It's fun to put line combos on paper but the reality is there is way too much uncertainty with the forwards to even label who the top 9 is at this point.

We know the team is confident in the 4 core forwards they have made long term commitments to (Giroux, Voracek, Couturier, Simmonds).

We know who the role players are going to be: White, Bellemare, Vandevelde.

That leaves 5 roles up for grabs in the top 9 spots amongst a cast of players who could either significantly surpass or fail to meet expectations. (Raffl, Schenn, Read, Gagner, Umberger, Laughton and even Lecavalier to an extent).
- Baxter27

None of us have a clue what Hakstol is going to do, initially.

It's still fun to speculate, but in reality, Hakstol could have different ideas altogether on roles and lines.

It'll be fun to see if guys like Brayden Schenn and Sam Gagner benefit from the new approach, or if Hakstol can get Couturier in better position to be someone other than taller Steve Kasper.

Youre right.. He'll probably turn Jake into a 45 point winger.
- jak521

nah, 14 will raise jakes game. not even a remote possibility he slows him down.

Briere's first born is only 17 and already taller than him.

http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=335813

He'll get better quality TOI down there in the beginning.

I suspect he'll be back up because of either injury or they've decided to punt one of either Gagner or BSchenn.
- johndewar

I would put Laughton in the top 9 this year. See how he does at LW and C. Flyers shouldn't worry about their record this year and see what each player can do. Experiment with guys to see where they are most comfortable.

If Couts can't score with better usage and linemates then it's a good thing to know moving forward. If Laughton can play LW and C, he becomes more valuable. If Schenn is much better at RW, we know where he needs to play moving forward.

Playing vets like Umberger, VL and others is basically a waste of time. They aren't good and aren't going to become tradeable.

REUNITE SIMMONDS AND COUTURIER !!
- -davies-

I've always liked Read/Couturier/Simmonds. I remember it being in place for a lot of Couturier's hot steaks.

However, I think Simmonds 200 foot game needs a little more consistency before he can take on the defensive responsibilities that line will face throughout a full season.

I would put Laughton in the top 9 this year. See how he does at LW and C. Flyers shouldn't worry about their record this year and see what each player can do. Experiment with guys to see where they are most comfortable.

If Couts can't score with better usage and linemates then it's a good thing to know moving forward. If Laughton can play LW and C, he becomes more valuable. If Schenn is much better at RW, we know where he needs to play moving forward.

Playing vets like Umberger, VL and others is basically a waste of time. They aren't good and aren't going to become tradeable.
- PhillySportsGuy

YOU WON'T WIN ANY CUPS WITH THAT ATTITUDE

YOU WON'T WIN ANY CUPS WITH THAT ATTITUDE
- Streit2ThePoint

It's about building for the future, babe

I've always liked Read/Couturier/Simmonds. I remember it being in place for a lot of Couturier's hot steaks.

However, I think Simmonds 200 foot game needs a little more consistency before he can take on the defensive responsibilities that line will face throughout a full season.
- Baxter27

If they want to use Simmonds on a secondary scoring line they could try something like this. I don't expect Laughton to be moved to the LW, but who knows what Hakstol will come up with.

Raffl-G-Voracek ~54% OZ starts
Gagner-BSchenn-Simmonds - ~58% OZ starts
Laughton/Bellemare-Couturier-Read ~44% OZ starts
VdV/Umberger-Laughton/Bellemare-White ~48% OZ starts

I think Couturier doesn't need great wingers to be successful offensively, but he's not quick so he does probably need two guys who can skate, and a healthy Read and Laughton/Bellemare would provide that.

It's about building for the future, babe
- PhillySportsGuy

Sanheim + B.Schenn for Jiri Hudler

Ghost + Lecavalier + 2nd round pick for Shane Doan

Provorov + Konecny + Umberger + Laughton + 3rd round pick for JVR + Phaneuf


WIN NOW ASK QUESTIONS NEVER!!!!

Sanheim + B.Schenn for Jiri Hudler

Ghost + Lecavalier + 2nd round pick for Shane Doan

Provorov + Konecny + Umberger + Laughton + 3rd round pick for JVR + Phaneuf


WIN NOW ASK QUESTIONS NEVER!!!!
- Streit2ThePoint

Lol

None of us have a clue what Hakstol is going to do, initially.

It's still fun to speculate, but in reality, Hakstol could have different ideas altogether on roles and lines.

It'll be fun to see if guys like Brayden Schenn and Sam Gagner benefit from the new approach, or if Hakstol can get Couturier in better position to be someone other than taller Steve Kasper.
- johndewar

Kasper had a 70 point season..................just saying

I agree.

They could use another play maker. I like Simmonds but I am not as high on his even strength skill like you. I do think he is a great PP player. I just have a hard time finding a top 6 roll right now unless he moves into Raffl's spot.

But Raffl seems to be a great compliment to Giroux and Voracek right now.
- J35Bacher

I look at the fact that he's never really had a top playmaker to play with, yet has still put up solid ES point totals. What would happen if they had a playmaker and offensive catalyst that he could form chemistry with?

If they want to use Simmonds on a secondary scoring line they could try something like this. I don't expect Laughton to be moved to the LW, but who knows what Hakstol will come up with.

Raffl-G-Voracek ~54% OZ starts
Gagner-BSchenn-Simmonds - ~58% OZ starts
Laughton/Bellemare-Couturier-Read ~44% OZ starts
VdV/Umberger-Laughton/Bellemare-White ~48% OZ starts

I think Couturier doesn't need great wingers to be successful offensively, but he's not quick so he does probably need two guys who can skate, and a healthy Read and Laughton/Bellemare would provide that.
- Feanor

I would actually give Simmonds another shot with Couturier, It would just be something I would keep an eye on because Simmonds has not been the greatest player in his own zone.

On day 1 of training camp I'd like to see the following combos:

Raffl-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
Umberger-Schenn-Gagner
Bellemare-White-VV
Porter-Laughton-Lecavalier
Macdonald-Cousins-Brent

I look at the fact that he's never really had a top playmaker to play with, yet has still put up solid ES point totals. What would happen if they had a playmaker and offensive catalyst that he could form chemistry with?
- MJL

Ideally i would like Simmonds on a line with Giroux and Voracek. I think then the lines work out better if it were to look like this:


Simmonds - Giroux - Voracek
Gagner - Couturier - Schenn
Read - Laughton - Raffl
White/Vdv - Bellemare - Umberger


I think then you have a 3rd line that has good speed and all players are defensively responsible.

But that's just my opinion when i look at things.

Ideally i would like Simmonds on a line with Giroux and Voracek. I think then the lines work out better if it were to look like this:


Simmonds - Giroux - Voracek
Gagner - Couturier - Schenn
Read - Laughton - Raffl
White/Vdv - Bellemare - Umberger


I think then you have a 3rd line that has good speed and all players are defensively responsible.

But that's just my opinion when i look at things.
- J35Bacher

I don't think Simmonds can play the left side.

unless umberger or vinny show anything I sit them both and never play them. force them to want to terminate their contract. send umberger down if you want.

New Years eve night. Every fan gets free coke
- Just5

Eddie does not give anything for free

Eddie does not give anything for free
- vejim

Ed Snider makes huge contributions to charity.

Ed Snider makes huge contributions to charity.
- MJL

Tax exemption

I agree and would rather see Laughton in the lineup over Umberger or the guy that used to be Vinny Lecavalier.
- BiggE

Maybe an ignorant question, but can the flyers send Vinny down to the ahl like the kings did to Richards?

I know we had a healthy discussion another Brayden Schenn, but I'm starting to come around on the idea of putting him back with G and Jake.

Briere's first born is only 17 and already taller than him.

http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=335813


- Feanor

Looks just like him, too.

Maybe an ignorant question, but can the flyers send Vinny down to the ahl like the kings did to Richards?
- benjichronic

No because he has a NMC. Richards lost his NTC when he was traded before it took effect.

Maybe an ignorant question, but can the flyers send Vinny down to the ahl like the kings did to Richards?
- benjichronic

Lecavalier has a NMC. He would have to agree to accept the assignment.

OK, after reading the comments this AM, I have recognized the error of my ways. I officially repent.

I now recognize that I have the pride, the privilege, nay, the pleasure of to watching a player, sired by players. A player who can trace his lineage back beyond Charlemagne to Guy Lafleur and Yvon Cournoyer. I first learned of him atop a mountain near Jerusalem, praying to God, asking his forgiveness for the Penguin blood spilt by his stick. Next, he amazed me still further in land of Manhattan when he saved a fatherless beauty from the would-be ravishing of her dreadful Ranger uncle. In Canada he spent a year in silence just to better understand the sound of a hockey puck sliding across a frozen pond. And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give to you, the seeker of serenity, the protector of American virginity, the enforcer of our Lord Stanley, the one, the only, Sir Sean of Couturier!