I didn't... I said not to use those guys are reasons to believe players like Kunitz and Sharp are not going to slow down.
- Guile

I know you didn't, I agree with you. Nobody wants to believe that Kuni, Dupes, Scuds, Sharp will slow down in their mid 30's. Then they throw out the well look at Jags comment, its just stupid. Cant compare a HOF talent to an elevated player due to who they are playing with.

What is the serious scouting report on this dude?
- Oneonta Penguin

Just my opinion...

Very small, skilled player. Very good numbers in short AHL stint. And, with Tyler Johnson fresh in everyone's mind.... makes him intriguing.

Even if his last season with the Flyers early in 11-12, he was still an All-Star level player. Shame he had to end his career the way he did, although there's a lot of people out there who feel that he finally got what was coming to him, which I personally think is uncalled for.
- jmatchett383

I can see where they are coming from but you never want to see anyone have their career ended. I'd have just like to see someone knock him out cold. He was a pain in the ass. One of my favorites until he went to Philly. The hate is real

You can also receive a draft pick for a Coach/GM you fired... lets not get into NHL rules making sense.
- Guile

Good point

Is this when you tell us about a 3 on 3 OT lineup of Vorachek, Giroux, and MDZ?
- stowerkraut

I don't think MDZ can be listed in the same stratosphere as guys like Letang/Keith.

Today @ 9:25 AM ET
What makes him a top 6 NHL winger again?

I was thinking the same thing and I just don't see it. Does he possess top 6 skill? Probably but the skating is a huge issue when your plan is to skate him with Crosby or Malkin. I love the signing from a depth perspective but the last thing this team needs is to slow Sid or Geno down even more by tying a boat anchor around their neck.

I can see where they are coming from but you never want to see anyone have their career ended. I'd have just like to see someone knock him out cold. He was a pain in the ass. One of my favorites until he went to Philly. The hate is real
- dbell646

I understand the hate, but this is more than him retiring. He has issues standing up. He can't deal with noises too loud or lights too bright. This has had a serious impact on his quality of life. In the end, he's a human being, and to see how it's affected his life is sad.

I don't think MDZ can be listed in the same stratosphere as guys like Letang/Keith.
- jmatchett383

I agree but...who else was I supposed to say? Mac, Streit?

I almost threw up with the Pessenon comment. Wasn't he supposed to set the world on fire over here after CP signed him.

Agree with the skating part. If this kid was 17 or 18, I'd agree. Still have hope my son can be a better skater, but he has some time still. I don't see much improvement in skating someone at 25 can make.

If this dude has skill and hockey sense, I will take his liability of skating, as long as its not terrible.
- Oneonta Penguin

Like all prospects and un known players Ill hold my judgement until I see them in the NHL after a few games. Just because he had some pts playing in a summer tournament with 71 and OV doesn't make him the next Federov.

I understand the hate, but this is more than him retiring. He has issues standing up. He can't deal with noises too loud or lights too bright. This has had a serious impact on his quality of life. In the end, he's a human being, and to see how it's affected his life is sad.
- jmatchett383

Oh no doubt it's terrible. My hate is strictly on ice. You remember wayne chrebet? I was reading he can't remember how to get home from his local mall and other neighborhood stores at times. Imagine that? It would suck beyond belief

If he had any intention of ever playing again, would he be looking at job in the NHL offices? The only reason he reports for medical exams is that he can get paid his player contract and I assume because he has to fail the medical/physical exam every year for the Flyers to be able to move him to LTIR. It's just a smokescreen and everyone is aware, you might as well stop it and nobody will (or at least should) be mad against it as it will not change anything to anyone other than Pronger I guess. If you want your player money, you probably shouldn't be taking other jobs while under contract.
- lpstjg

Well, if you follow the CBA, he's not allowed to have an NHL job while under contract. But, as the NHL has shown time and time again, it breaks its own rules whenever it feels like it. But no, everyone knows he has no intention of ever playing again, but by the CBA, he's following the required procedure.

Just my opinion...

Very small, skilled player. Very good numbers in short AHL stint. And, with Tyler Johnson fresh in everyone's mind.... makes him intriguing.
- stowerkraut

Great ... so why do we need to acquire a top six forward with the next coming of Tyler Johnson at Scranton-WB?

So, third line player at best?

I agree but...who else was I supposed to say? Mac, Streit?
- stowerkraut

No. The Flyers don't have one.

I was thinking the same thing and I just don't see it. Does he possess top 6 skill? Probably but the skating is a huge issue when your plan is to skate him with Crosby or Malkin. I love the signing from a depth perspective but the last thing this team needs is to slow Sid or Geno down even more by tying a boat anchor around their neck.
- jaydogg1974

you would think if he had that top 6 talent he would have been discovered several years ago. At 25 you dont just wake up and become one of the best forwards in the world at your sport.

Great ... so why do we need to acquire a top six forward with the next coming of Tyler Johnson at Scranton-WB?

So, third line player at best?
- Oneonta Penguin

To me it says Gibbons 2.0.

Like all prospects and un known players Ill hold my judgement until I see them in the NHL after a few games. Just because he had some pts playing in a summer tournament with 71 and OV doesn't make him the next Federov.
- sammy87

Agree, however, this seems to be a no/low risk type of move. The kid (I use that word because he is younger than me) seems to have some capabilities to do something and it didn't cost us an asset. It's a 50-50 proposition, as most of these guys are. Worth the gamble.

To me it says Gibbons 2.0.
- sammy87

UGGGHHHH ... so career AHL player

I know you didn't, I agree with you. Nobody wants to believe that Kuni, Dupes, Scuds, Sharp will slow down in their mid 30's. Then they throw out the well look at Jags comment, its just stupid. Cant compare a HOF talent to an elevated player due to who they are playing with.
- sammy87

Dupuis is the only one I see not slowing down next year.

Agree, however, this seems to be a no/low risk type of move. The kid (I use that word because he is younger than me) seems to have some capabilities to do something and it didn't cost us an asset. It's a 50-50 proposition, as most of these guys are. Worth the gamble.
- Oneonta Penguin

Worst case scenario he's the type of player the Pens should already have that can play 4th line minutes on the cheap.

Like all prospects and un known players Ill hold my judgement until I see them in the NHL after a few games. Just because he had some pts playing in a summer tournament with 71 and OV doesn't make him the next Federov.
- sammy87

Why is this guy willing to sign in Pittsburgh? You were just telling me LAST NIGHT how no one wanted to play here.

To me it says Gibbons 2.0.
- sammy87

Yes... or Gibbons 2.0

I said he was intriguing to many due to the Tyler Johnson phenomenon.

Similar is size, skilled, undrafted, etc.

Platkinov's speed - just one play in the 2015 World Championship against the USA (sorry).

Seems like he can skate to me - (again just one play).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr3g1-lMKwM
- so_buzz11

The biggest knock on Datsyuk that caused him to get drafted so late was medicore skating.....enough said

I know they are called "highlights" for a reason but I really like what I saw. This is a real nice signing. Even if he can't help the top 6, at worst he will be a solid third liner and provide depth it seems. Plus he is young which is a positive.

Yes... or Gibbons 2.0

I said he was intriguing to many due to the Tyler Johnson phenomenon.

Similar is size, skilled, undrafted, etc.
- stowerkraut

Who are you talking about?

The biggest knock on Datsyuk that caused him to get drafted so late was medicore skating.....enough said
- joescullz

Datsyuk? Dude's a hack.