The rookie game is just one game, but it was an exciting one.

I kept thinking Sanheim was Ghost just by how smooth and quick he was on the ice. Sanheim looks like he is a faster skater than Ghost, which is kind of crazy to think about. Can't wait to see what Sanheim looks like in a few years.

I think some people were disappointed Morin didn't show more of an offensive touch in the rookie game, but when you're paired with Ghost or Sanheim, there isn't going to be much opportunity for you to rush the puck up the ice. Morin played a fine game, I thought, and I think him getting more responsibility in his last year in Juniors and more time around vets in training camp will greatly help his confidence.

Hagg definitely looks to be the most NHL ready out of the defensive rookies. His composure is so strong, his play is almost robotic out there. Curious whether or not there is a lack of urgency in his play when the game is on the line.

It was great to see Straka display some skill en route to scoring in the game. This could be his last chance to prove he has the ability to be an NHL player, because if he makes it to the NHL, it's going to have to be as a top six forward. It doesn't look likely, but who knows what this year will tell us.

I'm not so sure about the Teravainen pick. Some said they were "reaching" with Laughton with Maata et al on the board so it seems to me that he was the guy they wanted and even with Teravainen there, they may have still selected Laughton. I think they also take Sanheim a spot earlier. He was another guy some analysts considered a reach. I do agree with Nichushkin. From reports, they liked him a lot and if he fell to 11 they would have had a hard time not selecting him.
- NickTheKid87

Laughton at least will turn out to be an NHL player..

Rememebr in 2007 they picked Kevin Marshall two spots ahead of PK Subban

Aside from hopefully becoming more consistent, I'm not super confident there is a next step Schenn22 will take.
- BulliesPhan87

I think becoming more consistent will go a long way for Schenn.

That trade was made over 3 years ago and I do agree that it was fairly even at the time although Schenn was relatively worse in terms of actual play than JVR. But both had oodles of potential. I also agree that JVR isn't going to get much better. 30 goals, 60 points will be the average for him IMO, which is nothing to spit at but he won't be the "next LeClair" or any of that. Schenn needs to figure it out fast or he'll just be a third pairing defenseman who bounces around the league for 10 years.
- NickTheKid87

Think the real difference between them is that there's always going to be a place for a big-bodied goal-scorer in any era, versus the intimidating battleship crease-clearer which is becoming more and more anachronistic.

IMO

In 2012 if Teravainen wasnt taken 2 spots before Laughton we would have picked him.

In 2013 if Nichushkin wasnt taken 1 spot ahead of Morin, we would have picked him.

In 2014 if Milano wasnt taken 1 spot ahead of Sanheim we would have picked him.


what I'm saying is, I think Flyers brass drafts best player available, and our prospect core could have looked a lot more forward heavy had those drafts turned out a tiny bit different...
- MrBigglesworth

They had Nichushkin rated 20th based on the not-very-well-blurred draft board shown on Flight Plan.

Think the real difference between them is that there's always going to be a place for a big-bodied goal-scorer in any era, versus the intimidating battleship crease-clearer which is becoming more and more anachronistic.
- Tomahawk

I agree with that. I think Schenn would have had to become a relatively better player than JVR to make the trade "even" given what you said.

The only way I have interest in Bobby Ryan is if the Flyers trade Simmonds and/or Brayden Schenn for defense.

Laughton at least will turn out to be an NHL player..

Rememebr in 2007 they picked Kevin Marshall two spots ahead of PK Subban

- MrBigglesworth

Take a look at the 2007 NHL draft and some of the defenseman taken ahead of Subban. Flyers weren't the only team that missed that boat.

I think becoming more consistent will go a long way for Schenn.
- MJL

It'd definitely help, but ultimately I'd still rather have the scoring winger. Not to cry over spilt milk.

Not that every guy has to be a Bob Clarke clone, but Ryan's not exactly known for his compete level and attention to detail at both ends either. He's more of a cherry on top when the rest of your sundae is all ready to go, versus an actual foundational building block.
- Tomahawk

If he wasn't a 'local' kid and a high draft pick, I doubt there would be any discussion about the Flyers signing him. If you take a step back and evaluate the player and the team needs, long term and short term, he really shouldn't be a player the flyers pursue

Laughton at least will turn out to be an NHL player..

Rememebr in 2007 they picked Kevin Marshall two spots ahead of PK Subban

- MrBigglesworth

Another reason why the Flyers best available is not necessarily the consensual best available.

They had Nichushkin rated 20th based on the not-very-well-blurred draft board shown on Flight Plan.
- Feanor

http://hfboards.hockeysfu.../showthread.php?t=1479447

Nichushkin looks like #4 on their board

The only way I have interest in Bobby Ryan is if the Flyers trade Simmonds and/or Brayden Schenn for defense.
- Jsaquella

MEGA DEAL: SHEN AND SIMMERS TO ottawa for CARLTON AND RYAB +

Edit: I really like Plus. He's always being rumored to be headed here or there but when will he arrive?

Think the real difference between them is that there's always going to be a place for a big-bodied goal-scorer in any era, versus the intimidating battleship crease-clearer which is becoming more and more anachronistic.
- Tomahawk

The battleship crease-clearer is not going to become extinct anytime soon. There may be a few less job openings for that kind of player. But every team has a need for that kind of player. So I don't think that is a legitimate variable for looking at the trade. If Schenn becomes a more consistent top 4 physical defender, that plays a big role on a team, then that's a good player.

I agree with that. I think Schenn would have had to become a relatively better player than JVR to make the trade "even" given what you said.
- NickTheKid87

Biggest worry I have with Schenn is that he seems to lose every ounce of hockey sense at times. He's hurt more by bad reads or poor positioning more than lack of speed, because when he makes a bad read, he has trouble recovering

It'd definitely help, but ultimately I'd still rather have the scoring winger. Not to cry over spilt milk.
- BulliesPhan87

I'll take a quality defenseman over a winger any day. Wing is the least important position in hockey.

Biggest worry I have with Schenn is that he seems to lose every ounce of hockey sense at times. He's hurt more by bad reads or poor positioning more than lack of speed, because when he makes a bad read, he has trouble recovering
- Jsaquella

He's guilty of being flat footed and moving himself away from the play at times, And you're right, when that happens, he doesn't have the agility to recover.

Biggest worry I have with Schenn is that he seems to lose every ounce of hockey sense at times. He's hurt more by bad reads or poor positioning more than lack of speed, because when he makes a bad read, he has trouble recovering
- Jsaquella

I feel like that's a problem easier fixed than just not having the talent. It would come down to Schenn's mental capabilities and how much he "wants it"

Biggest worry I have with Schenn is that he seems to lose every ounce of hockey sense at times. He's hurt more by bad reads or poor positioning more than lack of speed, because when he makes a bad read, he has trouble recovering
- Jsaquella

Yeah, it's 99% between his ears (you might say this about Brayden, too).

You kind of get that a lot w/ guys that were physically mature beyond their years in junior... they didn't have to do as much thinking since they could just bully their way around.

MEGA DEAL: SHEN AND SIMMERS TO ottawa for CARLTON AND RYAB +

Edit: I really like Plus. He's always being rumored to be headed here or there but when will he arrive?
- NickTheKid87

UMMMMMM..NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I rather wait this year out and get young on d next year with adding ryan for just salary. ryan-g-vor
somebody schenn simms

pretty good top two lines if they can find a 2lw not named vinny or umberger. maybe reid?

MEGA DEAL: SHEN AND SIMMERS TO ottawa for CARLTON AND RYAB +

Edit: I really like Plus. He's always being rumored to be headed here or there but when will he arrive?
- NickTheKid87

I swear that Plus is like the greatest player not in the NHL.

Yes. 100%
- Jsaquella

Awesome, I will be in touch!!

Highlights:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWTL1Pc7FEk

Take a look at the 2007 NHL draft and some of the defenseman taken ahead of Subban. Flyers weren't the only team that missed that boat.
- MJL

I dont feel as bed when I see a major goof like Pens selecting Derrick Pouliot 1 spot before Jacob Trouba in the top 10 in 2012

Highlights:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWTL1Pc7FEk
- MrBigglesworth