Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Draft-Eligible Forwards from Swedish Leagues, Quick Hits

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Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Draft-Eligible Forwards from Swedish Leagues, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

This year's draft might not have the sizzle of last year or the hype of 2015, but it seems like a fairly good crop, where a smart team can get value

Good story again but it seems like after the first few the majority are long shots to ever get drafted or play for the Flyers. Except maybe that guy from Columbia, he has a mean streak which seems to rank high at Flyers central as opposed to other attributes.

Good stuff Bill as always.

I must say.

I have searched far and wide for a good source of general Flyers information and NOBODY does it better than you do Bill. Nobody.

This will be the start of my draft day bible. Every year since I joined this site back in 2006 I have gotten more and more interested in the NHL draft and the players who will be drafted.

Thanks for your work Bill. It makes me actually look like I know what I am talking about when I discuss the draft with my hockey loving friends, family and coworkers.

WHat is Kempes offensive upside?

Bill, I love you. What other hockey writer actually informs his readers about his sources in a clear and informed way? K, I can now go back and actually read it...

Good stuff Bill as always.

I must say.

I have searched far and wide for a good source of general Flyers information and NOBODY does it better than you do Bill. Nobody.
- JonnyHammerstix

We've all had this experience.

This will be the start of my draft day bible. Every year since I joined this site back in 2006 I have gotten more and more interested in the NHL draft and the players who will be drafted.

Thanks for your work Bill. It makes me actually look like I know what I am talking about when I discuss the draft with my hockey loving friends, family and coworkers.
- MBFlyerfan

Here here! Reading Bill's blogs has made me so much more interested in the draft. Before, I had no idea what happened at the draft aside from the fact that Lindros got drafted by Quebec and that Vancouver made a bunch of trades to draft both Sedin twins.

It seems like this year has a lot of (projected) middle-6 forwards and bottom-4 defenseman with very little marquee names. Still, it seems like a pretty level field past the top 8 or so without many steep drops.

We've all had this experience.
- PhillySportsGuy

To steal a quote from the greatest movie ever made:

"I have seen much of the rest of the world. It is brutal, and cruel, and dark. Rome is the light"

Bill is Philly's Rome

WHat is Kempes offensive upside?
- PhillySportsGuy

I hate to put statistical numbers on it, since it's a guess. But he has the potential to be respectable goal scorer in the NHL and a top-six forward for sure if he develops as expected.

Kempe is very much a "Flyers style" of player; even more so than his brother (who was drafted by the Flyers but was not signed).

Bill,

Based on the projected rankings, do you see any reason for the Flyers to move up short of jumping into the top-5?

I hate to put statistical numbers on it, since it's a guess. But he has the potential to be respectable goal scorer in the NHL and a top-six forward for sure if he develops as expected.

Kempe is very much a "Flyers style" of player; even more so than his brother (who was drafted by the Flyers but was not signed).
- bmeltzer

I think I wish the Flyers will start to widen their idea of what a "Flyers style" player is supposed to be. Hopefully Hextall starts that ball rolling.

The Islanders trading for Dan Boyle's rights? I don't get it. Boyle is 37 and makes sense for a contending team. The Fishsticks? I don't think he signs with them.

Thanks Bill! This is really great stuff.

I wish the Flyers would add speed to their "type" of player.

The Islanders trading for Dan Boyle's rights? I don't get it. Boyle is 37 and makes sense for a contending team. The Fishsticks? I don't think he signs with them.
- PLindbergh31

I actually think the Isles are going to be improved next year. They actually have a halfway decent goalie now. Maybe not a playoff team but better than this year. Snow is just trying to avoid getting the number 1 overall pick next year to avoid looking like a total ass for the whole Vanek thing.

Bill,

Would it be better for the Flyers to go after Jamie McGinn or Kempes? It sounds like that they are similar types of players, however Jamie has the proven track record. Also, I really don't see Tye McGinn developing into the player that I thought he would. After his injury, he seemed to back off his tough guy game quite a bit. I know that the Flyers love his size, but he just isn't using it to his advantage anymore. That being said, what winger should the Flyers go after to assist G? I like Hartz, but I really don't think he's a first line guy. Finally, what do we do with Vinny if B. Schenn is signed to a deal?

Thanks.

I hate to put statistical numbers on it, since it's a guess. But he has the potential to be respectable goal scorer in the NHL and a top-six forward for sure if he develops as expected.

Kempe is very much a "Flyers style" of player; even more so than his brother (who was drafted by the Flyers but was not signed).
- bmeltzer

Ok. Thanks.

I know it's probably off base (especially since I haven't seen him play), but hearing about his strengths makes me think of Tom Wilson. That scares me.

To steal a quote from the greatest movie ever made:

"I have seen much of the rest of the world. It is brutal, and cruel, and dark. Rome is the light"

Bill is Philly's Rome
- JonnyHammerstix

I actually think the Isles are going to be improved next year. They actually have a halfway decent goalie now. Maybe not a playoff team but better than this year. Snow is just trying to avoid getting the number 1 overall pick next year to avoid looking like a total ass for the whole Vanek thing.
- JonnyHammerstix

They are improving, I agree.... But why would Boyle want to sign with a fringe playoff team at the end of his career?

They are improving, I agree.... But why would Boyle want to sign with a fringe playoff team at the end of his career?
- PLindbergh31

If they offer him the most money and a 2-year deal, why not?

If they offer him the most money and a 2-year deal, why not?
- PhillySportsGuy

I think there will be some contending teams interested in his services. I guess it's possible he signs with the Islanders.

I think there will be some contending teams interested in his services. I guess it's possible he signs with the Islanders.
- PLindbergh31

Teams like the Islanders and Oilers have such a hard time signing free agents.

When the Flyers negotiate with a free agent, they just need to match the top offer or slightly outpace everyone else in order to get the FA.

The Islanders need to significantly outpace everyone to get their guy.

Edit: Personally, I think the Islanders should use their money to get a more well rounded defenseman. Boyle is really just an offensive guy. He's not going to help out against top lines.