Haven't read it yet
- PhillySportsGuy

Don't. It's like verbal diarrhea.

Here's my mind set because you of all people deserve to hear it.

At the beginning of the season I thought they were a bubble team with as good a chance of finishing in as out. I was not real fond of their off season moves. I thought they could have done more to improve the back end.

I expected Laughton to show better in the preseason and make the team (he clearly didn't, I thought he tried to do too much and his game looked bad). I thought Morin would get the early season look and head back. I thought Ghostisbehere would start in Allentown and maybe impress or through injury find a roster spot by Christmas.

What I didn't expect was the acquisition of some of these patchwork guys like Blair Jones and White and Schultz and Caliocovo to be standing in the way. It seems like they're doing everything they can to keep the tires from completely going flat with out giving a single prospect as much as a look.

I don't want them to finish last. I look at the moves that have been made including trading Hartnell for Umberger as a way to let this team sink. Whether I'm right or wrong the GM and coaching moves this season aren't those of a team that's trying everything to win. They may not be full on tanking but to me it looks like they aren't full on trying.

The prospect thing has become a schtick. I get tired of everyone going on about this player can't develop in the NHL or my favourite from this season: "It's never hurt a player to spend more time in the AHL but you can ruin them if you rush them" when there's no proof of either. I do wonder why you'd bring a prospect up and tell the media he's day to day and you're watching him like a hawk. Who says that?

Ghost gets two games of limited ice time, Manning one? I don't want them to call up all the AHL guys but surely there's room for one. Hell Alt is cheaper and arguably better then more than two players on the roster. Could Laughton be worse than several forwards. Doubt it.

All in all if they're going to tank, let's win the lottery at least this time. Seems to me like this is a trashed season. Heaven forbid they make the playoffs. I've heard chuckling rumours all summer about how bad the Flyers defense was going to be and how this was the perfect storm for Snider and the Flyers to win the lottery, the fix was in. It maybe wink, wink, half a laugh but now I'm watching this... mess.

Maybe I'm at the point where for once I hope the fix is in for us. In the mean time I'm gonna ride out the season.
- mayorofangrytown

tl;dr

At least its in paragraphs and not in a crushing wall of text. Perhaps I can read one or two of them each day.

Here's my mind set because you of all people deserve to hear it.
...paranoid old hippie raving...

Maybe I'm at the point where for once I hope the fix is in for us. In the mean time I'm gonna ride out the season.
- mayorofangrytown

I think Hextall took over looking at things with a several year plan. First he wanted to build a successful AHL foundation, because he saw the benefits of it in LA and Chicago. He's going to be patient to a fault with the kids, because he obviously believes you can ruin a kid by playing him in the NHL too early.

I think the plan for the NHL team, this year is to be competitive without making any short term moves that damage the future. If there's a hole, he'll fill it with a UFA move or a cheap deal that sees him move a spare part for a cheap stop gap.

I think he's going to evaluate pieces this year and make more changes at the NHL level this summer. It's going to be a deliberate process.

Here's my mind set because you of all people deserve to hear it.

At the beginning of the season I thought they were a bubble team with as good a chance of finishing in as out. I was not real fond of their off season moves. I thought they could have done more to improve the back end.

I expected Laughton to show better in the preseason and make the team (he clearly didn't, I thought he tried to do too much and his game looked bad). I thought Morin would get the early season look and head back. I thought Ghostisbehere would start in Allentown and maybe impress or through injury find a roster spot by Christmas.

What I didn't expect was the acquisition of some of these patchwork guys like Blair Jones and White and Schultz and Caliocovo to be standing in the way. It seems like they're doing everything they can to keep the tires from completely going flat with out giving a single prospect as much as a look.

I don't want them to finish last. I look at the moves that have been made including trading Hartnell for Umberger as a way to let this team sink. Whether I'm right or wrong the GM and coaching moves this season aren't those of a team that's trying everything to win. They may not be full on tanking but to me it looks like they aren't full on trying.

The prospect thing has become a schtick. I get tired of everyone going on about this player can't develop in the NHL or my favourite from this season: "It's never hurt a player to spend more time in the AHL but you can ruin them if you rush them" when there's no proof of either. I do wonder why you'd bring a prospect up and tell the media he's day to day and you're watching him like a hawk. Who says that?

Ghost gets two games of limited ice time, Manning one? I don't want them to call up all the AHL guys but surely there's room for one. Hell Alt is cheaper and arguably better then more than two players on the roster. Could Laughton be worse than several forwards. Doubt it.

All in all if they're going to tank, let's win the lottery at least this time. Seems to me like this is a trashed season. Heaven forbid they make the playoffs. I've heard chuckling rumours all summer about how bad the Flyers defense was going to be and how this was the perfect storm for Snider and the Flyers to win the lottery, the fix was in. It maybe wink, wink, half a laugh but now I'm watching this... mess.

Maybe I'm at the point where for once I hope the fix is in for us. In the mean time I'm gonna ride out the season.
- mayorofangrytown

They definitely aren't trying to tank. I'm a bit curious about the long term plan for this team. We've discussed the age gap between the forwards and young defense. The entire defense is signed through next season except MDZ and he's arguably been their best one this season. Is their plan to just continue on this same path because next season they won't have a ton of cap space unless they move someone. If they continue the same path, next season will likely be similar to this one except the young guys will begin to trickle in. Are they looking to contend in 3 years? Basically, I want to know when they'd like to call themselves true Cup contenders.

Don't. It's like verbal diarrhea.
- mayorofangrytown

Too late

I think Hextall took over looking at things with a several year plan. First he wanted to build a successful AHL foundation, because he saw the benefits of it in LA and Chicago. He's going to be patient to a fault with the kids, because he obviously believes you can ruin a kid by playing him in the NHL too early.

I think the plan for the NHL team, this year is to be competitive without making any short term moves that damage the future. If there's a hole, he'll fill it with a UFA move or a cheap deal that sees him move a spare part for a cheap stop gap.

I think he's going to evaluate pieces this year and make more changes at the NHL level this summer. It's going to be a deliberate process.
- Jsaquella

it is difficult to simultaneously plan for the future while still maintaining a playoff worthy squad. he inherited some good assets, but also some bad contracts and gaping holes.

Straka scores to tie the game at 2

I think Hextall took over looking at things with a several year plan. First he wanted to build a successful AHL foundation, because he saw the benefits of it in LA and Chicago. He's going to be patient to a fault with the kids, because he obviously believes you can ruin a kid by playing him in the NHL too early.

I think the plan for the NHL team, this year is to be competitive without making any short term moves that damage the future. If there's a hole, he'll fill it with a UFA move or a cheap deal that sees him move a spare part for a cheap stop gap.

I think he's going to evaluate pieces this year and make more changes at the NHL level this summer. It's going to be a deliberate process.
- Jsaquella

I don't disagree with any of this.

If we're going to suck, let's suck and win the lottery but maybe give the kids a longer leash at least. Quit giving me these nothing guys on one yr contracts and pretending they're better for the team.

It's starting to feel like 1991 again.

it is difficult to simultaneously plan for the future while still maintaining a playoff worthy squad. he inherited some good assets, but also some bad contracts and gaping holes.
- stayinthefnnet

Absolutely. That's why I think he's looking to stay competitive for now, but will avoid trading significant assets for marginal improvements right now. Where the team is, a 2nd rounder is worth more than a 4th defenseman who is a pending UFA

Straka scores to tie the game at 2
- ob18

That was a good shift that led to that goal. Cousins line has played well this year. Be interesting to see what they'd look like with a skilled person instead of Stortini

They definitely aren't trying to tank. I'm a bit curious about the long term plan for this team. We've discussed the age gap between the forwards and young defense. The entire defense is signed through next season except MDZ and he's arguably been their best one this season. Is their plan to just continue on this same path because next season they won't have a ton of cap space unless they move someone. If they continue the same path, next season will likely be similar to this one except the young guys will begin to trickle in. Are they looking to contend in 3 years? Basically, I want to know when they'd like to call themselves true Cup contenders.
- PhillySportsGuy

the age gap between the forwards and the defenders is why ive thought all along for trying to go in heavily for a guy like josi.

i really dont think the flyers are that far off. the impact a player like josi would have resounding through the lineup would be HUGE. im not saying the exact teams/players would mesh up, but if you could move something like schenn/morin/high draft pick (i know ill get crucified for that many assets) into something like josi, it would be night/day for the flyers.

I don't disagree with any of this.

If we're going to suck, let's suck and win the lottery but maybe give the kids a longer leash at least. Quit giving me these nothing guys on one yr contracts and pretending they're better for the team.

It's starting to feel like 1991 again.
- mayorofangrytown

im not saying the stadium would become barren. there are far too many zealots for that, and for that i salute the fanbase. not every team has that luxury. that being said, i dont think flyers ownership ever greenlights a total intentional suckfest like the sixers are doing.

That was a good shift that led to that goal. Cousins line has played well this year. Be interesting to see what they'd look like with a skilled person instead of Stortini
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah that one is strange, but they also give Stortini top line power play time

They definitely aren't trying to tank. I'm a bit curious about the long term plan for this team. We've discussed the age gap between the forwards and young defense. The entire defense is signed through next season except MDZ and he's arguably been their best one this season. Is their plan to just continue on this same path because next season they won't have a ton of cap space unless they move someone. If they continue the same path, next season will likely be similar to this one except the young guys will begin to trickle in. Are they looking to contend in 3 years? Basically, I want to know when they'd like to call themselves true Cup contenders.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah, are we going to just draft forwards now and hope that the older forwards hold up while the younger D matures and the baby forwards will fill in to get us there in three years?

Not sure that's a great plan and Simmonds and I are getting older just looking at it.

the age gap between the forwards and the defenders is why ive thought all along for trying to go in heavily for a guy like josi.

i really dont think the flyers are that far off. the impact a player like josi would have resounding through the lineup would be HUGE. im not saying the exact teams/players would mesh up, but if you could move something like schenn/morin/high draft pick (i know ill get crucified for that many assets) into something like josi, it would be night/day for the flyers.
- stayinthefnnet

I'm not sure if Josi is just experiencing the Carle effect. Is he a top pairing dman or is he just reaping the benefits of playing with a top 5 dman in hockey? Carle was the same way with Pronger. He played great when paired with Pronger, but he wasn't really a top pairing defenseman without him.

Yeah that one is strange, but they also give Stortini top line power play time
- ob18

Flyers gonna Flyer

Here's my mind set because you of all people deserve to hear it.

At the beginning of the season I thought they were a bubble team with as good a chance of finishing in as out. I was not real fond of their off season moves. I thought they could have done more to improve the back end.

I expected Laughton to show better in the preseason and make the team (he clearly didn't, I thought he tried to do too much and his game looked bad). I thought Morin would get the early season look and head back. I thought Ghostisbehere would start in Allentown and maybe impress or through injury find a roster spot by Christmas.

What I didn't expect was the acquisition of some of these patchwork guys like Blair Jones and White and Schultz and Caliocovo to be standing in the way. It seems like they're doing everything they can to keep the tires from completely going flat with out giving a single prospect as much as a look.

I don't want them to finish last. I look at the moves that have been made including trading Hartnell for Umberger as a way to let this team sink. Whether I'm right or wrong the GM and coaching moves this season aren't those of a team that's trying everything to win. They may not be full on tanking but to me it looks like they aren't full on trying.

The prospect thing has become a schtick. I get tired of everyone going on about this player can't develop in the NHL or my favourite from this season: "It's never hurt a player to spend more time in the AHL but you can ruin them if you rush them" when there's no proof of either. I do wonder why you'd bring a prospect up and tell the media he's day to day and you're watching him like a hawk. Who says that?

Ghost gets two games of limited ice time, Manning one? I don't want them to call up all the AHL guys but surely there's room for one. Hell Alt is cheaper and arguably better then more than two players on the roster. Could Laughton be worse than several forwards. Doubt it.

All in all if they're going to tank, let's win the lottery at least this time. Seems to me like this is a trashed season. Heaven forbid they make the playoffs. I've heard chuckling rumours all summer about how bad the Flyers defense was going to be and how this was the perfect storm for Snider and the Flyers to win the lottery, the fix was in. It maybe wink, wink, half a laugh but now I'm watching this... mess.

Maybe I'm at the point where for once I hope the fix is in for us. In the mean time I'm gonna ride out the season.
- mayorofangrytown

Yeah that one is strange, but they also give Stortini top line power play time
- ob18

they're prepping him as a potential replacement for Raffl.

im not saying the stadium would become barren. there are far too many zealots for that, and for that i salute the fanbase. not every team has that luxury. that being said, i dont think flyers ownership ever greenlights a total intentional suckfest like the sixers are doing.
- stayinthefnnet

Even in 91 when the stands were empty the tickets were sold. They won't have that luxury this season. They're having trouble moving tix already. I get calls every two weeks now and they started in September.

I don't disagree with any of this.

If we're going to suck, let's suck and win the lottery but maybe give the kids a longer leash at least. Quit giving me these nothing guys on one yr contracts and pretending they're better for the team.

It's starting to feel like 1991 again.
- mayorofangrytown

I think next summer he's more active. To suck, and be a team hunting for McDavid or Eichel, he'd probably have to deal Giroux or Voracek or both.

I get the, if we're gonna suck then let's suck idea, but it's not going to happen.

I also get the idea of being open to bringing a prospect up, rather than go Colaiacovo or Ryan White routes.

Hextall inherited cap issues, some contracts he obviously was not happy with and a roster that was limited in what he could do to improve. He seems to feel they can be competitive-and they have been-and I doubt we see an out and out tank job.

Yeah, are we going to just draft forwards now and hope that the older forwards hold up while the younger D matures and the baby forwards will fill in to get us there in three years?

Not sure that's a great plan and Simmonds and I are getting older just looking at it.
- mayorofangrytown

It's a weird situation. I feel like they're just following a philosophy right now. I would also like to know if Hextall is in total agreement with how Berube has been running the team.

There are times when I feel this franchise is turning the corner and becoming more of a modern thinking organization. Then, there are other times I feel like they just can't get away from the tough guy, grinder mentality.

I read it.

I think next summer he's more active. To suck, and be a team hunting for McDavid or Eichel, he'd probably have to deal Giroux or Voracek or both.

I get the, if we're gonna suck then let's suck idea, but it's not going to happen.

I also get the idea of being open to bringing a prospect up, rather than go Colaiacovo or Ryan White routes.

Hextall inherited cap issues, some contracts he obviously was not happy with and a roster that was limited in what he could do to improve. He seems to feel they can be competitive-and they have been-and I doubt we see an out and out tank job.
- Jsaquella

I know they aren't going to tank to tank but it seems like they aren't doing anything to make this team better. It's like waiting for the dog to come into the picture after Moe pastes the salami on the tire.

This season, all they have to do is finish out of the playoffs to draft number 1.

I'm not sure if Josi is just experiencing the Carle effect. Is he a top pairing dman or is he just reaping the benefits of playing with a top 5 dman in hockey? Carle was the same way with Pronger. He played great when paired with Pronger, but he wasn't really a top pairing defenseman without him.
- PhillySportsGuy

yeah. i dont know. i have no way of factually disagreeing, but from what ive seen about josi. i am sold.

but still, some other, 22 to 27 year old defender. obviously you wont get doughty or pietrangelo or something. but someone in that next tier.

you have giroux, voracek, simmonds, and coots. there is your core. everyone else can be subjected to being part of a package.

Yeah, are we going to just draft forwards now and hope that the older forwards hold up while the younger D matures and the baby forwards will fill in to get us there in three years?

Not sure that's a great plan and Simmonds and I are getting older just looking at it.
- mayorofangrytown

Forwards come faster than defensemen, though -- theoretically, a good-enough forward should be able to crack an NHL roster and be an impactful player in around three years. Highly skilled guys do it in two or one

Assuming they finish in the mid-to-high teens, whether they are in or out of the playoffs, they could/should be able to draft a forward who could help them in two, three years, depending on the type of guy they go for and his frame/body