I guess it depends on how they develop, and how fast. My only point is that there is going to have to be some patience until these guys get to where they need to get to as players, if at all. And there is a disparity between where the team is with the forward ranks, and the future of the defense. And I think this goes back to how not developing defenseman in the past, is hurting the team. And I'm not sure if they're not going to have to make a move.
- MJL

I guess I'm just not so optimistic a move (either trade or free agency) will be available to significantly upgrade the back end. I feel like regardless we're looking at at least three of Coburn, Streit, AMac, and Schenn being the backbone of the blueline.

maybe he shot it down because he doesn't want to stay there. not that a signing would prevent him from being moved. obviously. but he loses leverage/control.
- hammarby31

I'm all for signing Ryan as long as they can clear some cap - especially VL $$ and maybe a dman like Grossmann. Ryan would be perfect for G and Jake. Also - Ryan gets knocked as a one dimensional player by some on this board but I can't find a single flyer forward with 50 takeaways and a plus 7 last season. No he's not a selke-like defender but he's not a one way player either, not even close. Jmo.

ummmm....wtf?
- hammarby31

Devils rookies need to get used to playing in an empty arena

I can't say it's better. It certainly could be. You've got 3 pretty young defenseman in the lineup there.
- MJL

Maybe Morin will need than one season in the AHL, and we will resign LSchenn. Or maybe Alt steps up and it looks like this.

MacDonald-Coburn
Ghost-LSchenn/Alt
Hagg-Streit

But I would be shocked if Hagg and Ghost aren't in the top 6 two years from now. There's also Sanheim and according to Bill his skating is already outstanding and NHL-level.

Devils rookies need to get used to playing in an empty arena
- Jsaquella

This makes sense to me. They also need training in the use of automatic weapons if they plan to walk to the prudential centre.

I guess I'm just not so optimistic a move (either trade or free agency) will be available to significantly upgrade the back end. I feel like regardless we're looking at at least three of Coburn, Streit, AMac, and Schenn being the backbone of the blueline.
- BulliesPhan87

We agree there. That is another issue. The type of player they need being available is becoming more and more rare.

White is a bit of a fly in the ointment... they can't demote him while he's injured, right?
- Tomahawk

I'm not sure. Maybe he can go on LTIR as well.

This makes sense to me. They also need training in the use of automatic weapons if they plan to walk to the prudential centre.
- Hextall271

That's the one area of Newark that is pretty safe. Couple of nice restaurants in the area, too.

Maybe Morin will need than one season in the AHL, and we will resign LSchenn. Or maybe Alt steps up and it looks like this.

MacDonald-Coburn
Ghost-LSchenn/Alt
Hagg-Streit

But I would be shocked if Hagg and Ghost aren't in the top 6 two years from now. There's also Sanheim and according to Bill his skating is already outstanding and NHL-level.
- Feanor

In the lineup and contributing and the time frame in which that can happen, is a lot different then making up the top players on a defense corps, and the time frame it takes for young defenseman to develop to that point.

That's the one area of Newark that is pretty safe. Couple of nice restaurants in the area, too.
- Jsaquella

I got stuck in Newark once and the Flyers were playing so I took a taxi in.. it didn't look that safe to me, but I am from Canada.

I got stuck in Newark once and the Flyers were playing so I took a taxi in.. it didn't look that safe to me, but I am from Canada.
- Hextall271

In the lineup and contributing and the time frame in which that can happen, is a lot different then making up the top players on a defense corps, and the time frame it takes for young defenseman to develop to that point.
- MJL

It's still not a rebuild when you have three 28+ year old anchors signed to multiyear deals on the blue line to complement the young guys coming thru.

Anaheim have Fowler (22) Lindhom (20) and Vatanen (23) in their top 7 this year.

In the lineup and contributing and the time frame in which that can happen, is a lot different then making up the top players on a defense corps, and the time frame it takes for young defenseman to develop to that point.
- MJL

How has Alt looked so far? I always forget that he's in the mix because I focus on Sanheim, Morin, Ghost and Hagg...

If I was going to make a move next summer I would offer sheet Jake Muzzin from LA, you know Hexy knows the kid and LA is sandbagged with Richards and Carter contracts, they only have 16M in cap space and only 12 roster players at that point...

I got stuck in Newark once and the Flyers were playing so I took a taxi in.. it didn't look that safe to me, but I am from Canada.
- Hextall271

There's swarms of cops when there's an event, at least whenever I've been there for something. My wife and I used to go to the Symphony nearby(her career is in music) quite often and we'd eat at the restaurants in the neighborhood.

Now, go two blocks away and it's a DMZ Hellscape.

How has Alt looked so far? I always forget that he's in the mix because I focus on Sanheim, Morin, Ghost and Hagg...
- Hextall271

Beats (Panaccio, Miller & I believe Carchidi) noted that Hextall said he was impressed with Alt.

Maybe Morin will need than one season in the AHL, and we will resign LSchenn. Or maybe Alt steps up and it looks like this.

MacDonald-Coburn
Ghost-LSchenn/Alt
Hagg-Streit

But I would be shocked if Hagg and Ghost aren't in the top 6 two years from now. There's also Sanheim and according to Bill his skating is already outstanding and NHL-level.
- Feanor

I'm pretty sure Ghostisbehere will be top six before the years end. It will be difficult to keep Morin out at the beginning of next season. I don't know that much about Haag and reports conflict. Sanheim seems promising but who know what he looks like at the end of this junior season.

There's swarms of cops when there's an event, at least whenever I've been there for something. My wife and I used to go to the Symphony nearby(her career is in music) quite often and we'd eat at the restaurants in the neighborhood.

Now, go two blocks away and it's a DMZ Hellscape.
- Jsaquella

I don't like to judge because I've only been there once, but it was wild to me. There was a huge mural of Brodeur by the rink and then, as you say, the taxi picked us up and a short distance away it looked horrible.

Beats (Panaccio, Miller & I believe Carchidi) noted that Hextall said he was impressed with Alt.
- Jsaquella

Sounds good. Another guy in the mix who might contribute soon. I think we're a bubble playoff team this year, but I must admit, I am excited with the direction of the team with the youth.

I can't say it's better. It certainly could be. You've got 3 pretty young defenseman in the lineup there.
- MJL

We also shouldnt forget that we have a wildcard in the group as well.

If MDZ can turn things around that will be a HUGE boost for the Flyers.

If I was going to make a move next summer I would offer sheet Jake Muzzin from LA, you know Hexy knows the kid and LA is sandbagged with Richards and Carter contracts, they only have 16M in cap space and only 12 roster players at that point...
- JW98FlyerFan

The Kings have $16mm in projected cap space and the Flyers have just over $2.68mm in projected space. The cap will likely rise, but that's not counting guys like Laughton, Hagg or Gostisbehere and only have 15 guys signed themselves.

I'm not trying to trash the idea, because I love Muzzin, but an offer sheet isn't the way to go.

If I was going to make a move next summer I would offer sheet Jake Muzzin from LA, you know Hexy knows the kid and LA is sandbagged with Richards and Carter contracts, they only have 16M in cap space and only 12 roster players at that point...
- JW98FlyerFan

What would you offer him that would be too much for the Kings to match?


Remember that RFA offer sheets are not free. Do we really wanna start giving up 1st rounders again?

We also shouldnt forget that we have a wildcard in the group as well.

If MDZ can turn things around that will be a HUGE boost for the Flyers.
- jak521

I'll admit, I've got no read on that situation. I know he'll be motivated, and obviously has had success before. We need him to succeed but I'm not sure he will. Here's hoping. And if he does, I hope we can re sign him. Hope it's a Mase like situation.

I don't like to judge because I've only been there once, but it was wild to me. There was a huge mural of Brodeur by the rink and then, as you say, the taxi picked us up and a short distance away it looked horrible.
- Hextall271

It is a bad city, but they do a good job in that area with the police. I missed the turn once and got in a bad neighborhood a few blocks away...Holy moly.

The Kings have $16mm in projected cap space and the Flyers have just over $2.68mm in projected space. The cap will likely rise, but that's not counting guys like Laughton, Hagg or Gostisbehere and only have 15 guys signed themselves.

I'm not trying to trash the idea, because I love Muzzin, but an offer sheet isn't the way to go.
- Jsaquella

Agree, but looking at what is out there next year he may be one of the few vialble options...and short of a trade that moves out some of the forward talent, I don't see it happening...