Trouble is, Vinny has been something of an anchor himself during his time as a Flyer
- Jsaquella

Not this season. We have all gone over this so many times. Last season he fractured his back and was thrown on the wing. Place him on a line with scoring wingers and see what he does. He led the team in scoring last season before his injury. This season when he has played he has been much quicker and his decisions with the puck have been good. Just like any player... he needs to be put in a position to succeed.

2. Had a funny conversation with a GM last weekend. Heard he was looking for a defenceman. He responded with, “Everyone is looking for a defenceman.” Montreal is checking to see what’s out there. The decimated Rangers are bringing in Tomas Kaberle, with no contract offer. Philadelphia’s search, before signing Carlo Colaiacovo, was exhaustive. “Name someone,” one agent said. “They considered him.” The same GM quoted above talked to a team with eight, one-way contracts on its blueline, only to be told none were available. “They wanted to keep all of them,” he said.

From Elliotte Friedman's 30 thoughts

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...to-be-easy-for-ted-nolan/

true. i will say he hasnt looked awful so far this year.

however, over the long haul, i like a scenario which involves more vinny at the expense of couturier.
- stayinthefnnet

He'd look excellent on your third line.

It does make it harder. But was it anhy different last year for Read or Couturier?
- MJL

No, but that's kind of my point. I think scoring 22 goals in a defensive role should show that you are ready for better offensive minutes (Read). And scoring 39pts as a 21 year old in a defensive role should show the same thing.

I'm not saying they are both elite offensive specialists and deserve 1st line minutes and extended PP time, but they both would benefit from more offensive zone starts.

Hasn't looked especially great, either. He's putting up points and had jump in the Oilers game, but he would be better served by different line mates.
- Jsaquella

Haven't seen his lines produce much zone-time thus far... especially 18/40/17... if they even make it into the zone, the D gets the puck right back and exits. Very little cycling, very few scoring chances.

If he got Vinny's ES minutes and zone starts he'd score just as much, if not more.
- Feanor

definitely more.

If he got Vinny's ES minutes and zone starts he'd score just as much, if not more.
- Feanor

I would love to agree with you on this but Couts just doesnt show me that offensive ability but once every 10 games or so. He is not consistant.

You guys have given us more Fleury. We'll see what we can do for you.

*snicker*
- tangent_man

I bet he has nice feet
- Streit2ThePoint

"Ya know Harry, baseball players have ugly feet." ~Whitey

Not this season. We have all gone over this so many times. Last season he fractured his back and was thrown on the wing. Place him on a line with scoring wingers and see what he does. He led the team in scoring last season before his injury. This season when he has played he has been much quicker and his decisions with the puck have been good. Just like any player... he needs to be put in a position to succeed.
- GOA88

I agree, he's been better this season, but he's hardly been great. If they did break up Giroux & Voracek, I'd put Jake with Vinny.

Haven't seen his lines produce much zone-time thus far... especially 18/40/17... if they even make it into the zone, the D gets the puck right back and exits. Very little cycling, very few scoring chances.
- Tomahawk

Yep, agreed.

Haven't seen his lines produce much zone-time thus far... especially 18/40/17... if they even make it into the zone, the D gets the puck right back and exits. Very little cycling, very few scoring chances.
- Tomahawk

Legion of tomb

2. Had a funny conversation with a GM last weekend. Heard he was looking for a defenceman. He responded with, “Everyone is looking for a defenceman.” Montreal is checking to see what’s out there. The decimated Rangers are bringing in Tomas Kaberle, with no contract offer. Philadelphia’s search, before signing Carlo Colaiacovo, was exhaustive. “Name someone,” one agent said. “They considered him.” The same GM quoted above talked to a team with eight, one-way contracts on its blueline, only to be told none were available. “They wanted to keep all of them,” he said.

From Elliotte Friedman's 30 thoughts

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...to-be-easy-for-ted-nolan/
- Jsaquella

Yup, the price for Dmen has gotten ridiculous.

I agree, he's been better this season, but he's hardly been great. If they did break up Giroux & Voracek, I'd put Jake with Vinny.
- Jsaquella

I think Jake and Vinny would be a great idea. Vinny has not had a sidekick as of yet. But then you are slowing Giroux down greatly IMO. This team does not have much options....

No, but that's kind of my point. I think scoring 22 goals in a defensive role should show that you are ready for better offensive minutes (Read). And scoring 39pts as a 21 year old in a defensive role should show the same thing.

I'm not saying they are both elite offensive specialists and deserve 1st line minutes and extended PP time, but they both would benefit from more offensive zone starts.
- VladDrag

Exactly!

I agree, he's been better this season, but he's hardly been great. If they did break up Giroux & Voracek, I'd put Jake with Vinny.
- Jsaquella

I can't believe we haven't traded him yet.

his decisions with the puck have been good.
- GOA88

I've seen at least 3 spin-o-rama backhand cross-ice hope passes in the NZ from him in 5-games... same poop he was doing last season.

I would love to agree with you on this but Couts just doesnt show me that offensive ability but once every 10 games or so. He is not consistant.
- GOA88

Hard to show a lot of offensive prowess, when you are starting nearly every shift in the D zone and playing a ton of hard minutes on the PK.

Sure. Couts is relied on heavily for defense but when he is in the offensive zone. Does he produce enough?? The answer is no. He is not ready for scoring line minutes.
- GOA88

Please take a look at just how heavily he is used defensively.

No, but that's kind of my point. I think scoring 22 goals in a defensive role should show that you are ready for better offensive minutes (Read). And scoring 39pts as a 21 year old in a defensive role should show the same thing.

I'm not saying they are both elite offensive specialists and deserve 1st line minutes and extended PP time, but they both would benefit from more offensive zone starts.
- VladDrag

I think how they were used was the same last year. Maybe not in terms of exact percentage of Dzone starts. But both Read and Couturier were used heavily in D zone starts last year as well. But compare both player ES point production last year to B Schenn, Simmonds, and Voracek. Pretty close. Point is that both Couturier and Read can produce offense while being burdened heavily with D zone responsibilities. No doubt that both would benefit from more O zone starts. Unfortunately, as a whole isn't strong enough defensively as a team.

I've seen at least 3 spin-o-rama backhand cross-ice hope passes in the NZ from him in 5-games... same poop he was doing last season.
- Tomahawk

He still thinks he's skating with Marty. Poor deluded bastard.

*Meanwhile the Flyers and Vancouver has some discussions the past few days I am told, but it is unclear who was mentioned, except to say it sounded like the teams were more looking down the line and getting a feel for each other regarding a contingency type of trade. -EK

I'm sure they have a sh!t ton of fourth liner we could grab.

Haven't seen his lines produce much zone-time thus far... especially 18/40/17... if they even make it into the zone, the D gets the puck right back and exits. Very little cycling, very few scoring chances.
- Tomahawk

That's line's only had two games so far, and they had plenty of shots and zone time against Edmonton.

*Meanwhile the Flyers and Vancouver has some discussions the past few days I am told, but it is unclear who was mentioned, except to say it sounded like the teams were more looking down the line and getting a feel for each other regarding a contingency type of trade. -EK

I'm sure they have a sh!t ton of fourth liner we could grab.
- mayorofangrytown

That wont happen. Vinny just needs to play with scoring wingers. Not put on a line with Umberger and Akeson like some others are thinking. If you want Vinny to score like we pay him to do.... you dont throw him on a line with anchors.
- GOA88

i understand. but there are only so many scorers to go around. someone is going to have to play with anchors