I understand what you are saying here. But he is such a one dimensional player that in order for him to stay in the lineup he would have to produce at a pretty prodigious pace for him to overcome his AHL level skills. The Flyers don't believe he can do it, nor does most of the NHL if we are to take Bills word for it.

You keep talking about his "effectiveness" last season. He had 7 games in the playoffs. Sure he performed well. But come training camp he showed himself to be the same below average NHL, above average AHL player that everyone thinks he is.
- MBFlyerfan

Actually, he had 7 playoff games and reg. season game. And you're wrong about what he showed in camp...Akeson had a decent camp and was among the better players in pre-season (playing with decent linemates and w/pp time)...he had 4 pts in 6 pre-season games which put him behind only Voracek in points for a forward. Unfortunately, once the reg. season started he was pushed back onto the fourth line, his minutes drastically reduiced and his pp time taken away...I think it's no coincidence that his production ceased after that change.

The Flyers and Berube were trying to HELP HIM by putting him on the 4th line in the hopes that he would show that he can work hard and do the things necessary to show he belongs in the NHL. IE, win battles along the boards, get in on the forecheck, play responsible defensive game....all against the other teams inferior players. He couldn't do it. The hockey world and the AHL is littered with players just like him. He is just not good enough.
- MBFlyerfan

I don't think anything Berube did this season was helping Akeson, and may have even hurt him by doing things that smashed his confidence. Akeson is a smallish player, not that physical and not that great a skater, but with a high level of offensive skill. Everyone and their mother knew he wasn't a fourth line type of player, but that's where Berube put him. It's illogical to look for such a player to show acumen as a checker (win board battles, forecheck hard and play defense) in order to judge whether or not he can be a valuable as an offensively skilled NHL'er, especially when he already showed he can produce when put in position to do so. It doesn't make sense. I guarantee you, if roles were swapped, and Akeson got the minutes and role that RJ Umberger or VLC got, he woud have out produced them and would still be on the roster.

Actually, he had 7 playoff games and reg. season game. And you're wrong about what he showed in camp...Akeson had a decent camp and was among the better players in pre-season (playing with decent linemates and w/pp time)...he had 4 pts in 6 pre-season games which put him behind only Voracek in points for a forward. Unfortunately, once the reg. season started he was pushed back onto the fourth line, his minutes drastically reduiced and his pp time taken away...I think it's no coincidence that his production ceased after that change.



I don't think anything Berube did this season was helping Akeson, and may have even hurt him by doing things that smashed his confidence. Akeson is a smallish player, not that physical and not that great a skater, but with a high level of offensive skill. Everyone and their mother knew he wasn't a fourth line type of player, but that's where Berube put him. It's illogical to look for such a player to show acumen as a checker (win board battles, forecheck hard and play defense) in order to judge whether or not he can be a valuable as an offensively skilled NHL'er, especially when he already showed he can produce when put in position to do so. It doesn't make sense. I guarantee you, if roles were swapped, and Akeson got the minutes and role that RJ Umberger or VLC got, he woud have out produced them and would still be on the roster.
- exlund

Actually, he had 7 playoff games and reg. season game. And you're wrong about what he showed in camp...Akeson had a decent camp and was among the better players in pre-season (playing with decent linemates and w/pp time)...he had 4 pts in 6 pre-season games which put him behind only Voracek in points for a forward. Unfortunately, once the reg. season started he was pushed back onto the fourth line, his minutes drastically reduiced and his pp time taken away...I think it's no coincidence that his production ceased after that change.



I don't think anything Berube did this season was helping Akeson, and may have even hurt him by doing things that smashed his confidence. Akeson is a smallish player, not that physical and not that great a skater, but with a high level of offensive skill. Everyone and their mother knew he wasn't a fourth line type of player, but that's where Berube put him. It's illogical to look for such a player to show acumen as a checker (win board battles, forecheck hard and play defense) in order to judge whether or not he can be a valuable as an offensively skilled NHL'er, especially when he already showed he can produce when put in position to do so. It doesn't make sense. I guarantee you, if roles were swapped, and Akeson got the minutes and role that RJ Umberger or VLC got, he woud have out produced them and would still be on the roster.
- exlund

I wouldn't say his offensive skill is High level. Yes he has some good offensive insticts but he doesn't do enough good to outweigh his weakness.

A guy like Akeson needs to do something tremendously to outweigh his weaknesses. Look at guys like St. Louis, Gerbe, Ennis, Cammilari.

You know Akeson was just on waivers. If any team saw a huge value in him they could have had him for nothing. I think that shows that no one took a chance on him.

Yes he could provide spot duty on an NHL roster but I just don't see enough strengths that will make him a consistant NHL player.

Devon Setagouchi was waived and he has proven NHL success. Akeson doesn't have half the success Setagutchi has had yet he is supposed to be placed in a top 9 roll.
- J35Bacher

Martin St. Louis went undrafted after a stellar college career...Calgary later signed him as a free agent...he played some in the NHL and a lot in the AHL...he led their affiliate in scoring..he was later exposed in the 2000 expansion draft and none of the teams selected him. He was later let go by Calgary..no NHL team wanted him and he had to sell himself to teams to try and get back into the league...Tampa took a chance on him and the rest is history. Now, I'm not saying that Akeson is the next MSL, but it's a somewhat analgous situation...a small but talented player that NHL scouts and teams pass on more than once...he keeps at it at various levels until a team (Tampa) gives him the legit chance he needed to show he could be effective and belonged in the NHL...I'm sure if you asked all those scouts about MSL before he took off in Tampa they would have given you all the negatives and doubter rhetoric you wanted to hear...but guess what? These guys get it wrong sometimes...especially when it comes to smaller players who always seem to get discounted due to their size...but they often seem to underestimate the heart the determination and the ability of these players to be productive in the NHL. There have been a few examples of this over the years. I don't know what Akeson could do if given more time in a suitable role in the NHL, but I think it's in everyone's best interest to find out before concluding that he just wouldn't cut it.

dont waste your time writing about akeson, bill he'll never be an nhl quality forward.
sincerely, Coach Chief
- jrusomano

maybe he needs more development time
- 2Real

Shhhh! You're going against the narrative! It's not like he's a rookie and would have ups and downs that need to be endured while he develops...oh wait, he kind of is.

Martin St. Louis went undrafted after a stellar college career...Calgary later signed him as a free agent...he played some in the NHL and a lot in the AHL...he led their affiliate in scoring..he was later exposed in the 2000 expansion draft and none of the teams selected him. He was later let go by Calgary..no NHL team wanted him and he had to sell himself to teams to try and get back into the league...Tampa took a chance on him and the rest is history. Now, I'm not saying that Akeson is the next MSL, but it's a somewhat analgous situation...a small but talented player that NHL scouts and teams pass on more than once...he keeps at it at various levels until a team (Tampa) gives him the legit chance he needed to show he could be effective and belonged in the NHL...I'm sure if you asked all those scouts about MSL before he took off in Tampa they woudl have given you all the negatives and doubter rhetoric you wanted to hear...but guess what? These guys get it wrong sometimes...especially when it comes to smaller players who always seem to get discounted due to their size...but they often seem to underestimate the heart the determination and the ability of these players to be productive in the NHL. There have been a few examples of this over the years. I don't know what Akeson could do if given more time in a suitable role in the NHL, but I think it's in everyone's best interest to find out before conluding that he just wouldn't cut it.
- exlund

St.Louis was also trying to come into the league when there was more of an emphasis on size. It wasn't as wide open as it is now. Smallish players can survive but they have to be able to do something great to outweigh his weakness. St. Louis, Ennis, Gerbe, Skinner all can skate and have high offensive skills. Akeson has maybe above average skills but other then that he isn't a great skater, no very physicall, not really good in his own end.

I'd dump a 4th to lose it and avoid buying him out
- Jsaquella

Who wouldn't? Buffalo is going to want a lot more in return.

I wouldn't say his offensive skill is High level. Yes he has some good offensive insticts but he doesn't do enough good to outweigh his weakness.

A guy like Akeson needs to do something tremendously to outweigh his weaknesses. Look at guys like St. Louis, Gerbe, Ennis, Cammilari.
- J35Bacher

Would producing say, 40-60 points be enough?

By the way, I disagree with the perception that Akeson can't handle himself well (enough) in various (other) aspects of the game to stay in the NHL. He saw some pretty stiff competition last season and did fine defensively while producing offensively.. and it's not like he was a sheiet show out there this season...sure he didn't produce but it's not like he made a lot mistakes or caused goals against or played inordinately bad in that miscast role.

Would producing say, 40-60 points be enough?

By the way, I disagree with the perception that Akeson can't handle himself well (enough) in various (other) aspects of the game to stay in the NHL. He saw some pretty stiff competition last season and did fine defensively while producing offensively.. and it's not like he was a sheiet show out there this season...sure he didn't produce but it's not like he made a lot mistakes or caused goals against or played inordinately bad in that miscast role.
- exlund

a guy named hertl is having his ups and downs this season too after looking so great last season

St.Louis was also trying to come into the league when there was more of an emphasis on size. It wasn't as wide open as it is now. Smallish players can survive but they have to be able to do something great to outweigh his weakness. St. Louis, Ennis, Gerbe, Skinner all can skate and have high offensive skills. Akeson has maybe above average skills but other then that he isn't a great skater, no very physicall, not really good in his own end.
- J35Bacher

I guess we disagree on Akeson's skill level. I do see his skill level more or less on par with say, a Gerbe or Ennis...perhaps not as high as MSL and Skinner...I agree his skating isn't as strong...but I think the vision/passing/puck skills are up there with most of those guys.

yumbo?
- mydoglicks

Is that the BurgerKing sammich they are showing in commercials?

EKs blog has the Leafs considering a trade for VL.

Would you take Clarkson for him?

I think I wouldn't due to the higher hit and 2 extra years on the contract. Even if he can produce more I just can't stomach that contract. Even before he started playing terribly, no one thought that was a good contract.

Edit: Scratch that, he has looked pretty ok this season with 8 goals in 26 games.

EKs blog has the Leafs considering a trade for VL.

Would you take Clarkson for him?

I think I wouldn't due to the higher hit and 2 extra years on the contract. Even if he can produce more I just can't stomach that contract. Even before he started playing terribly, no one thought that was a good contract.
- coffee junkie

At first glance no but then i think when Downie played with Read and Couturier how that line played really well. The contract is tough but I think he could do more then what Vinny can.

He can play on 2nd pp as net front presence like simmonds. You would hvae to figure out what your going to do with Umberger and what other options you might have with lineup.

I don't think it is an easy yes or no

I guess we disagree on Akeson's skill level. I do see his skill level more or less on par with say, a Gerbe or Ennis...perhaps not as high as MSL and Skinner...I agree his skating isn't as strong...but I think the vision/passing/puck skills are up there with most of those guys.
- exlund

Considering that he passed through waivers -- and the Flyers were very confident he would -- I don't think other teams see that in him, either. None of the NHL scouts I talk to do, at least.

Considering that he passed through waivers -- and the Flyers were very confident he would -- I don't think other teams see that in him, either. None of the NHL scouts I talk to do, at least.
- bmeltzer

Bill,

What is your take on Morin in Chicago? Seems like he is wanting out because of not really having a place and has shown enough in AHL. Seems like a guy the Flyers could target who is young and has substantial AHL experience that could really help the depth on this team.

Is that the BurgerKing sammich they are showing in commercials?
- opeth_pa

Yes.

I will not partake

A guy like Akeson needs to do something tremendously to outweigh his weaknesses. Look at guys like St. Louis, Gerbe, Ennis, Cammilari.
- J35Bacher

Look at a team like MIN, who have fully prioritized puck-control throughout their lineup. They've got a number of undersized skill guys like Haula, Zucker, Fontaine in the bottom-six that have helped propel them to the top of the league in possession.

None of them do any one thing that stands out... but they are all guys who have the skill to make basic hockey plays with a high-degree of consistency, and the decision-making/IQ to mostly end up on the right side of the puck. Having a bevy of those kinds of players makes a team very hard to play against, since you'll be spending most of the night chasing them around.

Akeson could be a part of that kind of solution for the Flyers, but instead, they're going to keep running out a bunch of forwards that are too slow to keep up and/or can't make a pass/receive a pass to save their lives.

EKs blog has the Leafs considering a trade for VL.

Would you take Clarkson for him?

I think I wouldn't due to the higher hit and 2 extra years on the contract. Even if he can produce more I just can't stomach that contract. Even before he started playing terribly, no one thought that was a good contract.

Edit: Scratch that, he has looked pretty ok this season with 8 goals in 26 games.
- coffee junkie

They would have to retain a LOT of salary to get me to accept those extra years... like not only the $750k difference between Clarkson and Vinny, but a good deal of that extra $10.5M in 2018+.

Considering that he passed through waivers -- and the Flyers were very confident he would -- I don't think other teams see that in him, either. None of the NHL scouts I talk to do, at least.
- bmeltzer

a surprising number of people here & on twitter have chosen Akeson to be their Little Big Horn. rather trade for a bigger, better version like Morin. he's NHL ready

Currently 5 points ahead of Flyers.
- PLindbergh31

with 8 games left in the spring of 2000, the devils fired robbie ftorek. while slumping, they were leading the conference at the time. they went on to KO lindros in game 7, and beat dallas for their 2nd cup with larry robinson behind the bench.

just sayin'.

wonder if they fired his look alike...


- Jsaquella

if they're worth their salt they should have. his tie is wrong.

if they're worth their salt they should have. his tie is wrong.
- hammarby31

Looks more like this guy:

if they're worth their salt they should have. his tie is wrong.
- hammarby31

agreed, careless mistakes like that can end up costing you valuable points in the standings

Hagg and Lindblom made preliminary the Sweden WJC roster.

http://www.hockeysverige....nornas-trupp-till-jvm-ut/

Akeson could be a part of that kind of solution for the Flyers, but instead, they're going to keep running out a bunch of forwards that are too slow to keep up and/or can't make a pass/receive a pass to save their lives.
- Tomahawk

Inaccurate passing and poor pass reception is the main problem with the Flyers.

Considering that he passed through waivers -- and the Flyers were very confident he would -- I don't think other teams see that in him, either. None of the NHL scouts I talk to do, at least.
- bmeltzer

and scouts are never wrong.