berube is weird and mdz is good
keep him

(mdz)
- -davies-

The true test is when Coburn and Kimmo return.... Chief had MDZ playing 20-25 mins earlier this season when there was a shortage of able bodies... the second those guys came back, Chief's commitment to playing him waned.

Here's a list of players that make less then Amac, tell me if you would take Amac over any of these guys.

Kronwall - 4.75mil
McDonagh - 4.7mil
Shattenkirk - 4.25mil
Voynov - 4.1mil (say what you will about his off the ice issues, that's not what we're debating)
Hjlamarsson - 4.1mil
Giordano - 4mil
Josi - 4mil
Hedman - 4mil
Seidenberg - 4mil
Fowler - 4mil
Staal - 3.9
Carlson - 3.9

I could go on but I think you get the point. Every name on that list I think brings a lot more to the table than Amac and for a much better price tag.
- Roytastic

Let's see what those players make when they hit free agency like MacDonald did. That's comparing players on bridge contracts to a player who signed his deal with free agent leverage. How much do you think Hedberg, Carlson, and McDonagh will make on their next contract? Figure out that number and then you'd have an equal comparison.

A big problem is the fans expectation of what players should be paid, and the above is a classic example. You aren't going to get a quality defensman like MacDonald on the UFA market for 3M a year. Now MacDonald's solid overall play, is being downplayed by calling it a secondary role. He's averaging 20 minutes a game, and playing against players such as Ovechkin, Kane, and Yandle recently. No problem with looking at the overall makeup and cost of the defense. That can be done while also acknowledging that a player like MacDonald is a pretty good defenseman.
- MJL

I can't see anything wrong if a D averages 4M per guy in the top 6.
top pair above, bottom pair below, 2nd pair around 4.
So it looks like AMac is making what he should..

The true test is when Coburn and Kimmo return.... Chief had MDZ playing 20-25 mins earlier this season when there was a shortage of able bodies... the second those guys came back, Chief's commitment to playing him waned.
- Tomahawk

Of course his minutes might go down some if those players return to the lineup. Berube's commitment to playing his is not what waned. Del Zotto's play leveled off. Can't omit the players culpability in icetime.

The true test is when Coburn and Kimmo return.... Chief had MDZ playing 20-25 mins earlier this season when there was a shortage of able bodies... the second those guys came back, Chief's commitment to playing him waned.
- Tomahawk

if he is going to bench him or cut his minutes way back, then they should trade him before he loses value.

I can't see anything wrong if a D averages 4M per guy in the top 6.
top pair above, bottom pair below, 2nd pair around 4.
So it looks like AMac is making what he should..
- nails

I think he's making somewhere around 500K more then I would've liked.

Grossman for budaj?

The trouble is, this season, MacDonald has the 28th highest cap hit in the NHL.

He and Grossmann played the fewest minutes today. That's $8.5mm for the 5th & 6th most used defensemen in the game today.
- Jsaquella

That's one game. MacDonald is averaging 20 minutes a game over the season. And that cap his slot is going to fall down the list as salaries continue to climb.

Let's see what those players make when they hit free agency like MacDonald did. That's comparing players on bridge contracts to a player who signed his deal with free agent leverage. How much do you think Hedberg, Carlson, and McDonagh will make on their next contract? Figure out that number and then you'd have an equal comparison.
- MJL

You have a point these players. will get more money when their current deal is up. Bottom line MacDonald is overpaid. A four year 4M deal. There really wouldn't be much talk about him. No one can say for sure but IMO the Flyers could have had him for less than 30 million

That's one game. MacDonald is averaging 20 minutes a game over the season. And that cap his slot is going to fall down the list as salaries continue to climb.
- MJL

Just as we are reaping the benefits of the backside of the schenn, grossman, and coburn deals. It feels great

Grossman for budaj?
- Just5

I want at least a 3rd for Grossman

You have a point these players. They will get more money when their current deal is up. Bottom line MacDonald is overpaid. A four year 4M deal. There really wouldn't be much talk about him. No one can say for sure but IMO he Flyers could have had him for less than 30 million
- 3flyerkids

He is overpaid slightly. You think the Flyers could've had a deal for less but decided to pay him more? Based on what?

Just as we are reaping the benefits of the backside of the schenn, grossman, and coburn deals. It feels great
- Just5

All are good solid NHL defenseman.

I think he's making somewhere around 500K more then I would've liked.
- MJL

Agreed.

I've gotta think that guys like Kronwall and Shattenkirk get 6.5+M per on the open market.

He is overpaid slightly. You think the Flyers could've had a deal for less but decided to pay him more? Based on what?
- MJL

Don't know what both sides came to the table with but when I see a player like Anton Stralman ( who was coming off a great playoff) sign a UFA deal for 500G's per year less and a 5 yr deal.... Just my opinion.. Maybe the Flyers Jumped the gun
Would rather have Stralman for his deal and level of play

Don't know what both sides came to the table with but when I see a player like Anton Stralman ( who was coming off a great playoff) sign a UFA deal for 500G's per year less and a 5 yr deal.... Just my opinion.. Maybe the Flyers Jumped the gun
Would rather have Stralman for his deal and level of play
- 3flyerkids

Stralman is playing in a different situation and on a much better team. Both are comparable players. MacDonald had his asking price and he had leverage. I think if he would've signed for less, the Flyers would've gotten him for less.

All are good solid NHL defenseman.
- MJL

It's a luxury. Hexys phone has to be ringing off the hook for these deadline bargains

Flyers have a stable of 2nd and 3rd pair D men, at 2nd pair prices.
On the plus side, a couple of them are capable of playing top pair minutes if they play with a real top pair guy.
the obvious problem is no top pair guy on the roster

Stralman is playing in a different situation and on a much better team. Both are comparable players. MacDonald had his asking price and he had leverage. I think if he would've signed for less, the Flyers would've gotten him for less.
- MJL

Just hard to believe a team would have thrown 30 million at him during UFA. Especially if Stralman signs his deal first. No way AMac gets more

I want at least a 3rd for Grossman
- 3flyerkids

Yep. If we start trading vets its for picks. Not a stop gap tender. Call someone up from the echl or throw a contract my way before doing that.

Just hard to believe a team would have thrown 30 million at him during UFA. Especially if Stralman signs his deal first. No way AMac gets more
- 3flyerkids

how would Mac look if he was paired with Hedman?

how would Mac look if he was paired with Hedman?
- nails

He would look like a heck of player. Honestly the guy fits the bill as a capable second pairing who doesn't need an all star next to him. He just has a premium #2 dman contract

Steve Mason can't catch a break. He's having a career year and has been one of the top 5 best goalies this season. He's third in the NHL in even strength save percentage (.938), only behind Carey Price (.940) and Pekka Rinne (.938). He's 6th in general save percentage at (.925) and all of this with a shoddy defense in front of him unlike Price, Rinne, Rask, etc. It's a shame he can't stay healthy.

how would Mac look if he was paired with Hedman?
- nails

Who was Stralman paired with last year not Hedman not Mcdonagh