Ha! Vanek's many things, but "reasonably priced" isn't gonna be one of them
- AllInForFlyers

He was with three teams this season. All of which wanted to resign him. All of which lose out on him. I'm with you.

I have to admit I didn't want the Flyers to re-sign him. But the real smart, loyal and friendly way both the Flyers and Kimo worked out the deal makes me like this signing a lot.

Timonen undoubtedly has lost more than 'a step' but he's still one of the best stick-checking and shot/deflecting defenseman in the league. With solid puck skills, awareness and positioning and paired with a nice compliment can definitely contribute to this team next year. He can't quite hang in the back and forth racing speedy 5-on-5 style that was represented full time during the SCFinals but on the PK and in key zone starts he can contribute hopefully 15-18 minutes a night. Berube, please push him to the 2nd PP unit.

Congratulations Jimmy Rollins. All time hits leader for the Phils. Quite an accomplishment

Congratulations Jimmy Rollins. All time hits leader for the Phils. Quite an accomplishment
- JonnyHammerstix

- Tomahawk

I love your stuff Bill, but I'll disagree here a bit.

I do think as a team they can all play better, to help out breakouts and what not. I do however think you aren't going to be turning ground beef into lobster.

Individually as a group outside of Coburn and MacDonald they are slow. Especially when compared to other D of the league.

They desperately need a guy who can carry the puck up the ice in transition and make that home run pass. They do not carry that in their arsenal. You can tell them to keep their feet moving, but they don't hold a candle to the top D-cores of the league. The team continuously has to play in a way to compensate, instead of them being a strength.

Imo anyway. Doom and gloom. Kum bah yah.

I'm not sure I want to drop a contract on defense just for the sake of doing so. I understand this will be a challenging Summer with the Cap going up, Giroux, Mason, Read and MacDonald's deals kicking in but with Timonen taking a serious hair cut, Gustafsson jumping ship and Lecavalier looking like he's on the move, it would seem as if we're still in decent shape. Couturier's new deal isless then his last hit sand I expect Schenn's hit to be less also. Even if the Flyers move a deal on defense and bring in Mark Alt, we still need a guarantee sixth or seventh Dman because we still do not know which Alt will be.

I'd like to see a full season of

Timonen-Coburn
Grossmann-Streit
MacDonald-Schenn

Reason being MacDonald made an instant positive impact on Luke Schenn.

Grossmann-Coburn
MacDonald-Streit
Timonen-Schenn

The second pairs I'd like to see even more through a full season because I believe you could better limit Timonen's minutes while continuing to improve Schenn's play. I also feel Coburn and Grossmann could be an effective checking top pair against the Malkin's and Thornton's of the world.

While the mix is not impressive, I'm not sure I'm ready to dive into the unknown unless we are getting a guarantee in return. We still need that legit number one defenseman. Plus comparing McDonald's deal to Schenn and Grossmann's, I don't think either guy looks that bad. There might be a serious potential for Andy MacDonald to become the next Matt Carlw or Randy Jones.
- SuperSchennBros

Agreed, I would not call our D strong or dominating, but there really isn't anyone I'd call weak in terms of NHL starters. There are no glaring issues. We just wish they were a bit more mobile and maybe a little more steady with the puck. Any serious upgrade is too expensive and any minor upgrade isn't really worth it and might turn out to be worse.

I say upgrade the forwards because we have space and there are solid upgrades to the Left wing spot to be had. Resign Schenn, move Vinnie and take a chance on a Veteran Left Wing scorer for the first or second line. Give Manning or Lauridson the option to play the 7th spot and let the Other players mature on the Phantoms. Turn the Phantoms into a championship team and you get these kids used to playing in a AHL winning culture. And then like Carter & Richards, they'll take that with them into the NHL.

Agreed, I would not call our D strong or dominating, but there really isn't anyone I'd call weak in terms of NHL starters. There are no glaring issues. We just wish they were a bit more mobile and maybe a little more steady with the puck. Any serious upgrade is too expensive and any minor upgrade isn't really worth it and might turn out to be worse.

I say upgrade the forwards because we have space and there are solid upgrades to the Left wing spot to be had. Resign Schenn, move Vinnie and take a chance on a Veteran Left Wing scorer for the first or second line. Give Manning or Lauridson the option to play the 7th spot and let the Other players mature on the Phantoms. Turn the Phantoms into a championship team and you get these kids used to playing in a AHL winning culture. And then like Carter & Richards, they'll take that with them into the NHL.
- flyler

Nothing unreasonable about this. I especially like your first paragraph.

I love your stuff Bill, but I'll disagree here a bit.

I do think as a team they can all play better, to help out breakouts and what not. I do however think you aren't going to be turning ground beef into lobster.

Individually as a group outside of Coburn and MacDonald they are slow. Especially when compared to other D of the league.

They desperately need a guy who can carry the puck up the ice in transition and make that home run pass. They do not carry that in their arsenal. You can tell them to keep their feet moving, but they don't hold a candle to the top D-cores of the league. The team continuously has to play in a way to compensate, instead of them being a strength.

Imo anyway. Doom and gloom. Kum bah yah.
- flyer_nutter

It's just the opposite. I watch the Kings play, and the overwhelming majority of their breakouts start with a very short high percentage pass, to a forward coming back deep in the zone. They play as a 5 man unit with a tight gap up and down the ice. It would be great to get a defenseman who wheel and skate the puck. But it's not necessary for the Flyers to drastically improve their breakout play.

It's just the opposite. I watch the Kings play, and the overwhelming majority of their breakouts start with a very short high percentage pass, to a forward coming back deep in the zone. They play as a 5 man unit with a tight gap up and down the ice. It would be great to get a defenseman who wheel and skate the puck. But it's not necessary for the Flyers to drastically improve their breakout play.
- MJL

The way the Kings support one another is something to be hold. The puck carrier always has someone a couple feet away. It doesn't seem like they cheat or make risk passes up the ice.

It's just the opposite. I watch the Kings play, and the overwhelming majority of their breakouts start with a very short high percentage pass, to a forward coming back deep in the zone. They play as a 5 man unit with a tight gap up and down the ice. It would be great to get a defenseman who wheel and skate the puck. But it's not necessary for the Flyers to drastically improve their breakout play.
- MJL

Agreed, we can still improve our team defensive game. And let's face it, last year we got some really good results with Defensemen being able to pinch at the right times because our Forwards would cycle back to cover them. I'm excited to see what we can do with a full year of Berube in charge. I'm hoping guys who were not in shape last year are hitting the gym hard this summer.

I love your stuff Bill, but I'll disagree here a bit.

I do think as a team they can all play better, to help out breakouts and what not. I do however think you aren't going to be turning ground beef into lobster.

Individually as a group outside of Coburn and MacDonald they are slow. Especially when compared to other D of the league.

They desperately need a guy who can carry the puck up the ice in transition and make that home run pass. They do not carry that in their arsenal. You can tell them to keep their feet moving, but they don't hold a candle to the top D-cores of the league. The team continuously has to play in a way to compensate, instead of them being a strength.

Imo anyway. Doom and gloom. Kum bah yah.
- flyer_nutter

wtf does this even mean

I'm a believer in this corps if they play to the system. That is, keep their feet moving, provide their partner with a high percentage option in their own zone, and making a quick outlet pass to a forward to clear the zone.

This team might not be fast "on paper" but they've shown us they can play either up to the speed of a team like the Ducks or Hawks or even faster, and for multiple games on end.

I think they can get by on this D corps. Did I say it was as good as it can be? Nope. But, realistically, it looks like we're just gonna have to deal with it

wtf does this even mean

I'm a believer in this corps if they play to the system. That is, keep their feet moving, provide their partner with a high percentage option in their own zone, and making a quick outlet pass to a forward to clear the zone.

This team might not be fast "on paper" but they've shown us they can play either up to the speed of a team like the Ducks or Hawks or even faster, and for multiple games on end.

I think they can get by on this D corps. Did I say it was as good as it can be? Nope. But, realistically, it looks like we're just gonna have to deal with it
- Giroux_Is_God

Feel free to be a believer.

- ob18

wtf does this even mean

I'm a believer in this corps if they play to the system. That is, keep their feet moving, provide their partner with a high percentage option in their own zone, and making a quick outlet pass to a forward to clear the zone.

This team might not be fast "on paper" but they've shown us they can play either up to the speed of a team like the Ducks or Hawks or even faster, and for multiple games on end.

I think they can get by on this D corps. Did I say it was as good as it can be? Nope. But, realistically, it looks like we're just gonna have to deal with it
- Giroux_Is_God

I'm not sure I want to drop a contract on defense just for the sake of doing so. I understand this will be a challenging Summer with the Cap going up, Giroux, Mason, Read and MacDonald's deals kicking in but with Timonen taking a serious hair cut, Gustafsson jumping ship and Lecavalier looking like he's on the move, it would seem as if we're still in decent shape. Couturier's new deal is less then his last hit and I expect Schenn's hit to be less also. Even if the Flyers move a deal on defense and bring in Mark Alt, we still need a guaranteed sixth or seventh Dman because we still do not know which Alt will be.

I'd like to see a full season of

Timonen-Coburn
Grossmann-Streit
MacDonald-Schenn

Reason being MacDonald made an instant positive impact on Luke Schenn.

Grossmann-Coburn
MacDonald-Streit
Timonen-Schenn

The second pairs I'd like to see even more through a full season because I believe you could better limit Timonen's minutes while continuing to improve Schenn's play. I also feel Coburn and Grossmann could be an effective checking top pair against the Malkin's and Thornton's of the world.

While the mix is not impressive, I'm not sure I'm ready to dive into the unknown unless we are getting a guarantee in return. We still need that legit number one defenseman. Plus comparing McDonald's deal to Schenn and Grossmann's, I don't think either guy looks that bad. There might be a serious potential for Andy MacDonald to become the next Matt Carle or Randy Jones.
- SuperSchennBros

Schenn has shown flashes of dominance in the past. His mobility and offensive instincts have improved over the past year. Im excited to see what he does next year, and hope he gets an expanded role.

- Tomahawk

For a player who has his position he's just not good in his own end & not one I'd waste the 17th pick on that's for sure.

For a player who has his position he's just not good in his own end & not one I'd waste the 17th pick on that's for sure.
- ob18

What are your thoughts on Nick Ritchie? It seems Hexy is going to like his forwards with size. This prospect definitely has that in abundance. Does he have a significant upside?

Schenn has shown flashes of dominance in the past. His mobility and offensive instincts have improved over the past year. Im excited to see what he does next year, and hope he gets an expanded role.
- JAKEw1234

Wait a second. Which Schenn we talking about here?

Clark Bishop - Center - Breton Screaming Eagles - 2014 NHL Draft

"Bishop is all heart and work ethic. Not blessed with the natural talents of others in his draft class, Bishop uses his physicality, grit, work rate, smarts and tremendous skating ability to make things happen on both sides of the puck.."

What are your thoughts on Nick Ritchie? It seems Hexy is going to like his forwards with size. This prospect definitely has that in abundance. Does he have a significant upside?
- ravishingone

Like his game, always willing to use his size, quick hands, not shy when needing to do the dirty work (against the boards or in the crease)

Does need to be more consistent (what prospect doesn't) while also not dropping the gloves just for the sake of it.

Like his game, always willing to use his size, quick hands, not shy when needing to do the dirty work (against the boards or in the crease)

Does need to be more consistent (what prospect doesn't) while also not dropping the gloves just for the sake of it.
- ob18

Appreciate the insight. Out of Kapanen, Ritchie, Larkin, and Milano, how would you rank them? I'm definitely a draft novice, just trying to get up to speed who the Flyers might draft at #17.

Appreciate the insight. Out of Kapanen, Ritchie, Larkin, and Milano, how would you rank them? I'm definitely a draft novice, just trying to get up to speed who the Flyers might draft at #17.
- ravishingone

Ritchie won't make it to #17

Here is my list of 10 that I would consider at #17 (Milano isn't on it)

Ritchie won't make it to #17

Here is my list of 10 that I would consider at #17 (Milano isn't on it)


- ob18

Interesting that Button has Sanheim rising all the way to #8 on his list up from the 32. Why he is such a late riser?

Interesting that Button has Sanheim rising all the way to #8 on his list up from the 32. Why he is such a late riser?
- ravishingone

Button's rankings are not like others...........he does them in order of how he believes they'll be as a pro..........which is why you may see his differ greatly from others.

Mine personally are not in any order, just names.