The Flyers aren't "looking for a taker" for Grossmann. Berube likes him a lot. The org likes and is comfortable with him in their top six. Talk to Mason about how good Grossmann is helping him out around the net by tying players up or clearing traffic to let him see shots. That doesn't mean Grossmann wouldn't be traded depending on what else they are doing, but they are not looking to unload him just for the sake of doing so.
- bmeltzer

I hear what you are saying Bill, but I don't think Grossmann is going to age gracefully. He's got knees issues that hampers his limited mobility. He plays hard, and is a great teammate. No issues with him, but I believe him and Schenn are a bit redundant. Need more of a mix on the backend. I would prefer to keep the younger healthier player. Just my opinion.

The Flyers aren't "looking for a taker" for Grossmann. Berube likes him a lot. The org likes and is comfortable with him in their top six. Talk to Mason about how good Grossmann is helping him out around the net by tying players up or clearing traffic to let him see shots. That doesn't mean Grossmann wouldn't be traded depending on what else they are doing, but they are not looking to unload him just for the sake of doing so.
- bmeltzer

I think Grossmann is a warrior. I remember when Parros was with ANA and no one wanted to go with him. Flyers were losing and Grossmann who never really drops the gloves took him on, and handled himself well, to try and get the team going. He is a space clearer. His best games are when he is punishing guys on the wall and clearing space in front of the net.

The Flyers aren't "looking for a taker" for Grossmann. Berube likes him a lot. The org likes and is comfortable with him in their top six. Talk to Mason about how good Grossmann is helping him out around the net by tying players up or clearing traffic to let him see shots. That doesn't mean Grossmann wouldn't be traded depending on what else they are doing, but they are not looking to unload him just for the sake of doing so.
- bmeltzer

Thank you Bill! I've been trying to defend Grossmann but I often feel like I'm the only one. I really like him. I agree that he's one of his goalie's favorite defensemen and that doesn't just include Mason even Bryz appreciated him.
He's not fast, but he's usually positionally sound, can lay a heavy hit, blocks a ton of shots, and is a steady player. I don't like him paired with Streit I think on paper they look good but in practice they don't work well. So I'd be all for shifting his normal partner around a bit, but I feel people give him a bad rap he doesn't deserve.

- Streit2ThePoint

Love it. Not sure why people think I OVERREACT AT TIMES

The Flyers aren't "looking for a taker" for Grossmann. Berube likes him a lot. The org likes and is comfortable with him in their top six. Talk to Mason about how good Grossmann is helping him out around the net by tying players up or clearing traffic to let him see shots. That doesn't mean Grossmann wouldn't be traded depending on what else they are doing, but they are not looking to unload him just for the sake of doing so.
- bmeltzer

Grossmann's flaws...we all know them.

But if we're trying to win now, then I'm willing to take my chances with the defense as currently constructed, with the full understanding that whoever the seventh member of the corps would be could be someone who allows the Flyers to have a different look and be more trusted by the coaches than Gustafsson was.

There will be nights when the defense, as constructed, will come up short. But not so many that they have to gut it right now right now right now now now now...they could take it into the season and go 20-ish games and see where they are.

One thing i know for sure: That can't be any worse than how they started last season!

Thank you Bill! I've been trying to defend Grossmann but I often feel like I'm the only one. I really like him. I agree that he's one of his goalie's favorite defensemen and that doesn't just include Mason even Bryz appreciated him.
He's not fast, but he's usually positionally sound, can lay a heavy hit, blocks a ton of shots, and is a steady player. I don't like him paired with Streit I think on paper they look good but in practice they don't work well. So I'd be all for shifting his normal partner around a bit, but I feel people give him a bad rap he doesn't deserve.
- FlyersGrace

Him no fight, him no score, him useless.

Love it. Not sure why people think I OVERREACT AT TIMES
- PhillySportsGuy

That's the interwebs. Hard to detect emotions or tones.

Hextall's to do list

1. Acquire top pairing defenseman
2. Add top 6 wing
3. Find a taker for VL
4. Find a taker for Grossman
- PLindbergh31

I agree that the flyers need a top 6 skilled winger. However having a bottom 6 that can take regular shift is just as important IMO. And at the moment we have a very good 3rd line and a lot of questions on the 4th.

I like the look of this team. We could argue that we were an Akeson double minor away from meeting the Pens in Round two and then who knows. I am excited for a few tweeks and strong draft by Hexy and crew. Giving Berube the summer and training camp to implement his system will do this team wonders.

I am also in the camp of leave Schenn alone and let him develop. As a 22-23 year old or so, already having a 20 goal season under his belt is nothing to sneeze at. He's inconsistant but most young players are. And Schenn is only getting 2nd power play ice time. I'm not saying he should or shouldn't, but if he was on the first unit in place of Hartnell, he'd probably have at least another 5 goals on that total last year. I would only trade him if I was getting a young #1 D back, or another very young and very talented scoring winger.

Grossmann's flaws...we all know them.

But if we're trying to win now, then I'm willing to take my chances with the defense as currently constructed, with the full understanding that whoever the seventh member of the corps would be could be someone who allows the Flyers to have a different look and be more trusted by the coaches than Gustafsson was.

There will be nights when the defense, as constructed, will come up short. But not so many that they have to gut it right now right now right now now now now...they could take it into the season and go 20-ish games and see where they are.

One thing i know for sure: That can't be any worse than how they started last season!
- AllInForFlyers

A big thing this year is everyone knows they need to come into camp in shape. Berube will really get to nail down his system and I think the team defense will improve.

I also think there will be more accountability this year as all the players know hat to expect from Berube. Last year was a little tough as you have to make it go while on the fly. Now everyo is coming in on day one and knowing what Berube is about.

Only player I'm trading B Schenn for is Evander Kane

Looking at the UFA's, do you think anyone will ofer Heatley a deal. Curious just in the fact of would he be willing to come in on a PTO. See how he does and if he impresses maybe get him on a cheap one year deal.

Grossman issue isn't what he brings, it's that the D isn't balanced enough that u can pair guys with others to bring out the best of them. Look at the difference guys like schenn and even Coburn play when paired with the right players.

I hear what you are saying Bill, but I don't think Grossmann is going to age gracefully. He's got knees issues that hampers his limited mobility. He plays hard, and is a great teammate. No issues with him, but I believe him and Schenn are a bit redundant. Need more of a mix on the backend. I would prefer to keep the younger healthier player. Just my opinion.
- PLindbergh31

He is only 30. There is no reason why he can't be productive for several more years (and there are only two years remaining on his current contract -- not like he's signed til he's 35).

Grossman issue isn't what he brings, it's that the D isn't balanced enough that u can pair guys with others to bring out the best of them. Look at the difference guys like schenn and even Coburn play when paired with the right players.
- AGL_91

Grossmann and Robidas were a pretty damn good pairing in Dallas and, down the stretch this year, he had a similar chemistry emerge with Streit.

I am fine with the Flyers dealing Grossmann if they can upgrade mobility without sacrificing too much size. But I disagree with the notion that he's a liability or that his role is unnecessary. He is good at what he does well.

He is only 30. There is no reason why he can't be productive for several more years (and there are only two years remaining on his current contract -- not like he's signed til he's 35).
- bmeltzer

I'd add that at a 3.5 mil cap hit he is an affordable option.

Looking at the UFA's, do you think anyone will ofer Heatley a deal. Curious just in the fact of would he be willing to come in on a PTO. See how he does and if he impresses maybe get him on a cheap one year deal.
- J35Bacher

I kind of view him in the same boat as Vinny. Both would be a great addition to the right team (key word right). I still think Vinny is a good player but he just can't fit into the Flyers system right now unless Schenn is offloaded, which at this point does not seem to be the case.

I'm sure some team will pick Heatley up.

I also think the full offseason to get Berubes system will not only help the forwards but also the d. Also now MacDonald gets to come into camp and they can exeperiment as to what d pairings work best. Last season they kind of had to go by the seat of your pants as there wasn't much practice. I wl be curious to see how camp goes.

Anyone going to go to training camp if the go to Wells Fargo Center again. i went last year and my daughter loved it. Got to meet everyone and got all their signatures on a canvas board.

Evander Kane - Giroux - Voracek
30 goals -100 Points - 30 goals

Cup do it

The Flyers aren't "looking for a taker" for Grossmann. Berube likes him a lot. The org likes and is comfortable with him in their top six. Talk to Mason about how good Grossmann is helping him out around the net by tying players up or clearing traffic to let him see shots. That doesn't mean Grossmann wouldn't be traded depending on what else they are doing, but they are not looking to unload him just for the sake of doing so.
- bmeltzer

Bill, you have always liked Grossman going back to the Stars

Only player I'm trading B Schenn for is Evander Kane
- Winning

is this Hexy?

Him no fight, him no score, him useless.
- jmatchett383

I think that people's problem isn't so much "him no fight" or "him no score." It's "him no move."

I'm fine with Grossmann, but we have a hugely expensive defensive corps, and if we plan to find the space for a #1 guy, we'll need to be able to afford him. Grossmann might end up being the odd man out in that regard; if not, someone's bound to be. The question is, who?

I think that people's problem isn't so much "him no fight" or "him no score." It's "him no move."

I'm fine with Grossmann, but we have a hugely expensive defensive corps, and if we plan to find the space for a #1 guy, we'll need to be able to afford him. Grossmann might end up being the odd man out in that regard; if not, someone's bound to be. The question is, who?
- dilbert719

You mean in addition to Gus?
I think that Grossmann isn't great with the puck but he's a very good player without the puck. It's a skill which is largely under-rated on this board. While I agree there are better D out there, I'm not looking to move him unless we have an upgrade in place. His cap hit is the lowest out of the D right now.

EDIT: I'm assuming that Timonen makes his bonuses.

You mean in addition to Gus?
I think that Grossmann isn't great with the puck but he's a very good player without the puck. It's a skill which is largely under-rated on this board. While I agree there are better D out there, I'm not looking to move him unless we have an upgrade in place. His cap hit is the lowest out of the D right now.

EDIT: I'm assuming that Timonen makes his bonuses.
- FlyersGrace

But but but CORSI....