JVR is a nice player, but not a star. And he's gone, and he's been gone for how long now? It's old news.
- MJL

Common, JVR's a star. 30-goals, .76 ppg... puts him in pretty select company. (as much as it hurts to say)

I wouldn't undo any of these guys, however I did feel closer to winning three seasons ago then I do now.
- SuperSchennBros

Sure..They had a lock first ballot hall of fame legit number 1 dman still playing at a high level which allowed them to slot everyone else correctly on the back end. They also had a legit low number 1 or number 2 dman in Timmo

Let's not forget that the year they want to the final they only made the playoffs because of a shootout.

What I am excited about is roughly 2 years from now with Giroux still in his prime. Jake, Couturier, Simmonds and all the defensive prospects.

They were. They had Pronger, Timonen, Carle and Coburn as the top four. They had good depth up front. Only thing missing was a reliable goalie.

Amazing what one injury can do when you don't have systemic depth. Now they are building for the future, while trying to be competitive now.
- Jsaquella

Even after the Pronger injury I felt okay. It was losing Carle, Jagr and JvR right after that didn't help.

For me without question yes.
You saw the max of Carter, Richards and Hartnell who all are getting older. You can make an argument that to this point Schenn has not been great but which player would you undo if you could, Simmonds , Voracek, Couturier?
- opeth_pa

Not sure we saw the max of Carter while he was here. His line this year has been dominant. He likely wont duplicate the 08-09 year (46 goals/38 assists) but he has 8 points in 7 games so far. Plus LA spreads around the offense and he is not their only go to scorer.

I wouldn't undo any of these guys, however I did feel closer to winning three seasons ago then I do now.
- SuperSchennBros

You'll appreciate that they made those moves, and that they've been steadfastly stockpiling picks/prospects, in coming years. Snider's deep pockets + a progressive GM (with a plan he actually plans to stick to) + a host of nifty young players is going to be a combination to be reckoned with.

You'll appreciate that they made those moves, and that they've been steadfastly stockpiling picks/prospects, in coming years. Snider's deep pockets + a progressive GM (with a plan he actually plans to stick to) + a host of nifty young players is going to be a combination to be reckoned with.
- Tomahawk

I like this

Mase has all around better skills then Emery. He is more quick side to side. He handles the puck better. Right now both the team and Emery look more confident with Ray in net. I'd roll with Ray right now.

I think we are saying the same thing here, yes?
- Marc D

Yep.

I think Sam is going to be a multi-year process but the hope is that he becomes a good two-way defenseman with a nasty edge. Good skater but still needs to smooth out his footwork. Tries to do too much at times and makes his share of mistakes. Hopefully, as he matures -- and that is going to take several more years -- he smooths some of the rough edges.

The organization is legitimately excited about Morin, Gostisbehere and Hagg (who has played quite well for the Phantoms in the early going of this season). However, there is a sneaking suspicion that Travis Sanheim may turn out to be the best of the bunch.

I talked recently to an NHL scout in Alberta who watched Sanheim all last season. The comparison player he selected was Duncan Keith. I asked him "In terms of style or upside?" He said both. Meanwhile, Craig Button has publicly gone on the record using Ryan McDonagh as his ceiling comparison player for Sanheim.

I tend to be conservative in projecting players, but I will say this: Flyers scouting director Chris Pryor said on draft day of Sanheim that he has the tools to be one of those rare 4s (Size, Skill, Speed, Sense) defensemen that everyone covets. He's still very early in that process, but the early signs are all positive ones.
- bmeltzer

Was impressed with Sanheim before they draft him & he's done pretty well in each of the games I've viewed this year, love his upside.

Was impressed with Sanheim before they draft him & he's done pretty well in each of the games I've viewed this year, love his upside.
- ob18

yet you didnt have him going in the 1st round

You'll appreciate that they made those moves, and that they've been steadfastly stockpiling picks/prospects, in coming years. Snider's deep pockets + a progressive GM (with a plan he actually plans to stick to) + a host of nifty young players is going to be a combination to be reckoned with.
- Tomahawk

They could have done thing before the serious change in personnel. The future is bright but no guarantees.

yet you didnt have him going in the 1st round
- Crimsoninja

I'd like to believe I did, but I don't feel like looking for it

Not sure we saw the max of Carter while he was here. His line this year has been dominant. He likely wont duplicate the 08-09 year (46 goals/38 assists) but he has 8 points in 7 games so far. Plus LA spreads around the offense and he is not their only go to scorer.
- Marc D

Those are fair points and I certainly am not trying to diminish Carter as a Flyer but I personally believe the upside on Voracek is higher along with being significantly younger. That doesn't even account for the Couturier part of the deal

Common, JVR's a star. 30-goals, .76 ppg... puts him in pretty select company. (as much as it hurts to say)
- Tomahawk

Good goal scorer, but not a star. If you think he is, then we have a different definition of what a star is.

yet you didnt have him going in the 1st round
- Crimsoninja

I thought he did.

You'll appreciate that they made those moves, and that they've been steadfastly stockpiling picks/prospects, in coming years. Snider's deep pockets + a progressive GM (with a plan he actually plans to stick to) + a host of nifty young players is going to be a combination to be reckoned with.
- Tomahawk

The plan that was adhered to, started before Hextall became the GM. Hextall is just continuing it, and hopefully strengthening the weaknesses.

buffalo doesn't look as bad as everyone makes them out to be

i think we're pretty much on par with them

I thought he did.
- Doc_Sarcasm

stay out of this

stay out of this
- Crimsoninja

fite me brah

buffalo doesn't look as bad as everyone makes them out to be

i think we're pretty much on par with them
- 2Real

The Sharks are sleepwalking through this game. It's pathetic

stay out of this
- Crimsoninja

i'm all in your face. what you gonna do? huh? WHAT YOU GONNA DO?

Those are fair points and I certainly am not trying to diminish Carter as a Flyer but I personally believe the upside on Voracek is higher along with being significantly younger. That doesn't even account for the Couturier part of the deal
- opeth_pa

I don't know if Voracek will ever be as good all around as Carter is, but either way. Voracek+Couturier is greater then Carter.

The Sharks are sleepwalking through this game. It's pathetic
- PhillySportsGuy

neurvirth has been great sabres are just small up the middle they have skill

I love the return we got for Carter and Richards but we were only a year removed from a Stanley Cup Final when the deals were made. These deals were oddly timed, much like Laviolette being fired three games into a brand new season.

I don't in the least think it would be a stupid question to ask if we are better off right now or what we were before.

Hartnell-Giroux-Carter
JvR-Richards-Read

Schenn-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Couturier-Simmonds

Keep in mind that Briere still could have been bought out. Bryzgalov could have not been signed at all. Read could still be here. Pronger still could have got hurt. Lecavalier more then likely never signed here. Laughton could still be drafted.
- SuperSchennBros

I would have rather had Carter then, and I would rather have him now. Carter is simply a better player. he was better when he was on the Flyers, and he is better now.


edit: I mean over Richards, then and now. I still love the return we got for both players.

I would have rather had Carter then, and I would rather have him now. Carter is simply a better player. he was better when he was on the Flyers, and he is better now.
- MBFlyerfan

sorry rather have Cooter, Voracek, and the pick over Carter any day

neurvirth has been great sabres are just small up the middle they have skill
- 2Real

I bet the Sharks get a late goal and win 1-0