The reality with Del Zotto is that other than his ability to jump in on the rush, he's considered an average to below average defenseman around the league.
- MJL

For only like a brief 18-month period of time -- he was very highly regarded before, and his rep has recovered nicely since.

I'd prefer a team that hopes thier young players can crack the roster, but has 1-2 serviceable 7/8 man (Manning, for instance) who could play low yet meaningful minutes in the top 6 should the need arise while the young guys work on their game.

But I guess that doesn't really answer your question. So neither.
- jmatchett383

C I like C

But didn't you hear? Everything you posted is meaningless. Players can just be traded or demoted to make room. Have you had your head in the ground for the last yr?
- mayorofangrytown

That's kind of why I mentioned needing a trade at the end of the post there, big guy...might need to up that thickness, Grandpa

MDZ filing for arbitration isn't good or bad -- it's part of the process

It would be helpful for the league if the stigma of offer sheets and arbitration became a thing of the past, because they just aren't horrible things

Arbitration means the player will be in the lineup or the team walks away. Either way, the situation is resolved, and most cases settle before the proceeding.

Plus, if the Flyers choose, they can actually choose a two-year contract, in some cases (not sure what the parameters are, so I don't know if it is applicable in this case)

But the days of arbitration making a player cry -- was that Kenny Jonsson? -- should be over, because this stuff is a business

If MDZ plays well next season, he is gonna get paid on a multiyear contract. Arbitration means he may not get exactly what he thinks he should be paid, but he will have a contract and he will not hurt his conditioning or ability to learn a new system by holding out

MDZ filing for arbitration isn't good or bad -- it's part of the process

It would be helpful for the league if the stigma of offer sheets and arbitration became a thing of the past, because they just aren't horrible things

Arbitration means the player will be in the lineup or the team walks away. Either way, the situation is resolved, and most cases settle before the proceeding.

Plus, if the Flyers choose, they can actually choose a two-year contract, in some cases (not sure what the parameters are, so I don't know if it is applicable in this case)

But the days of arbitration making a player cry -- was that Kenny Jonsson? -- should be over, because this stuff is a business

If MDZ plays well next season, he is gonna get paid on a multiyear contract. Arbitration means he may not get exactly what we thinks he should be paid, but he will have a contract and he will not hurt his conditioning or ability to learn a new system by holding out
- AllInForFlyers

Tommy Salo. Mike Milbury strikes.

The Flyers can still hammer out a deal before the hearing. All the filing means is that the money isn't close enough to hammer it out quickly.

For only like a brief 18-month period of time -- he was very highly regarded before, and his rep has recovered nicely since.
- Tomahawk

Thank you, he was used on the PK last year, below average defensemen are not usually used in that capacity.
It just seems the guy has a stigma, and everything he's done to prove himself goes back to NY, and Nashville.

Thank you, he was used on the PK last year, below average defensemen are not usually used in that capacity.
It just seems the guy has a stigma, and everything he's done to prove himself goes back to NY, and Nashville.
- puckhead17

On a poopty team they are, just saying.

Its a dirty job but someone had to do it for the flyers last year.
- Just5

We don't need him, we'll be stocked in 3/4 years.

On a poopty team they are, just saying.
- flyer_nutter

Yup, your right, Ef him, we'll be stocked in 3/4 years

Yup, your right, Ef him, we'll be stocked in 3/4 years
- puckhead17

I actually like MDZ. Hell I like anyone on this team that can skate with the puck on their stick for move than 5 feet.

Tommy Salo. Mike Milbury strikes.

The Flyers can still hammer out a deal before the hearing. All the filing means is that the money isn't close enough to hammer it out quickly.
- Jsaquella

Ha! Thanks

Yeah -- thought it was an Islander, but couldn't remember who

Tommy Salo. Mike Milbury strikes.

The Flyers can still hammer out a deal before the hearing. All the filing means is that the money isn't close enough to hammer it out quickly.
- Jsaquella

Exactly -- just because they aren't close isn't good or bad

I like how MDZ played last season, but I am pragmatic enough to know one thing about pro sports: There are very few players a team can't live without

It behooves both sides to find a good solution, because they can help each other. But if it goes sideways, both sides will survive, you know?

I actually like MDZ. Hell I like anyone on this team that can skate with the puck on their stick for move than 5 feet.
- flyer_nutter

Nah, Poopy D man, on a Poopy team.

We have Baby Pronger, Baby Keith, & Baby Karlsson, all in waiting.

(Hope it completely works out that way).

Exactly -- just because they aren't close isn't good or bad

I like how MDZ played last season, but I am pragmatic enough to know one thing about pro sports: There are very few players a team can't live without

It behooves both sides to find a good solution, because they can help each other. But if it goes sideways, both sides will survive, you know?
- AllInForFlyers

I like MDZ as well, but he's not a make or break guy. If he gets some outrageous award, then they might have to consider walking away.

Ha! Thanks

Yeah -- thought it was an Islander, but couldn't remember who
- AllInForFlyers

Elaborate

Elaborate
- Giroux_Is_God

Tommy Salo went to arbitration was an Islander when Milbury was GM. Milbury tore into him so badly, Salo was in tears.

Nah, Poopy D man, on a Poopy team.

We have Baby Pronger, Baby Keith, & Baby Karlsson, all in waiting.

(Hope it completely works out that way).
- puckhead17

I think Provorov might be baby Lidstrom.

Elaborate
- Giroux_Is_God

Ha! OK

In the mid-90s, the league viewed arbitration as a declaration of war.

You went in there, it was no holds barred, for some organizations. Not only did they try to destroy you, but many times when it was over, they'd trade your ass, too

But when Mike Milbury was the GM of the Isles, Tommy Salo, a goalie, went to arbitration

Salo was talented, but he always had the reputation of not being a battler, being a little soft

So when they went to arbitration, according to the stories at the time, Milbury freaking destroyed him, just killed him...and Salo was so upset, he cried

I like MDZ as well, but he's not a make or break guy. If he gets some outrageous award, then they might have to consider walking away.
- Jsaquella

considering how things have gone for him the last couple of years i have a hard time picturing a scenario where the arbitration goes his way

I like MDZ as well, but he's not a make or break guy. If he gets some outrageous award, then they might have to consider walking away.
- Jsaquella

Agreed

Flyers sign 2015 first round draft pick Ivan Provorov to an entry-level contract

http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=773934
- ob18

I think Del Zotto is important the Flyers defense but not very many others around the league. He's by far our second best point producer from the blue line, can move the puck and jump up into the play...that's it. If there is any serious talks of going after a guy like Shattenkirk (Doubt it), a guy like Del Zotto probably shouldn't be the primary piece to that deal but I'm all for shipping a guy out who can't be reasonable to the team that gave him a second chance in the league.

That Mike milbury. What a guy

That Mike milbury. What a guy
- Giroux_Is_God

- tangent_man

precisely