Not to crush the dreams but why the (frank) would Arizona move OEL, a proven elite commodity for a bunch of lesser pieces, or more importantly unknowns relying on "potential".

A team that has been rebuilding for years and needs a star to hope to stay relevant. OEL is a proven elite d-man, even at his age. I don't see him moved for unproven players unless its the #1 or #2 pick. Especially not for (perhaps too harsh), a bunch of mid tier mediocrity in Coututier and Schenn.
- flyer_nutter

It depends on what they think Couturier is -- I promise you this, just like with JVR, if another team trades for Couturier, he's not playing with guys like R.J. Umberger and Zac Rinaldo

I'm not trying to change anybody's mind about Couturier. My opinion is that he's a Top 6 center who has been anchored with at least one horrific linemate every season he has been in the NHL

It depends on what they think Couturier is -- I promise you this, just like with JVR, if another team trades for Couturier, he's not playing with guys like R.J. Umberger and Zac Rinaldo

I'm not trying to change anybody's mind about Couturier. My opinion is that he's a Top 6 center who has been anchored with at least one horrific linemate every season he has been in the NHL
- AllInForFlyers

Ohh don't get me wrong I think he has been handled poorly early in his career, far too much defensive responsibility and not with the best linemates at times.

Brayden Schenn at times too, continuously shuffled from wing and center, forced to play with #40, etc.

Whats done is done. Would have loved to see Couturier with a guy like Vrbata on his wing but that ship has sailed.

For me Im not saying give him up for anything though..If you can work a deal for OEL without crippling the team and it includes Couturier then Ill drive him to the airport.

I just don't think Couturier is or will be good enough to warrant bypassing a chance at a number 1 dman under 30. I also wouldn't move Giroux , Voracek or Simmonds before moving Couturier.

To this point Couturier and Bschenn have had similar results though they have gone about them differently,. If some combo of 1 of Couturier\B Schenn, Prospect, Pick is enough to get OEL or a similar type legit , young, number 1 dmen that their shouldn't be any hesitation. The problem is I don't think that is enough to get it done and with all the defensive prospects inbound I'm not willing to gut the young players on the team.

Ohh don't get me wrong I think he has been handled poorly early in his career, far too much defensive responsibility and not with the best linemates at times.

Brayden Schenn at times too, continuously shuffled from wing and center, forced to play with #40, etc.

Whats done is done. Would have loved to see Couturier with a guy like Vrbata on his wing but that ship has sailed.
- flyer_nutter

should be Simmonds

For me Im not saying give him up for anything though..If you can work a deal for OEL without crippling the team and it includes Couturier then Ill drive him to the airport.

I just don't think Couturier is or will be good enough to warrant bypassing a chance at a number 1 dman under 30. I also wouldn't move Giroux , Voracek or Simmonds before moving Couturier.

To this point Couturier and Bschenn have had similar results though they have gone about them differently,. If some combo of 1 of Couturier\B Schenn, Prospect, Pick is enough to get OEL or a similar type legit , young, number 1 dmen that their shouldn't be any hesitation. The problem is I don't think that is enough to get it done and with all the defensive prospects inbound I'm not willing to gut the young players on the team.
- opeth_pa

As much as I love Simmonds, and how sorely this team lacks a physical element I wouldn't consider him close to untouchable. The PP skills are remarkable but 5 on 5, he doesn't stand out a lot to me. Although this comes from the negative camp.

should be Simmonds
- puckhead17

Should have been (frank)ing Akeson and Read after they showed a little something-something in the playoffs against a superior opponent.

It depends on what they think Couturier is -- I promise you this, just like with JVR, if another team trades for Couturier, he's not playing with guys like R.J. Umberger and Zac Rinaldo

I'm not trying to change anybody's mind about Couturier. My opinion is that he's a Top 6 center who has been anchored with at least one horrific linemate every season he has been in the NHL
- AllInForFlyers

One thing you have to keep in mind if you want to play GM, and that it it'll have to hurt to get a talent like OEL in a deal.

It just may include an overpayment, it may just include your favorite player, it may include creating some additional holes up front. But what it'll also include is acquiring your #1 (or, depending on how one of the kids develops, #2) defenseman for the next 10 years at least.

If I'm rebuilding, or retooling, or restructuring, or whatever re... you choose to call it, I'm starting with my backend. And OEL would be a terrific place to begin. And if it means losing my 3rd, potentially my 2nd line, center in Coots, I'm in.

That said, I'd do all I can to convince them BSchenn would be a better piece.

One thing you have to keep in mind if you want to play GM, and that it it'll have to hurt to get a talent like OEL in a deal.

It just may include an overpayment, it may just include your favorite player, it may include creating some additional holes up front. But what it'll also include is acquiring your #1 (or, depending on how one of the kids develops, #2) defenseman for the next 10 years at least.

If I'm rebuilding, or retooling, or restructuring, or whatever re... you choose to call it, I'm starting with my backend. And OEL would be a terrific place to begin. And if it means losing my 3rd, potentially my 2nd line, center in Coots, I'm in.

That said, I'd do all I can to convince them BSchenn would be a better piece.
- 77rams

That said Hextall better be asking OEL about his hobbies and view of the universe before making any deal. Coyotes were able to fool the NHL once.

One thing you have to keep in mind if you want to play GM, and that it it'll have to hurt to get a talent like OEL in a deal.

It just may include an overpayment, it may just include your favorite player, it may include creating some additional holes up front. But what it'll also include is acquiring your #1 (or, depending on how one of the kids develops, #2) defenseman for the next 10 years at least.

If I'm rebuilding, or retooling, or restructuring, or whatever re... you choose to call it, I'm starting with my backend. And OEL would be a terrific place to begin. And if it means losing my 3rd, potentially my 2nd line, center in Coots, I'm in.

That said, I'd do all I can to convince them BSchenn would be a better piece.
- 77rams

This is where I am -- sometimes, you gotta give to get, and the Flyers could run three NHL centers, with one an elite player -- out there tonight even if Couturier were not on the roster

They do not have an elite defenseman

This is where I am -- sometimes, you gotta give to get, and the Flyers could run three NHL centers, with one an elite player -- out there tonight even if Couturier were not on the roster

They do not have an elite defenseman
- AllInForFlyers

Which is exactly why I'm ok with starting the deal with Couturier.

I'd be absolutely refusing to include this years 1st though.

Out for today, but at the very least if there is any truth to these "rumors", OEL is the right kind of d-man they should be looking at.

You go out and overpay for a kid like that, and not for an older guy like Yandle.

Good day and good hockey.

Out for today, but at the very least if there is any truth to these "rumors", OEL is the right kind of d-man they should be looking at.

You go out and overpay for a kid like that, and not for an older guy like Yandle.

Good day and good hockey.
- flyer_nutter

Yeah OEL is a the right kinda sauce.

It depends on what they think Couturier is -- I promise you this, just like with JVR, if another team trades for Couturier, he's not playing with guys like R.J. Umberger and Zac Rinaldo

I'm not trying to change anybody's mind about Couturier. My opinion is that he's a Top 6 center who has been anchored with at least one horrific linemate every season he has been in the NHL
- AllInForFlyers

Good luck tonight, fellas.

May the best team win!

I can't imagine what they'd want for OEL. The thrown around asking price for Yandle was so crazy.

Voracek + 1st/prospect is a non starter for me. And I imagine that would be the jumping off spot.

Just to change it up...
I think Read is about to go on a scoring streak. He is skating much better, and has been getting some really good scoring chances. When a player has been in a prolonged slump, often right before they come out of the slump you see them get good opportunities but don't finish, Then they go on a tear. I am hoping this is where Matt Read is now.

I was very impressed watching Trouba the other night. He looks like he has the right stuff. That win against the Jets was a quality win. They are a fast and physical team. The Flyer forwards were all taking hits to make plays. Look at the number of odd man rushes the Flyers had. BSchenn has a big heart to run Buff like he tried. Maybe not the smartest play, but much respect for what he did.

I can't imagine what they'd want for OEL. The thrown around asking price for Yandle was so crazy.

Voracek + 1st/prospect is a non starter for me. And I imagine that would be the jumping off spot.

Just to change it up...
I think Read is about to go on a scoring streak. He is skating much better, and has been getting some really good scoring chances. When a player has been in a prolonged slump, often right before they come out of the slump you see them get good opportunities but don't finish, Then they go on a tear. I am hoping this is where Matt Read is now.

I was very impressed watching Trouba the other night. He looks like he has the right stuff. That win against the Jets was a quality win. They are a fast and physical team. The Flyer forwards were all taking hits to make plays. Look at the number of odd man rushes the Flyers had. BSchenn has a big heart to run Buff like he tried. Maybe not the smartest play, but much respect for what he did.
- Marc D

Trouba is a monster. Holy cow he looks great for a teenager.

Also agree on Read...the process is looking so much better for him. He's seemingly moving better, he's going to the net and getting chances, all good to see.

I can't imagine what they'd want for OEL. The thrown around asking price for Yandle was so crazy.

Voracek + 1st/prospect is a non starter for me. And I imagine that would be the jumping off spot.

Just to change it up...
I think Read is about to go on a scoring streak. He is skating much better, and has been getting some really good scoring chances. When a player has been in a prolonged slump, often right before they come out of the slump you see them get good opportunities but don't finish, Then they go on a tear. I am hoping this is where Matt Read is now.

I was very impressed watching Trouba the other night. He looks like he has the right stuff. That win against the Jets was a quality win. They are a fast and physical team. The Flyer forwards were all taking hits to make plays. Look at the number of odd man rushes the Flyers had. BSchenn has a big heart to run Buff like he tried. Maybe not the smartest play, but much respect for what he did.
- Marc D

i think if you guys could get OEL without parting with giroux or jake, you empty the chest. i wouldnt let this years first be a road block. or coots. im not saying give them every single piece, but i dont see any one single asset as being well nope thats a dealbreaker.

Also agree on Read...the process is looking so much better for him. He's seemingly moving better, he's going to the net and getting chances, all good to see.
- Jsaquella

Still would love to see him unloaded if possible. Long term I just think he's pushed out of a position where he can produce at a level that warrants his pay.

Simmonds ES points are over 3 seasons. 98 ES points in 259 games as a Flyer. Mike Richards, the one in decline has 82 ES points in 251 games as a King
- Jsaquella

Ah, I see your point. We totally should trade for Richards!

i think if you guys could get OEL without parting with giroux or jake, you empty the chest. i wouldnt let this years first be a road block. or coots. im not saying give them every single piece, but i dont see any one single asset as being well nope thats a dealbreaker.
- stayinthefnnet

I'm not trading this years 1st. We suck and the top end of this draft is elite. We could be getting a player like Hanifin, or just a player who ends up as good or better than OEL in general.

Not to mention all of the young D we've stockpiled. I'm willing to trade for him, but the 1st, Jake, and G are all off limits.

Trouba is a monster. Holy cow he looks great for a teenager.

Also agree on Read...the process is looking so much better for him. He's seemingly moving better, he's going to the net and getting chances, all good to see.
- Jsaquella

I want Trouba on the Flyers so badly.

i think if you guys could get OEL without parting with giroux or jake, you empty the chest. i wouldnt let this years first be a road block. or coots. im not saying give them every single piece, but i dont see any one single asset as being well nope thats a dealbreaker.
- stayinthefnnet

Agree 100%

I'm not trading this years 1st. We suck and the top end of this draft is elite. We could be getting a player like Hanifin, or just a player who ends up as good or better than OEL in general.

Not to mention all of the young D we've stockpiled. I'm willing to trade for him, but the 1st, Jake, and G are all off limits.
- mochoson

i just look at it this way. realistically. i dont think you guys will be THAT bad to get into the top 5. maybe im wrong. but that plays into it for me.

then i consider the fact that given where youll be picking, while in this draft its still nothing to sneeze at, and likely could be a very good player. the chances of that player being as good as OEL still are less than even (to me at least).

then when I consider the fact that OEL is already good now, and the fact that whoever drafted with that pick will likely need 2 years until they are contributing at a high level. i think if you put OEL on this team as it stands, next year the flyers are in the playoff mix.

OEL is essentially what you HOPE that you can achieve from this stockpile of prospects, without the 2 or 3 year waiting period eating into your window of prime giroux/jake years.

i think if you guys could get OEL without parting with giroux or jake, you empty the chest. i wouldnt let this years first be a road block. or coots. im not saying give them every single piece, but i dont see any one single asset as being well nope thats a dealbreaker.
- stayinthefnnet

Yup. And then you deal Streit or Coburn and fill your new holes with picks or prospects.

I would do Couturier, Morin, Coburn and 1st
- 3flyerkids

Nope. Hagg is the only D prospect I'm willing to move. And only cuz of his inconsistent effort.