See I know just firing him really isn't doing much. But maybe to end this season it takes some pressure away from the team.
- J35Bacher

I wouldn't fire him now either but it does seem like the problem without our Coach seems partly about ego.

You are mean.
- Tomahawk

You're 2nd round 1 selection is interesting. I can't even get a good idea to narrow down a list for their first round pick let alone their 2nd because we don't know when either will be and who "might" be available.

and replace him with who?
- jak521

[LL] A real GM would get behind the bench. [/LL]

Laughton is only 20 years old and was thrust into a role (2nd line center) that he was clearly not ready for. I'm nowhere near ready to write him off yet.
- BiggE

Heck no.. I really like the kid. I think he's going to turn out to be pretty solid when he develops. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders, he hustles, and he's strong on the puck. From the little I've seen of him, I still think he'll turn out pretty solid.

You're 2nd round 1 selection is interesting. I can't even get a good idea to narrow down a list for their first round pick let alone their 2nd because we don't know when either will be and who "might" be available.
- ob18

It's safe to say some top-30 consensus guys will drop into the 2nd, right? It always happens.

How bout this... would you rather do the g trade you suggested, or a package of something like this- Our 2015 1st rounder, Simmonds, and either schenn or coots (whicheverr they want) for OEL? I think that would be a pretty fair trade. Nothing more valuable to a rebuilding team than draft picks, Simmonds could bring them a lot of offense they've been lacking, if they pick coots, they pick a good 2 way forward that still could drastically improve his offense, or schenn a young tough forward who could also still improve his offense.
- benjichronic

That's a really good question. If they offered the package, I'd probably take it. I'd really try to keep Couts. I'm not sure it gets the team over the hump though as more moves on offense would be needed.

But, I really doubt Arizona takes that package. They'd want much more. If they get Eichel or McDavid, there's no way they should trade OEL. Because you have a shot to compete in next 2 years. If they fall to three, then they could POSSIBLY think of drafting Hanifin and trading OEL.

But if I'm them, then I'd want both of our firsts, Simmonds, Couturier. Or possibly one of our d prospects instead of Simmonds. And I wouldn't do that if I'm the Flyers.

The idea of getting McDavid is like when youre at a club and in walks the hottest chick you can think of (model, actress, whatever). In your mind your like.. dude I have a chance.



No.. no you dont.
- jak521

I wouldn't fire him now either but it does seem like the problem without our Coach seems partly about ego.
- SuperSchennBros

I feel the team knows it is playing for a doomed coach. I much rather remove that. I know it isn't ideal.

I felt he tried to do way too much on his own and was prone to mistakes with the puck.
- SuperSchennBros

He was so used to playing the role of Peter Forsberg down in Oshawa.... gonna take awhile for him to get the 'juniors' out of his system... it's a pretty common thing.

Laughton is only 20 years old and was thrust into a role (2nd line center) that he was clearly not ready for. I'm nowhere near ready to write him off yet.
- BiggE

Problem is, why isn't he ready? I think his issues were basic. Thing is Nick Cousins has already picked up on. Laughton isn't Sidney Crosby. He's gotta learn to make quick decisions and use his teammates. I saw one too many times where he'd try to pull off a move on an established NHL defenseman that easily put him in his place. I was embarrassed for him.

It's safe to say some top-30 consensus guys will drop into the 2nd, right? It always happens.
- Tomahawk

Of course, expect a few teams to go "off the board".

I have a few that may not be round 1 choices but could be something I'd like as a possibility in round 2

Laughton is only 20 years old and was thrust into a role (2nd line center) that he was clearly not ready for. I'm nowhere near ready to write him off yet.
- BiggE

Plus I think Laughton tops out as a strong 3rd line defensive first guy at the NHL level. I dont think he will ever have the offensive game to be a 2nd line guy.

I still have hope for Couturier to be that guy. And when you look at him in comparison to Voracek and Simmonds, who both didn't really start to blossom until they were north of 25, there is still plenty of time.

Hextall has said over and over he's not willing to sacrifice the future but with this said, I was extremely underwhelmed with what I saw from Scott Laughton in his second go around with the Flyers in three seasons. I felt he tried to do way too much on his own and was prone to mistakes with the puck. Could this all change, of course but I've never see anything like it with a rookie before. Brayden Schenn had a pretty slow start to his career but he still acted as a role player, not a kid trying to be the best player on the ice. Nick Cousins has looked easily more impressive.
- SuperSchennBros

I don't think trading Schenn or Laughton for a true winger prospect is necessarily sacrificing the future.

Overall, I'm kinda in the same boat as you. I think Laughton's upside is a better than average checking line center. I just don't think his offense will be there. I don't even think it would be at Couturier's level. And everyone knows where I stand on Couts as a 2nd line center.

They need a couple of high-end wingers. They have an abundance of centers. Simple math for me.

Of course, expect a few teams to go "off the board".

I have a few that may not be round 1 choices but could be something I'd like as a possibility in round 2
- ob18

You have nary 7-days to finalize your April rankings... you'd better get to it.

You have nary 7-days to finalize your April rankings... you'd better get to it.
- Tomahawk

Nope, I have a list of about 30 names. I can give a better idea once the season is complete & then we wait to see if they win the lottery (doubtful)

Plus I think Laughton tops out as a strong 3rd line defensive first guy at the NHL level. I dont think he will ever have the offensive game to be a 2nd line guy.

I still have hope for Couturier to be that guy. And when you look at him in comparison to Voracek and Simmonds, who both didn't really start to blossom until they were north of 25, there is still plenty of time.
- MBFlyerfan

From watching them both at the same age, I feel like Laughton looks like he's got more pop in his stick and O assertiveness than Coots. Hell, Laughton looks more assertive than B Schenn, too.

You have nary 7-days to finalize your April rankings... you'd better get to it.
- Tomahawk

You want 2 names that might be names to look at in the 3rd or 4th round range?

From watching them both at the same age, I feel like Laughton looks like he's got more pop in his stick and O assertiveness than Coots. Hell, Laughton looks more assertive than B Schenn, too.
- Tomahawk

You want 2 names that might be names to look at in the 3rd or 4th round range?
- ob18

Aho and Aho?

Schenn to Arizona for Chicago's 1st. How about that?

Plus I think Laughton tops out as a strong 3rd line defensive first guy at the NHL level. I dont think he will ever have the offensive game to be a 2nd line guy.

I still have hope for Couturier to be that guy. And when you look at him in comparison to Voracek and Simmonds, who both didn't really start to blossom until they were north of 25, there is still plenty of time.
- MBFlyerfan

This is why I would hesitate to move Brayden Schenn. I don't think he's been properly used this season by being an offensive player expected to tap in the puck, rather then a player who gets timeto handle it. In four seasons, I still don't think the coaching staff has decided to use him at center or wing yet. I still believe Schenn is better then Couturier and Laughton offensively but Couturier is the more balanced all situations player, which makes Laughton what? Are we really that strong moving forward with Giroux, Couturier and Laughton down the middle long term? Are we as strong as Lindros, Brind'Amour or Otto? Roenick, Primeau or Handzus? Briere, Richards or Carter? Definitely no where near Crosby, Malkin and Staal.

From watching them both at the same age, I feel like Laughton looks like he's got more pop in his stick and O assertiveness than Coots. Hell, Laughton looks more assertive than B Schenn, too.
- Tomahawk

I think, especially with Coots, that it has to do with mindset. He needs to retrain himself to think offense. He has been in a defensive mindset from his very first shift in the NHL, paired with wingers who don't help that mindset.


I think the offense will come with Coots.

Schenn? I have no idea what to make of him. At center or wing, I see no difference in his play or demeanor.

Aho and Aho?
- Tomahawk

Mitchell Stephens - Saginaw
Pius Suter - Guelph (probably more in the 5th round range)

Schenn to Arizona for Chicago's 1st. How about that?
- hereticpride

Schenn sounds like a decent replace for Sharp to me at a low cost. All we have to do is keep the Cups coming for those guys.

I don't think Arizona bites on a Giroux trade. They specifically asked for Duclair because of his connection with Max Domi in the WJC this year.
- KGBflyers10

Giroux also has an NMC.