Yes, but he doesn't want to discuss it publicly and all of us around the team in any way are respecting it. Suffice to say it was an emotionally wrenching family issue and that the support of the team environment and getting back playing hockey again is a catharsis in coping.
- bmeltzer

Bill.....at least you get to cover one talented team

I've read a couple of people on twitter ripping the beat writers, but I think they've also shown remarkable restraint as well.
- TheGreat28

All of us who directly cover the team on a regular base know, but we also respect the wish for privacy. We'd do that for anyone in the same situation if that is what they wanted but Mason in particular is a real good guy. There's nothing scandalous here. If he doesn't want the situation public, it's understandable and deserves to be respected. No more and no less.

I'm not your pal, friend!


(i hope you get the reference)
- MBFlyerfan

I'm not your buddy, pal!

Smelling the new whipping boy...


- wolfhounds

More like Michael Awffl amirite?

More like Michael Awffl amirite?
- Streit2ThePoint

nah more like michael useless

nah more like michael useless
- 2Real

Nice play on words.

Does anybody know what Mason's personal issues were?
- Vukota

he plays for the flyers

do you guys think anaheim would take streit from us or are they too cash strapped?

if your Columbus would you make that trade?
- rinaldo

i'd definitely consider luke schenn for atkinson if is was CLB. atkinson really hasn't broken out yet and they need defense badly

All of us who directly cover the team on a regular base know, but we also respect the wish for privacy. We'd do that for anyone in the same situation if that is what they wanted but Mason in particular is a real good guy. There's nothing scandalous here. If he doesn't want the situation public, it's understandable and deserves to be respected. No more and no less.
- bmeltzer

Well, let him know that we as fans certainly send our thoughts and prayers out to him and his family during this difficult time.

Right, but requiring player-based compensation for a non-player position seems wrong.
- Scoob

I agree I think a case of beer would be much more in line.

he plays for the flyers
- 2Real

Moving Laughton to LW for a while is worth looking at. His faceoff numbers are awful and I think that's why Hakstol stops using his line late in games.
- Feanor

Could also be the coach not trusting Gagner

I don't get how he is still employed if he was fired. That's the part I don't get.
- funmaster18

Think of it as an extended "time out".

So Gagner and Manning out; Umby and Schenn in. I'm not sure why Gagner is out while the fourth line is permanently set in stone it would seem. Hopefully the lines get changed up too

All of us who directly cover the team on a regular base know, but we also respect the wish for privacy. We'd do that for anyone in the same situation if that is what they wanted but Mason in particular is a real good guy. There's nothing scandalous here. If he doesn't want the situation public, it's understandable and deserves to be respected. No more and no less.
- bmeltzer

Manning and White haven't played well, but interchanging L. Schenn, and Umberger with them, is re-shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic.
- PLindbergh31

But one has less holes and the other smells better...
Which do you choose"?

So Gagner and Manning out; Umby and Schenn in. I'm not sure why Gagner is out while the fourth line is permanently set in stone it would seem. Hopefully the lines get changed up too
- Mononoke

I think Gagner is the reason that third line is being used so sparingly. Hak just don't trust Gagner

Is Gagner really healthy? He seemed to be in discomfort near the end of the game. Took a hit in the neutral zone and was hunched over going to the bench.

I think Gagner is the reason that third line is being used so sparingly. Hak just don't trust Gagner
- PhillySportsGuy

Oh I understand that haha. I'm just lamenting the fact.

So Gagner and Manning out; Umby and Schenn in. I'm not sure why Gagner is out while the fourth line is permanently set in stone it would seem. Hopefully the lines get changed up too
- Mononoke

why the (frank) if gagner out he's much more of a thread than certain players on the ice

why the (frank) if gagner out he's much more of a thread than certain players on the ice
- 2Real

he lost his fight thats why!

So Gagner and Manning out; Umby and Schenn in. I'm not sure why Gagner is out while the fourth line is permanently set in stone it would seem. Hopefully the lines get changed up too
- Mononoke

Odd, White's been their worst forward, by a decent margin. Hopefully, it opens a door for Laughton to get more time.

I'm telling you. Try Laughton there.
- funmaster18

I like this idea.

G and Laughton as a PK look dangerous together.

Maybe the biggest threat to score short handed since Richards and Gagne back in 09-10

Would give him a shot there. Unless they are convinced he has to play C.

Odd, White's been their worst forward, by a decent margin. Hopefully, it opens a door for Laughton to get more time.
- Jsaquella

Yeah, it would be great to get him more ice time. It's what Laughton needs right now.