Bill Meltzer: Flyers Quick Hits, Farm System Updates

It's nice to have some depth in the goaltending prospect pool. Even though goaltenders are ridiculously hard to predict as future NHLers, Sandtrom, Madsen, and Stolarz all seem like players who, with time and patience, could become at least NHL backups.

Also, do you think that Vasiliev is all but out of the Flyers' plans? A few years ago, he seemed like a player they were high on despite being a 7th rounder. However, now with the big 4 (5 if you count Alt) as well as guys like Friedman and Wilcox added to the defensive prospect pool, I have to think they're ready to cut ties with him.

Thanks for the write up Bill

Great stuff about Giroux, I even screenshotted that section so next time someone says G is an awful captain I have documents to further back up my argument

Thanks for the write up Bill

Great stuff about Giroux, I even screenshotted that section so next time someone says G is an awful captain I have documents to further back up my argument
- arichardson22

I think Giroux is a fine captain. I don't think he's a Toews/Pronger type, but those types of players are rarer than elite defensemen, so I have no issue with Giroux as captain.

I think Giroux is a fine captain. I don't think he's a Toews/Pronger type, but those types of players are rarer than elite defensemen, so I have no issue with Giroux as captain.
- jmatchett383

Me Neither I personally have loved Giroux. I've never questioned his leadership but as Bill mentioned I have questioned the supporting leadership. Hell Giroux solely took us to the playoffs in recent years

no hate for #28.....mad for Madsen

It's nice to have some depth in the goaltending prospect pool. Even though goaltenders are ridiculously hard to predict as future NHLers, Sandtrom, Madsen, and Stolarz all seem like players who, with time and patience, could become at least NHL backups.

Also, do you think that Vasiliev is all but out of the Flyers' plans? A few years ago, he seemed like a player they were high on despite being a 7th rounder. However, now with the big 4 (5 if you count Alt) as well as guys like Friedman and Wilcox added to the defensive prospect pool, I have to think they're ready to cut ties with him.
- jmatchett383

Vasiliev is still only 21 years but he's not really progressing much, if at all.

Bill, I agree with you 100% about Giroux. However, I do think the team could use more veteran leadership. Losing guys like Briere, Hartnell, Pronger, Timonen over a relatively short period of time has left a void that is difficult to fill. I think Giroux is doing everything humanly possible to help this team win. However, when it comes to leadership, Danny Briere is absolutely correct, it is a group thing. With that in mind, I think it's time for some younger guys that have been here for a while, such as Couturier, both Schenns and Simmonds to take a more active role in being leaders on this team.

Bill, I agree with you 100% about Giroux. However, I do think the team could use more veteran leadership. Losing guys like Briere, Hartnell, Pronger, Timonen over a relatively short period of time has left a void that is difficult to fill. I think Giroux is doing everything humanly possible to help this team win. However, when it comes to leadership, Danny Briere is absolutely correct, it is a group thing. With that in mind, I think it's time for some younger guys that have been here for a while, such as Couturier, both Schenns and Simmonds to take a more active role in being leaders on this team.
- BiggE

It's times like these I wish we still had Jagr for leadership. I assumed we would get this added leadership with veteran VL when we signed him but even when he was playing games and his first season with us it didn't seem he was interested in playing a veteran leader role by any means. Was really disappointed with that along with his drop in play.

The leadership void is partly why they tried to bring VLC in. Too bad he cant play any more. Its hard to lead anything from behind.

Yesterday's Phantoms game.

http://ahl.neulion.com/ah...igh-valley-phantoms/13782

I haven't even finished reading the post yet, but I wanted to chime in about the part about Claude Giroux.

I actually think this might be one of the best stretches of his career so far.

I realize there have been stretches where he may have scored more points, but I don't think his overall game has ever been better. He's leading by example and doing all of the little things, in addition to leading the team in scoring.

It's nice to have some depth in the goaltending prospect pool. Even though goaltenders are ridiculously hard to predict as future NHLers, Sandtrom, Madsen, and Stolarz all seem like players who, with time and patience, could become at least NHL backups.

Also, do you think that Vasiliev is all but out of the Flyers' plans? A few years ago, he seemed like a player they were high on despite being a 7th rounder. However, now with the big 4 (5 if you count Alt) as well as guys like Friedman and Wilcox added to the defensive prospect pool, I have to think they're ready to cut ties with him.

Dont forget about Tomek! We are still a ways away from worrying about goaltending at the NHL level. Flyers a goaltending factory?

I also think Vasiliev is baseically out, but it really doesn't matter due to the guys you mentioned as well as Marti and Myers. Myers was the update I was most excited about. Has the size and seems to be playing fantastic. Could be a late bloomer and great find.

Venerable Michigan head coach Red Berenson...LOL, I thought he retired years ago!

I haven't even finished reading the post yet, but I wanted to chime in about the part about Claude Giroux.

I actually think this might be one of the best stretches of his career so far.

I realize there have been stretches where he may have scored more points, but I don't think his overall game has ever been better. He's leading by example and doing all of the little things, in addition to leading the team in scoring.
- johndewar

Agree 100%

The leadership void is partly why they tried to bring VLC in. Too bad he cant play any more. Its hard to lead anything from behind.
- MBFlyerfan

I think that was a big part as to why they did sign Vinny. To kind of fill in for Jagr's spot, leadership wise.

Venerable Michigan head coach Red Berenson...LOL, I thought he retired years ago!

- BiggE

I think Red still holds the record for goals by an opponent in a single game against the Flyers. He had 6 in one game way back when.

Fantastic write up, as always, Bill.

Realistically, how many prospects could we see participating at the WJHC later this month?

missed the end of yesterdays discussion...

You have this backwards. They can only get $950K off, they are still on the hook for $4.050M on their cap.

And my question was asking if those 3 (Colin MacDonald, not Andrew MacDonald) would free up enough space to allow Ghost to stay when Streit comes back. I'm assuming that, since they had the space to have both VdV and Manning on the team when fully healthy, that waiving them would create enough space for Ghost to stay if/when Streit is taken off of LTIR. When those 2 were in the lineup, they didn't have enough to call up Ghost. If they are waived, I believe they would.

Edit: I was assuming that Cousins and Leier would be sent back, as well.
- jmatchett383

I saw this a lot yesterday. The flyers were about 600k under the cap and need 925k to fit Ghost. So yes 1 guy has to be waived or traded to keep ghost under the above assumptions.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Quick Hits, Farm System Updates
- bmeltzer

Tyrell Goulbourne seems to be disciplined so far. that's actually very impressive imo. He has the drive and will to want it. that you cant teach

whats the deal with Madson Bill? legit prospect or tripp tracy /aaron isreal like?

Wilcox is another I hope pans out.

Dont forget about Tomek! We are still a ways away from worrying about goaltending at the NHL level. Flyers a goaltending factory?

I also think Vasiliev is baseically out, but it really doesn't matter due to the guys you mentioned as well as Marti and Myers. Myers was the update I was most excited about. Has the size and seems to be playing fantastic. Could be a late bloomer and great find.
- YuenglingJagr

I know that it's actually an area of strength at the NHL level right now (WHAT!?!?), but it would be nice to have some cheaper, younger guys who could contribute as Mason gets on in his career.

missed the end of yesterdays discussion...



I saw this a lot yesterday. The flyers were about 600k under the cap and need 925k to fit Ghost. So yes 1 guy has to be waived or traded to keep ghost under the above assumptions.
- YuenglingJagr

Trading LSchenn (even with salary retained) or demoting Umberger or Gagner should be enough.

And Streit's still at least a month away from returning.

Fantastic write up, as always, Bill.

Realistically, how many prospects could we see participating at the WJHC later this month?
- Coleman

Provorov - Russia
Fazleev - Russia
Sanheim - Canada
Konecny - Canada
Lindblom - Sweden
Kase - Czech

Thought NAK shouldve at least been invited to camp, but his injury seemed to happen at an unfortunate time

Jagr rules!

I think Red still holds the record for goals by an opponent in a single game against the Flyers. He had 6 in one game way back when.
- johndewar

he feasted on flyer