Believe me, I understand that. But the statement was made that players won't make the team if they're not ready to play, but that simply isn't true.
- AllInForFlyers

That's getting into a completely different area. A decision made on a player in camp and the pre season isn't infallible. Just like it isn't in drafting, trading, signing free agents, or any other player transaction. It is again fluid. If he has a good camp and earns a spot on the team, doesn't mean that he's locked in as a permanent player on the team. No different then any other player. If he struggles for whatever reason, then they have the option to send him down.

But again, what is deciding that?

Believe me, I understand that. But the statement was made that players won't make the team if they're not ready to play, but that simply isn't true.
- AllInForFlyers

And my point is that it is much more true in football than it is in baseball, and especially hockey. In football, you can afford to bury a player, especially a third string QB, who isn't even activated for games, way easier than a kid on an active NHL roster...who WILL be expected to play every game if he isn't scratched.


I understand your overall part and do agree with it in part. However I do believe that Laughton is only making this team if the Flyers believe he IS ready. And again, he can be sent down to the AHL if he struggles, something the NFL can NOT do.

I also agree with MJL's point in that a plan like that cant be written in stone, and to do so would be stupid. There has to be flexibility and EVERY SINGLE PLAYER is going to be different. So while I agree that the overall trend would seem to indicate that him playing in the AHL would be more beneficial to his overall game, you CANT use any other example of ANY player to determine that for him individually, since he is not any other player. What happened to Joe Thornton for example, while being a good guideline or reference, can not be used as an ironclad rule for Scott Laughton, or any other player.

You are both making correct points.




That is just my opinion.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...ve-to-trade-a-defenseman/

Boston has a cap crunch and a numbers issue on the blueline. Not sure I see a deal with the Flyers, although Boychuk would look good in Orange & Black.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/14/chiarelli-at-some-point-im-going-to-have-to-trade-a-defenseman/

Boston has a cap crunch and a numbers issue on the blueline. Not sure I see a deal with the Flyers, although Boychuk would look good in Orange & Black.
- Jsaquella

Definitely would be interested at the right price, and he's a RH shot.

I've said all along that, while I think Laughton is ready, I want him to kick the door down in terms of making the team. I want him to come to camp and be one of the 9 best forwards and make it impossible for the Flyers to send him down.

That said, I think he can earn a job on the Flyers this season. Spending some time in the AHL isn't a killer, though. You know he'll see a ton of ice time and play all situations as a Phantom, but if he does make the Flyers, I'd expect him to see fairly consistent time as well, and seeing some PK time as well.
- Jsaquella

Yeah, I believe he's going to have to kick down the door to get them to bite... simply showing better than the current bottom 3-4 forwards probably ain't going to cut it, from the way they're talking about him.

As fun/exciting as it is to get kids in the lineup sooner than later, I want them to do right by him over everything else.

Another thing you're not sure of is had Laughton made the team last year, he might be further along in his development by now. And had benefited greatly from a year in the NHL versus a 4th Junior season.
- MJL

Yes, it could have gone either way... but the %'s for guys breaking into the league at 18-19 aren't that promising.

Your (infuriating use of incorrect) words hurt also, joking or not
- Giroux_Is_God

i see you've remodeled the garage.

i see you've remodeled the garage.
- hammarby31

And Hammar...I mean look at Hammar he looks just wonderful- nose is normal again...face has come back into shape...

And Hammar...I mean look at Hammar he looks just wonderful- nose is normal again...face has come back into shape...
- Giroux_Is_God

and hats off to my wife, jocelyn....

and hats off to my wife, jocelyn....
- hammarby31

Those 2 weeks at Trembley really paid off

because that whole experience there, the two or three weeks that she stayed at Trembling Hills has paid off, no more alcohol or sedatives in her life...
- Giroux_Is_God

- hammarby31

I abridged it. Fight me

I abridged it. Fight me
- Giroux_Is_God

me? i'm not a fighter...i'm a lover.

2002 Red Wings, man. What a team.

Yeah, I believe he's going to have to kick down the door to get them to bite... simply showing better than the current bottom 3-4 forwards probably ain't going to cut it, from the way they're talking about him.

As fun/exciting as it is to get kids in the lineup sooner than later, I want them to do right by him over everything else.
- Tomahawk

I do feel they brought in White to be his main competition, and there are other options. If Powe comes to camp and looks solid, I'd be open to signing him to a NHL deal and using him if Laughton doesn't kick the door in.

I think Laughton's riding the buses this year, regardless of what happens at camp.

The number of bottom 6 types they've brought in on various types of contracts can fill the role for now. Laughton's work on the 4th line would not make or break this team this year. People's expectations need to be a bit more realistic and less in line with creating a roster like it's an EA Sports game.

He can be a call up fill in, if he earns it, and a candidate to win a full time job in Philly next year. As a side note, he's also one more name the people in Lehigh Valley can use to market the Phantoms in their new arena.

Yes, it could have gone either way... but the %'s for guys breaking into the league at 18-19 aren't that promising.
- Tomahawk

Tons of players have broken in at 19 and gone on to strong careers.

I think Laughton's riding the buses this year, regardless of what happens at camp.

The number of bottom 6 types they've brought in on various types of contracts can fill the role for now. Laughton's work on the 4th line would not make or break this team this year. People's expectations need to be a bit more realistic and less in line with creating a roster like it's an EA Sports game.

He can be a call up fill in, if he earns it, and a candidate to win a full time job in Philly next year. As a side note, he's also one more name the people in Lehigh Valley can use to market the Phantoms in their new arena.
- johndewar

How is thinking that a 20 year old first round pick that has played 4 Junior seasons, could make the team as a 4th line center, unrealistic?
I think stating that there are a number of bottom 6 types that can fill the rile, is talking about it like its EA sports game. His top competition for the spot in White is hurt.

How is thinking that a 20 year old first round pick that has played 4 Junior seasons, could make the team as a 4th line center, unrealistic?
I think stating that there are a number of bottom 6 types that can fill the rile, is talking about it like its EA sports game. His top competition for the spot in White is hurt.
- MJL

Putting a 20 year old, first round pick on your 4th line is not a videogame move. It's a standard NHL move.