Not especially, but there's not really any goalies that stick out that they have to go that bold and take one in round one.
- Jsaquella

Most mocks I've seen have the two top goalies going 1 and 2 in round two. Just interested in seeing what the reaction would be.

Most mocks I've seen have the two top goalies going 1 and 2 in round two. Just interested in seeing what the reaction would be.
- hereticpride

Stolarz > Fucale.

Ok how bout we get 15 goals out of coots for one year before we get to that name?
- Just5

Just pointing out if Couturier gave the Flyers 20-25 goals and 50-60 points, he's giving them Bergeron level production, offensively

Exactly! Everyone needs to lower their expectations of Coots offense; most importantly Ron Hextall. The kid is an elite shut down forward. He still has value but we have to stop pretending he will ever produce like Brindamour.

- redcoat75

Agreed!! Since Coots has been on this team, he is the single reason why guys like Crosby and Malkin haven't done very much against the Flyers. Coots has shut them down and the Flyers record the last few years against Pitt shows that. Maybe they get extra hyped to play Pittsburgh but I believe Coots is a huge part to that record. Why can't we be happy that we have a shut down defensive guy who can contribute on offense. We have a guy who fits perfectly as a 3C, maximize that potential and either sign a guy or smack B Schenn in the head until he figures it and gets his game together. I am a firm believer in maximizing potential in every position possible and Coots gives us that in his role. He's still young so I think his O will increase; this was just a bad year for this team.

But if B. Schenn isn't the answer, then why keep trying to make him the answer?

No one is (I hope) saying dump B. Schenn and have no plan in place. But if you don't think he has a place on the team, and I don't think he's a 2C or a top-6 winger, then why not try to get some value for him and either sign a UFA who will fill that hole better and/or try to develop one? It all comes down to, is is low cap hit a good enough reason to keep hoping he's your 2C of the future? I don't think he is.
- jmatchett383

Because the Flyers still control his costs. And with a team that's this cash-strapped to the cap, it makes more fiscal sense to have an inconsistent 40-50 point player (who might still "figure it out") at 2.5m AAV than a 50-60 point finished product at 4.00m AAV.

And by trading him for a future asset, the team is still left with no real, ready alternative to filling that position internally. So regardless of whether or not the Flyers think he's the answer -- there isn't really a better option right now than holding him for at least another season when he's an RFA again.

One of the things mentioned at the Town Hall (I can't remember if by Hextall or Berube, but I think Hextall) was that Couturier had offseason surgery three years in a row, which prevented him from building strength (particularly, I would think, last summer, since it was core-related surgery) and they had hopes that this summer he'd have the opportunity to build the strength that might be expected in a developing young body and that would help with all aspects of his game.

As for B Schenn, Berube or Hextall (see, no notes was a bad idea) said he has to become a power forward. That trying to be a finesse player wasn't going to work for him at this level. I personally wonder how someone of his size becomes a power forward. But that's what they said.

Just pointing out if Couturier gave the Flyers 20-25 goals and 50-60 points, he's giving them Bergeron level production, offensively
- Jsaquella

If we really want to key on Bergeron hes 55-65 guy. I'm 95% sure he cant sustain that.

I think hes the next level below a 40-50 pt guy. He's Handzus, J Staal, B Sutter, etc. Nothing wrong with that.

Because the Flyers still control his costs. And with a team that's this cash-strapped to the cap, it makes more fiscal sense to have an inconsistent 40-50 point player (who might still "figure it out") at 2.5m AAV than a 50-60 point finished product at 4.00m AAV.

And by trading him for a future asset, the team is still left with no real, ready alternative to filling that position internally. So regardless of whether or not the Flyers think he's the answer -- there isn't really a better option right now than holding him for at least another season when he's an RFA again.
- Moose_15

At their current position, assuming nothing much changes, I'd rather trade him for a 1st/package him to move up in the first (if possible) than keep holding onto him and hoping he figures it out, and then do your best to draft/develop the guy who will fit it.

I understand what you're saying, I just don't think he's the answer for that, and they'd be better off maximizing his current value (for the reasons you stated) and trying to move for the future.

Just gonna disagree.

One of the things mentioned at the Town Hall (I can't remember if by Hextall or Berube, but I think Hextall) was that Couturier had offseason surgery three years in a row, which prevented him from building strength (particularly, I would think, last summer, since it was core-related surgery) and they had hopes that this summer he'd have the opportunity to build the strength that might be expected in a developing young body and that would help with all aspects of his game.

As for B Schenn, Berube or Hextall (see, no notes was a bad idea) said he has to become a power forward. That trying to be a finesse player wasn't going to work for him at this level. I personally wonder how someone of his size becomes a power forward. But that's what they said.
- bodiva88

I bet their thinking Dustin Brown type. Similar size.

If we really want to key on Bergeron hes 55-65 guy. I'm 95% sure he cant sustain that.

I think hes the next level below a 40-50 pt guy. He's Handzus, J Staal, B Sutter, etc. Nothing wrong with that.
- Just5

I'd be really content with a Staal or Handzus level guy. I think Sutter isn't in that class, but just below it.

If we really want to key on Bergeron hes 55-65 guy. I'm 95% sure he cant sustain that.

I think hes the next level below a 40-50 pt guy. He's Handzus, J Staal, B Sutter, etc. Nothing wrong with that.
- Just5

50 points from Couturier would be outstanding. That's solid 2nd line center production.

One of the things mentioned at the Town Hall (I can't remember if by Hextall or Berube, but I think Hextall) was that Couturier had offseason surgery three years in a row, which prevented him from building strength (particularly, I would think, last summer, since it was core-related surgery) and they had hopes that this summer he'd have the opportunity to build the strength that might be expected in a developing young body and that would help with all aspects of his game.

As for B Schenn, Berube or Hextall (see, no notes was a bad idea) said he has to become a power forward. That trying to be a finesse player wasn't going to work for him at this level. I personally wonder how someone of his size becomes a power forward. But that's what they said.
- bodiva88

Do you think Mike Richards was a power forward for the duration of his time here?

I don't think he needs to be trying to shrug off defenders or destroy guys a la Lindros, but he needs to play more they style of a power forward.

At their current position, assuming nothing much changes, I'd rather trade him for a 1st/package him to move up in the first (if possible) than keep holding onto him and hoping he figures it out, and then do your best to draft/develop the guy who will fit it.

I understand what you're saying, I just don't think he's the answer for that, and they'd be better off maximizing his current value (for the reasons you stated) and trying to move for the future.

Just gonna disagree.
- jmatchett383

Fair enough. A Gentleman's Agreement has been brokered.

Any other business of import to attend to today?

One of the things mentioned at the Town Hall (I can't remember if by Hextall or Berube, but I think Hextall) was that Couturier had offseason surgery three years in a row, which prevented him from building strength (particularly, I would think, last summer, since it was core-related surgery) and they had hopes that this summer he'd have the opportunity to build the strength that might be expected in a developing young body and that would help with all aspects of his game.

As for B Schenn, Berube or Hextall (see, no notes was a bad idea) said he has to become a power forward. That trying to be a finesse player wasn't going to work for him at this level. I personally wonder how someone of his size becomes a power forward. But that's what they said.
- bodiva88

Break both his legs, insert 4" bone implants. Add 30 lbs of muscle.

I think Couturier is a poor man's Jordan Staal. I see him maxing out along the lines of 20-25 goals, 50-60 points in his prime years which ultimately could only be a couple of seasons.

That being said - I try and hang onto him but maybe not play him as much as he currently plays now. He gets an awful lot of ice time.
- Pixote Andolini

I dont get that comparison at all really. No offense, but a " poor man's Staal"? They are gonna be in the same realm offensively IMO

Couts is already one of the best defensive centers in the league. The one thing holding him back really is his F/O's. He is only 22. He has a career high 39 points in 82 games last season as a 21 year old... despite his offensive restrictions.

Here is why I am still very optimistic.. The league is having a terrible year offensively. The Art Ross Trophy winner might not even be above 85 points. Yet, Coots is still right around his career high from last year..

I look at segments.. larger segments of a young players season to see if I can notice trends. For example: Couts had an explosive month of December... 14 games played, 12 points. But he also had a few months where he was pretty brutal.

November, January and March had Couts going 40 games with only 8 points.

So here is what I think Couts will end up doing as he continues to grow.

Those crappy months, wont be as crappy. 2 points in 14 games? I think we will see that jump to 6-7 points in 14 games. That across the board consistency, along with his surges and some cold streaks will end up having him hovering around a 55-60 point pace.. Thats where I think he ends up.

55-60 points and his defensive skill make for a heck of a player. PLEASE... be patient.

Flyers Masterton Trophy nominee: Nick Schultz.

Schultz over came piss poor play in 2013-14 to get a cheap FA deal from the Flyers and an extension after 45 games.

Do you think Mike Richards was a power forward for the duration of his time here?

I don't think he needs to be trying to shrug off defenders or destroy guys a la Lindros, but he needs to play more they style of a power forward.
- jmatchett383

Big thing I see from him is he needs to be coming away with the puck more in 50-50 board battles

I bet their thinking Dustin Brown type. Similar size.
- Just5

Ugh. Brown is so overrated.

Do you think Mike Richards was a power forward for the duration of his time here?

I don't think he needs to be trying to shrug off defenders or destroy guys a la Lindros, but he needs to play more they style of a power forward.
- jmatchett383

That's what I think also, more about style of play, then being a monster on the ice. B Schenn isn't going to be a player who carries and distributes the puck. He needs to be a player that forechecks hard, takes the body, crashes the net. That's his game.

Ugh. Brown is so overrated.
- hereticpride

Do not speak ill of Earth Overlord Brown.

What would it take for you to trade Simmonds?


Would you take a top prospect and another 1st rounder in this draft? Top ten pick?

Flyers Masterton Trophy nominee: Nick Schultz.

Schultz over came piss poor play in 2013-14 to get a cheap FA deal from the Flyers and an extension after 45 games.
- Jsaquella

See.. I honestly think I would have leaned towards Ryan White.

What would it take for you to trade Simmonds?


Would you take a top prospect and another 1st rounder in this draft? Top ten pick?
- J35Bacher

Top #1 defenseman. OEL or better.

That's what I think also, more about style of play, then being a monster on the ice. B Schenn isn't going to be a player who carries and distributes the puck. He needs to be a player that forechecks hard, takes the body, crashes the net. That's his game.
- MJL

Yea, when he engages himself physically, thats when he is at his best.

He reminds me a lot of Kris Versteeg with some of the stuff he tries to do. Cut out the BS, and play blue collar hockey and you will succeed.

See.. I honestly think I would have leaned towards Ryan White.
- jak521

White is a better choice, IMO.