Gudas isn't better, he's simply cheaper, and adds the physical element that the team likes and needs. I do agree that he's underrated with the puck, he makes a nice first pass. He does however take a lot of risks, and is frequently out of position. MacDonald is far steadier, and a better puck mover, and better all around, in my opinion.
- MJL

The money for AMac is already spent. Calling it a money issue seems like closing the barn doors after the horse has already escaped. So whether or not Gudas is cheaper doesn't seem relevant, imo.

I actually really agree with a lot of what you said about most of our guys being decent players when slotted in the correct postition. Amac takes a lot of flak but honestly his contract is the biggest issue. Every bad play is going to be magnified x10 going forward. I do not think he is a reliable top 4 option though. Top 6 guy with the ability to eat some extra minutes here and there.
- Mordecai

Well, we can discuss MacDonald as a player, and I think he is a reliable top 4 option and you don't, and that's fine. What it comes down to ultimately in my opinion is that the Flyers had to make a move. They obviously are committed to playing Manning, and don't want to expose him to waivers. I understand that. While I think that MacDonald is better than Manning, Schenn and Gudas, he is not that much better that the Flyers can't afford to be without him. Schenn is in the last year of his contract, and he is a potential trade chip, and if they waived him, he would most certainly be claimed, and the Flyers would lose out on a potential asset gained in a future trade of Schenn. Gudas, with his cap hit would almost certainly be claimed. They aren't going to waive and demote Schultz and Medvedev, because they feel they're better. In Medvedev's case, I totally agree. So that leaves MacDonald, who due to his contract, they can safely waive him.

There's really not much difference between guys like Schultz, AMac, Manning...if MacDonald had Schultz's contract, i doubt anyone would mind him. He'd probably be playing. Of course, Schultz has been bad, so that sort of being a taller midget.

I do feel Gudas has played better, and the physical element is definitely cranked to 11 with Radko.
- Jsaquella

For real now, I agree. My opinion of those three is something like this...whoever comes out alive can be the team's mediocre 6th d man. If they all die...so be it...

The money for AMac is already spent. Calling it a money issue seems like closing the barn doors after the horse has already escaped. So whether or not Gudas is cheaper doesn't seem relevant, imo.
- wolfhounds

So you don't think if MacDonald had the same cap hit as Gudas does, that it might change things?

I don't like your opinion. It doesn't seem objective...like my opinion does.
- Mononoke

I live in America. My opinion doesn't need to be objective. My goal is to kill time & talk pucks. This isn't a (frank)ing diversity retreat with my co workers

For real now, I agree. My opinion of those three is something like this...whoever comes out alive can be the team's mediocre 6th d man. If they all die...so be it...


- Mononoke

Our operation is small...

For real now, I agree. My opinion of those three is something like this...whoever comes out alive can be the team's mediocre 6th d man. If they all die...so be it...


- Mononoke

Ohhhh, tryouts

It's been 3 minutes and I still can't stop laughing at this.
- flyler

It's really amazing!

I live in America also, and if I want to get involved in a discussion of Andrew MacDonald on a hockey forum, that should be okay, yet, there has been an objection to that.

So you don't think if MacDonald had the same cap hit as Gudas does, that it might change things?
- MJL

Sure, of course it would. But for this season, for right now, the Flyers are saving less than $1 of $5 million for AMac, and they are using that to call up a defenseman. But no matter how you cut it, AMac is getting paid, and using that $950k on 1 defenseman is a wash because whether they spend it on AMac of Manning or Ghost, they still only have enough cash for a single player.

If, however, the Flyers saved more - say all of AMac's cap hit - I could see money being an issue for this season, the reason for dumping him in the AHL. That's not the case, therefore I don't think money can be the issue with AMac and the Flyers - for this season's decisions.

I live in America. My opinion doesn't need to be objective. My goal is to kill time & talk pucks. This isn't a (frank)ing diversity retreat with my co workers
- Jsaquella

Yeah talk pucks and have a little fun. Shoot most of us regular posters have been on this website talking pucks for almost a decade (8 years for me). Also being blessed with Bill as our fearless leader and tireless worker / bringer of amazing Flyers coverage, insight and knowledge on an unbelievable daily basis is something I know I'm damn thankful for.

Sure, of course it would. But for this season, for right now, the Flyers are saving less than 1 of $5 million for AMac, and they are using that to call up a defenseman. But no matter how you cut it, AMac is getting paid, and using that $950k on 1 defenseman is a wash because whether they spend it on AMac of Manning or Ghose, they still only have enough cash for a single player.

If, however, the Flyers saved more - say all of AMac's cap hit - I could see money being an issue for this season, the reason for dumping him in the AHL. That's not the case, therefore I don't think money can be the issue with AMac and the Flyers - for this season's decisions.
- wolfhounds

It's the waiver situation that is the biggest reason, as I described in a recent post, and when looking at the situation that other players are in. There is also the fact that MacDonald did not live up to the 5M a year contract last season, and probably never will be able to do so, so the money is a factor.

I live in America. My opinion doesn't need to be objective. My goal is to kill time & talk pucks. This isn't a (frank)ing diversity retreat with my co workers
- Jsaquella

I think you need some sensitivity training, pal.

Yeah talk pucks and have a little fun. Shoot most of us regular posters have been on this website talking pucks for almost a decade (8 years for me). Also being blessed with Bill as our fearless leader and tireless worker / bringer of amazing Flyers coverage, insight and knowledge on an unbelievable daily basis is something I know I'm damn thankful for.
- Pixote Andolini

I agree, so if we want to have a discussion on MacDonald, that's okay right? If anyone doesn't want to be involved in that they don't have to, and they can scroll right through it, if a conversation does not interest them, as I do at times. Agreed?

The money for AMac is already spent. Calling it a money issue seems like closing the barn doors after the horse has already escaped. So whether or not Gudas is cheaper doesn't seem relevant, imo.
- wolfhounds

Yes....because both save the exact same amount of $ if they are assigned to the "A". I think it's Gutsy for the Flyers to admit they made a mistake and play the top 6 guys as THEY see it.

Yes....because both save the exact same amount of $ if they are assigned to the "A". I think it's Gutsy for the Flyers to admit they made a mistake and play the top 6 guys as THEY see it.
- landros 2

Do you think the Flyers made a mistake in trading for Luke Schenn?

I agree, so if we want to have a discussion on MacDonald, that's okay right? If anyone doesn't want to be involved in that they don't have to, and they can scroll right through it, if a conversation does not interest them, as I do at times. Agreed?
- MJL

I'm not sure what's left to debate? He's playing where the Flyers think he should be playing . Had he played better he would be in Philly....frankly I wish he had lived up to the billing, because the Flyers would be better for it.

I agree, so if we want to have a discussion on MacDonald, that's okay right? If anyone doesn't want to be involved in that they don't have to, and they can scroll right through it, if a conversation does not interest them, as I do at times. Agreed?
- MJL

It's absolutely fine to talk about MacDonald. He's a Philadelphia Flyer / Phantom. He's an upgrade to Shultz IMO. His contract is bad. I think if given the right amount of ice time he can turn his game up a bit and become a serviceable 4-5 defenseman. His confidence has to be suffering playing basically the entire season down in the A - especially after being called up subsequently sent right back down again.

I agree, so if we want to have a discussion on MacDonald, that's okay right? If anyone doesn't want to be involved in that they don't have to, and they can scroll right through it, if a conversation does not interest them, as I do at times. Agreed?
- MJL

We can talk about MacDonald until we're blue in the face if that's what you want. He's not that great though and you're going to have a very hard time convincing anyone here otherwise.

Do you think the Flyers made a mistake in trading for Luke Schenn?
- MJL

They lost the trade but definitely needed a defensive defenseman. He's still quite young and has played relatively solid this season overall.

Do you think the Flyers made a mistake in trading for Luke Schenn?
- MJL

Yes.....I was never a fan...tons of potential, but I had hoped he would have developed more.
I remember thinking there had to be more to the deal....it couldn't be straight up....but it was what it was....

Do you think the Flyers made a mistake in trading for Luke Schenn?
- MJL

This is depressing stuff, what are we gonna talk about next? The Patty Kane goal? Bryz?

It's absolutely fine to talk about MacDonald. He's a Philadelphia Flyer / Phantom. He's an upgrade to Shultz IMO. His contract is bad. I think if given the right amount of ice time he can turn his game up a bit and become a serviceable 4-5 defenseman. His confidence has to be suffering playing basically the entire season down in the A - especially after being called up subsequently sent right back down again.
- Pixote Andolini

to be fair he didn't really show anything in the one game he played to warrant sticking around. He was about the same as always. Couple decent plays, couple pretty bad plays.

Stats courtesy of @avppleyard:

Some Brandon Manning stats:

35.50 SA/60 (2nd worst amongst NHL D) (200+ mins at EV, ~190 Dmen)
42.86 SF% (8th worst amongst NHL D) (200+ mins at EV, ~190 Dmen)

He has got the easiest minutes on our teams defense.