or maybe was to give up the 2nr tound pick because they want the #5 this year to go with the #2. Crap wtf was I reading. Can't remember now

I dont think we're going to see a big move on D. Too much D in the system that needs to get chances at the NHL level over the next two years. We have two instances now where Hextall has eluded to LW being a big priority. Firstly flat out stating they need to get stronger there and secondly saying BSchenn is priority number one. If a big addition is made this offseason I think it's going to be a guy to play the 1st or 2nd line LW.

You don't draft 6 Dmen one year to sign to the most expensive one come free agency the next year.

Yeah, that wouldn't be smart. Still, the Pens losing Orpik and Niskanen and being married to Letang gives me the warm fuzzies.
- wolfhounds

Knowing they have Harrington, Maatta, Depres and Pouliot to fill in for them makes me sad again.

Just a scary thought... With all this debating and everything what if morin & ghost turn out to be complete bust? Man o man we'd be screwed

I dont think we're going to see a big move on D. Too much D in the system that needs to get chances at the NHL level over the next two years. We have two instances now where Hextall has eluded to LW being a big priority. Firstly flat out stating they need to get stronger there and secondly saying BSchenn is priority number one. If a big addition is made this offseason I think it's going to be a guy to play the 1st or 2nd line LW.
- hereticpride

Gotcha 2nd liner already. Vinny.

At some point though, they're going to have make a big move. you can only draft for so long, eventually talent will have to come from trades or a big FA signing. I eagerly await to see what that is because it could make or break the franchise.
- Sabresfan-365

Whelp, I'm pulling for you guys. I hated your team back in the day with Hasek, Barnaby, Peca, the Devil, etc., but the NHL needs loyal, small market teams like Buffalo to succeed if the league wants to stay healthy. Plus, it will be good to watch you guys stomp a declining Boston team.