It's going to be a lottery pick team. It just may be Hextall's plan after all , it's the only explanation as to why RJ has not been benched or moved to 4th line
- 3flyerkids

Is Hexy providing lineup guarantees for Rinaldo, Grossmann, VDV too?

(Chief's a dope)

Jst out of curiosity would anyone be willing to deal with Edmonton if you got thier first rounder in a package. Could Coburn, Simmonds and say your 2016 1st rounder get you thier 2015 first rounder. Imagine having two first rounders in the top 5

I get that, I just doubt playing Lecavalier is going to increase the possibility to trading him, unless he's playing with Giroux or Voracek.

He was ineffective for most of last season and he wasn't able to be effective or productive this year earlier with Simmonds, which is why I doubt he'll be effective enough to drum up much interest.

In this season that is rapidly becoming a lost cause, I'd rather give the kids time to show what they can do and get experience.
- Jsaquella

I completely agree with all of that... Especially the last part. I've always been an advocate of giving the young guys time to prove themselves. I just think they're out of options at this point concerning VLC, so there's the last ditch effort (no matter how futile) to let him showcase anything left in the tank... which I agree, will probably be nothing... maybe his first game back, but that will be it.

Like I've said in other threads... it's good I'm not the GM/Coach, because I would be playing the people who deserve to be playing regardless of money. You're paying both the $700k guy and the $8mil guy no matter what... why not play the $700k guy if he's playing better? On this team, and I know it isn't possible with the amount of under achievers right now, but I would sit any number of them in favor of AHL call-ups. I dont care if VLC and Umberger are making a combined $9mil to sit in the press box... so be it. I want to see guys on the ice who belong there.

just thought id chime in on this vinny debate... he used to be a great player, but he sucks now, the end. if you wanna scratch rinaldo or one of the other fringe guys to give him a shot at redemption for a 10 game stretch, maybe he'll impress and someone will come calling, hopefully. otherwise i think some ppl need to realize 2004 was a long time ago.

Yeah, I'm with you. I watched just about every game from the 2006-07 season. Did the same in the lockout season where they missed the playoffs in 2012. I've missed 1 game live this season, and will probably only miss watching them live because of work.

Alex Arias. That is a name that bring up a desire to drink lighter fluid
- Jsaquella

Go look at their rotations and bullpen. Wayne Gomes, Omar Daal, Brandon Duckworth. Fun times.

At least when the team is horrible like back in the season which will not be discussed, it becomes funny and laughable. This Flyers team isn't good, but they aren't horrible enough to be funny like the Sixers.

I experience no angst watching the Sixers because I know they'll lose and I know they'll lose by a lot. When they win, it's like a nice little unexpected gift.

Is Hexy providing lineup guarantees for Rinaldo, Grossmann, VDV too?

(Chief's a dope)
- Tomahawk

If Hextall is as involved in line up decisions as some have said (Dave Isaac, Anthony sanFillippo, for instance) I'm not sure how happy I am.

On the one hand, it means he doesn't have a ton of faith in Berube. On the other hand, it might mean that a good, proven coach who wants a degree of autonomy might be unwilling to come in and have to give away control.

Jst out of curiosity would anyone be willing to deal with Edmonton if you got thier first rounder in a package. Could Coburn, Simmonds and say your 2016 1st rounder get you thier 2015 first rounder. Imagine having two first rounders in the top 5
- J35Bacher

id maybe move coburn for it but not all what youre willing to sell.

Jst out of curiosity would anyone be willing to deal with Edmonton if you got thier first rounder in a package. Could Coburn, Simmonds and say your 2016 1st rounder get you thier 2015 first rounder. Imagine having two first rounders in the top 5
- J35Bacher

Yes. Absolutely. It'd have to make sense, and I doubt Edmonton is dealing that 2015 first rounder for anything less than a deal involving Giroux or Voracek.

If Hextall is as involved in line up decisions as some have said (Dave Isaac, Anthony sanFillippo, for instance) I'm not sure how happy I am.

On the one hand, it means he doesn't have a ton of faith in Berube. On the other hand, it might mean that a good, proven coach who wants a degree of autonomy might be unwilling to come in and have to give away control.
- Jsaquella

if thats the case we're (frank)ed until snider croaked, cause im sorry some bullpoop like that only further solidifies my good ol boy club puppet theory.

just thought id chime in on this vinny debate... he used to be a great player, but he sucks now, the end. if you wanna scratch rinaldo or one of the other fringe guys to give him a shot at redemption for a 10 game stretch, maybe he'll impress and someone will come calling, hopefully. otherwise i think some ppl need to realize 2004 was a long time ago.
- JoeRussomanno

I used to love the guy.. He was always one of my favorite non-Flyers.. But he's got nothing left. It seems that the Flyers and Phillies have the same disease.. They see these names on the FA list and think "Hey, that's a big name! How is he a FA? Let's lock him up!" without realizing the guy WAS a good player... they're on the FA list for a reason (and in this case, VLC was bought out for a reason)... Flyers and Phillies need to get with the times, instead of signing old washed up vets, and then thinking it's a solid deal.

Jst out of curiosity would anyone be willing to deal with Edmonton if you got thier first rounder in a package. Could Coburn, Simmonds and say your 2016 1st rounder get you thier 2015 first rounder. Imagine having two first rounders in the top 5
- J35Bacher

Rexall Place would be a smoldering pit in the ground if they traded out of the top-2 picks in this draft, on top of everything else theyve put their fans through.

I'm actually warming up to doing that. (frank) it, here's two of the best possible linemates in the NHL, if you can't look halfway decent with them, you're shot.

I have less issue with Umberger, because at least he's capable of playing 4th line and isn't automatically going to hurt you in a defensive role.
- Jsaquella

Exactly..he would have no friggin excuse and IF and that is a BIG if he does start doing something it could make him at least " semi-moveable"
RJ is a 4th liner at the absolute best. he is simply cooked and wanders around while on ice.

I used to love the guy.. He was always one of my favorite non-Flyers.. But he's got nothing left. It seems that the Flyers and Phillies have the same disease.. They see these names on the FA list and think "Hey, that's a big name! How is he a FA? Let's lock him up!" without realizing the guy WAS a good player... they're on the FA list for a reason (and in this case, VLC was bought out for a reason)... Flyers and Phillies need to get with the times, instead of signing old washed up vets, and then thinking it's a solid deal.
- WarriorHockey21

yup... only thing is flyers have been doing this for years

Go look at their rotations and bullpen. Wayne Gomes, Omar Daal, Brandon Duckworth. Fun times.

At least when the team is horrible like back in the season which will not be discussed, it becomes funny and laughable. This Flyers team isn't good, but they aren't horrible enough to be funny like the Sixers.

I experience no angst watching the Sixers because I know they'll lose and I know they'll lose by a lot. When they win, it's like a nice little unexpected gift.
- PhillySportsGuy

I remember those teams. I got out of the Navy in spring of 1996. I decided to basically take the summer off, and I went to a LOT of Phillies games. It was not money well spent.

As for the Sixers, I never really forgave them for trading Moses.

If Hextall is as involved in line up decisions as some have said (Dave Isaac, Anthony sanFillippo, for instance) I'm not sure how happy I am.

On the one hand, it means he doesn't have a ton of faith in Berube. On the other hand, it might mean that a good, proven coach who wants a degree of autonomy might be unwilling to come in and have to give away control.
- Jsaquella

It means he wants a lottery pick. That's why we have been seeing some F'D up combos all year.

if thats the case we're (frank)ed until snider croaked, cause im sorry some bullpoop like that only further solidifies my good ol boy club puppet theory.
- JoeRussomanno

Well good ol boy or not, Hextall is being active in doing things his way.

If/when he fires Berube, we will really see what he's about.

The fact that he brought in an analytics guys from the Caps, and Rick Placey from the Avalanche, rather than hiring another random ex-Flyer to scout the OHL is encouraging

Yes. Absolutely. It'd have to make sense, and I doubt Edmonton is dealing that 2015 first rounder for anything less than a deal involving Giroux or Voracek.
- Jsaquella

The guy above you said no. I think to when Vancouver made the deals and got the two first rounders so they could take the Sedins. Imagine you get Edmontons and get 1 or 2 pick and then Flyers pick is number 5. Imagine getting Eichel/McDavid and then adding a Haniflin, Marner, Zacha or another top end pick to your roster.

It means he wants a lottery pick. That's why we have been seeing some F'D up combos all year.
- 3flyerkids

Yeah boy!



I think Hextall wanted to be competitive this season, and make the playoffs if possible. I don't think he's willing to make short term fixes at the possible expensive of the long term vision.

The guy above you said no. I think to when Vancouver made the deals and got the two first rounders so they could take the Sedins. Imagine you get Edmontons and get 1 or 2 pick and then Flyers pick is number 5. Imagine getting Eichel/McDavid and then adding a Haniflin, Marner, Zacha or another top end pick to your roster.
- J35Bacher

True. But the Sedin deal was a bit of an outlier, because there were rumors that they wouldn't sign if different teams drafted them.

I can't see Edmonton trading a great opportunity to draft McDavid or Eichel to get a good top six winger, a good 2-3 defenseman and a 1st rounder that could be anywhere.

It'd be absolutely awesome to have a couple top 5 picks this year. Grab a potential franchise center & defenseman in the space of an hour? Giddyap

Well good ol boy or not, Hextall is being active in doing things his way.

If/when he fires Berube, we will really see what he's about.

The fact that he brought in an analytics guys from the Caps, and Rick Placey from the Avalanche, rather than hiring another random ex-Flyer to scout the OHL is encouraging
- Jsaquella

I don't think Berube came back to Philly to be a GM unless he knew he could do it his way. His name was out there for other places. Also I wouldn't put Hextall into the boys club. he was gone for what 9 years. I think his influence would be more toward the LA way then the Flyers way.

True. But the Sedin deal was a bit of an outlier, because there were rumors that they wouldn't sign if different teams drafted them.

I can't see Edmonton trading a great opportunity to draft McDavid or Eichel to get a good top six winger, a good 2-3 defenseman and a 1st rounder that could be anywhere.

It'd be absolutely awesome to have a couple top 5 picks this year. Grab a potential franchise center & defenseman in the space of an hour? Giddyap
- Jsaquella

I agree. Was just trying to be creative. i think Edmonton is in a weird spot because they have drafted high for how many years and yet they can't seem to shift to being a good team. i thought maybe you can take advantage of it this year.

Also i think this is the one draft where the Flyers could possible bring in some young talented wingers to go with the centers we have and upgrade the skill of the team

The guy above you said no. I think to when Vancouver made the deals and got the two first rounders so they could take the Sedins. Imagine you get Edmontons and get 1 or 2 pick and then Flyers pick is number 5. Imagine getting Eichel/McDavid and then adding a Haniflin, Marner, Zacha or another top end pick to your roster.
- J35Bacher

That also happened in a really weak draft year, and took Burkie no fewer than three separate trades with willing partners to orchestrate.

I can almost guarantee you that you won't see a lottery pick change hands this year... not while those teams have a sliver of a chance to win the draft lottery.

New blog up

I don't think Berube came back to Philly to be a GM unless he knew he could do it his way. His name was out there for other places. Also I wouldn't put Hextall into the boys club. he was gone for what 9 years. I think his influence would be more toward the LA way then the Flyers way.
- J35Bacher

I hope he'd use the LA model. Not that the Flyers model was that horrible, because they were successful in rebuilding the team after the 2006-07 disaster. But the NHL as a whole has changed. You don't see the kind of bold moves Holmgren made, seemingly every summer.

Teams are putting more emphasis on building through the draft and are more gunshy to deal a young player who isn't performing as expected, to avoid a bad trade.

My issue is simply plugging him back in, on a scoring line role. It means that Scott Laughton, a kid who has come in, played very effectively and worked his tail off gets moved to another position or dropped to another line.

The one thing most commonly complained about by some is that the Flyers don't always play 60 hard minutes. Well, here's a kid who is, and his reward is to be demoted or bumped out of his natural position to get Vinny back in the line up.

The message that sends bugs me more than the actual course of action. You tell guys they have to work hard, and then demote one of the guys who is.
- Jsaquella

I think the sending a message is vastly overplayed. Players aren't dumb, and they know what's going on. Laughton is a rookie, and he'll still get his ice time if he is the player that is moved, and Laughton will still bring the same game whether he's on the 2nd line or the 4th line. NHL players have been playing hockey for a long time, they've seen situations like this many times before.