Or Lawson Crouse
- ob18

Yup!

oh, new blob, btw

Schenn has played a lot more then 3 games this year, and overall he hasn't been good. The other 6 are better.
- MJL

Wait, what? I meant since last being scratched.

http://www.spotrac.com/fr...ufa/defenseman/available/

2015 UFA Dmen sorted by age.

There are more than a few players on this list who can match the ability of what we currently have who can be signed for less money at a shorter term. We don't need long term solutions. We need a bridge to the kids.

No guarantee they will all pan out, but they need to be given the shot.

the shootout has to go...I would prefer a three minute 3 on 3 then a two minute 2 on 2
- vejim

I hate it, everyone hates it but ADD ADHD fans who dont pay attention to the rest of the game. NBA fans in the suites, casual fans etc love it

For myself, I've finally tired of this team being 'good enough', or making the playoffs but not really being a legit threat to win the cup. I'd rather stink in the short-term to become a contender in a few years; I'd rather not make the playoffs for a season or two while assembling a team that has the makings of a dynasty.

I can dream, right?
- wolfhounds

Understandable. And yes, dreaming is good.

They aren't a playoff team without Timonen. The defense is made up of 4-6 level guys. They rivals Edmonton's for worst in the league.
- psuhockey

If the Flyers play a solid team game, their defense is good enough to challenge for a playoff spot.

Only the top 3 in the Metro might make the playoffs this season. Currently there are 7 Atlantic teams with better records than the 4th place Metro team.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/st...?season=20142015&type=DIV
- Feanor

The top 3 in each divisionmake the playoffs, correct? Flyers are only 6 points behind the Rangers. Although the Rangers have a game in hand.

\


The Martinez deal for one. And the MDZ and Shultz signings.

As you say, defensemen are always at a premium, but I think that is over stated. I understand your argument that they identified the player they wanted and went for it. That happened with both MacDonald and Bryzgalov to go back further. I think they need to change this philosophy as in both cases they ended up bidding against themselves and vastly overpaying for both players.

I don't believe they will be able to trade all the d-men mentioned, but if they can get an early round pick for Coburn and possibly an NHL ready (or close to) younger dman I do the deal. I honestly don't think they can trade MacDonald for anything more than a 3rd or a 4th.

I would like to keep MDZ.

If they can deal Schultz for a pick then get one.

You are somewhat more optimistic than I am about this team making the playoffs this season. And frankly I don't think any of the d-men on this team are what I would consider building blocks towards that goal. We overvalue every single one. Yes, you need veterans to help stabilize, but none of these veterans save Coburn fit that criteria. And that is why the return for Coburn would need to be worth it. The return would need to be worth it for any trade.
- MBFlyerfan

There is a major difference between resigning your own players, versus signing them in free agency. MacDonald, even though the Flyers traded for him, was intent on testing free agency. The Flyers either met his price or he was going to walk. Which is why it is so imperative to draft and develop your own defenseman. For every bargain signing that works out, there are more failures and getting what you pay for. If the Flyers had a legitimate top pairing, then a bottom 4 of any combination of Streit, Del Zotto, Coburn, MacDonald, and Schultz, would be solid. They have to make room for the young guys in the future, but just dumping everybody and throwing the young defenseman to the wolves would not be smart. Certianly some of the current group should go and won't be back. Having that legitimate top pairing changes everything.

.