Well, Holmgren singed an elite defensive center and one of the best penalty killers in the NHL to a deal for $600 K less than Schwartz, so that whole apply it to 25 guys isn't actually true.

The Flyers issue isn't usually when they sign guys to bridge deals or deals covering a player's last few RFA and first few UFA years. The issue comes when they over pay guys who are UFAs or heading into UFA.

That's part of the reason I'm happy Hextall stayed out of the market this year.
- Jsaquella

There is no getting around overpaying guys who are UFA's or heading into UFA. That's how it's supposed to work, because that is when the player has leverage.

I still cringe when guys are so conditioned to dump the puck, they do so when a defender isn't within three strides -- I'm not saying you have to split defenders, turn a d-man, every single time, but come on. It's OK to carry the puck in the zone, even if you lose it from time to time, rather than just dumping it and hoping you get it back
- AllInForFlyers

When you lose it, a lot of times that turns into a transition chance for the opposition. There is no question that carrying the puck in leads to more chances and shots. But when that's not there, then the best thing is to get the puck deep. It's still part of the game. How many times do you hear that they failed to get the puck deep, when a goal was scored against the team who failed to do so? You can also generate good offense by getting the puck behind the defense, and getting in on the forecheck. Can't force the play. Have to take what is there.

When you lose it, a lot of times that turns into a transition chance for the opposition. There is no question that carrying the puck in leads to more chances and shots. But when that's not there, then the best thing is to get the puck deep. It's still part of the game. How many times do you hear that they failed to get the puck deep, when a goal was scored against the team who failed to do so? You can also generate good offense by getting the puck behind the defense, and getting in on the forecheck. Can't force the play. Have to take what is there.
- MJL

The only thing you have to make sure you do is having players that can actually have the speed to retrieve said puck, because otherwise its all for naught.

I think the Flyers issue will be more in getting the puck up the ice, with players that can actually skate with it on their stick and be creative.

Even if you are an elite defensive forward, your not making much money in this league if your not proving you can play on a scoring line. Coots has a lot to prove if he wants to make real coin. I generally agree with your statement though. But looking at B Schenn's deal, thought they could have squeezed that deal more
- Just5

Sure, and they could have risked him missing camp. I'm fine with Schenn's deal, the Blues got a good number on Schwartz, but it was a drawn out process and maybe a harbinger of contracts to come.

Look at Subban. The Habs could have locked him up for 7 or 8 years at $5.5mm. Now they're paying him $8mm. If paying Schenn an extra $150k now makes smoother negotiations in two years, I'm fine with it.

The only thing you have to make sure you do is having players that can actually have the speed to retrieve said puck, because otherwise its all for naught.

I think the Flyers issue will be more in getting the puck up the ice, with players that can actually skate with it on their stick and be creative.
- flyer_nutter

You also need to dump when the forecheckers are on the move. If you dump it in while the wingers are hanging out at the blue line, that's effectively a turnover. Stationary wingers aren't beating defensemen to a loose puck.

The bigger issue will be the same as it was in past years-forwards playing 200 feet, good puck support and gap control.

Nothing
- wilsonecho91

nothing....i have absolutely nothing for sale....nothing.

nothing....i have absolutely nothing for sale....nothing.
- hammarby31

It's good to be the king

i just got around to watching 'meet the flyers' and one of the fans asked couturier about things being said about him from the penguins and if it bothered him. .....any idea what this was in reference to?

i just got around to watching 'meet the flyers' and one of the fans asked couturier about things being said about him from the penguins and if it bothered him. .....any idea what this was in reference to?
- hogweed

yes

It's good to be the king
- Jsaquella

It's good to be the king
- Jsaquella

yes, it is.

- wilsonecho91

we are now armed with mighty joint!

The only thing you have to make sure you do is having players that can actually have the speed to retrieve said puck, because otherwise its all for naught.

I think the Flyers issue will be more in getting the puck up the ice, with players that can actually skate with it on their stick and be creative.
- flyer_nutter

Not a player alive that can skate the puck faster then it can be passed. Short accurate passes to forwards coming back deep.