Neither would I. I don't know how much kids care about it now. It's much easier to watch your favorite players than it used to be.
- PhillySportsGuy

Exactly.

Other than when teams played the Flyers and I could see them on TV (Prism!), the only exposure I had to what other teams (especially West coast teams) were things like the Hockey News, Hockey Digest (loved Hockey Digest), and daily box scores.

Looking at box scores as a kid from the Gretzky Oilers days was mind boggling.

I wouldn't move Alt or Friedman for a reclamation project. If you're really that interested, he can be had in free agency.
- jmatchett383

I was thinking of a "try before you buy" scenario with him. If it works out, awesome. Offer him a deal before it turns into the FA over-payment.

If it doesn't work out -- well, then, walk away. Took a chance to solve a problem with the PK and with a top-six capable player.

no way I move freidman for grabner. hell not even Alt
- rinaldo

I wouldn't.

There are only two guys that I would target in FA. Stamkos and Boedker. Both young and be part of future and provide skillset needed on the Flyers.


If that's not the course then I don't want to throw money at middle tier guys and overpay. I would look at the reclamation types and low risk-high reward types. Kind of how they got Del Zotto.

The only trades I would make are to get young talent back and I only trade youth if I am getting youth back. Something like Laughton for Drouin or Hagg for Rychel.

I think Hextall will be smart when making deals. You can see how the deals he has made so far are not kneejerk type moves.

I was thinking of a "try before you buy" scenario with him. If it works out, awesome. Offer him a deal before it turns into the FA over-payment.

If it doesn't work out -- well, then, walk away. Took a chance to solve a problem with the PK and with a top-six capable player.
- Moose_15

Yeah, I'll pass. Reeks of another Kris Versteeg.

No way I'm moving what could be good, cheap top-6 defenseman for a "maybe he's kind of okay" guy.

Again, if you want to throw $1.5M or $2M at him as a UFA, you could do worse.

Okay? They are #1 in offense and some of the bottom 6 forwards have 13 goals...

No one would care about Vandevelde's corsi if he had 13 goals. The problem I stated is that they offer little offensively and arent that great defensively...but yes, you are correct Washington is the best team in the league right now.
- YuenglingJagr

My point is that possession numbers aren't everything. You can live with a 4th line that is below 50% in Corsi if they aren't getting scored on a lot, and can chip in with an occasional goal.

it's for the kids


not sure why adults get so worked up over this. if you're not into it, dont watch
- Crimsoninja

Yep.

Why bother getting worked up in any way over an exhibition game unless someone is making you pay for it or you're actually excited for it.

Should never engender negativity.

Yeah, I'll pass. Reeks of another Kris Versteeg.
- jmatchett383

I am not a fan of losing assets for a "try" and then walk away. You almost have to sign him if your going to give players up for him. This isn't like a playoff team trying to get that one guy to make a cup run

Yeah, I'll pass. Reeks of another Kris Versteeg.

No way I'm moving what could be good, cheap top-6 defenseman for a "maybe he's kind of okay" guy.
- jmatchett383

You mean two-time Stanley Cup winner Kris Versteeg?

Kidding, of course.

What do you think the odds are of the Flyers hitting big on two sub-six foot, sub 180 lb. offensive defensemen drafted in the the third round? Especially if the d-corps in a few years "might" look more like the following (in no particular order):

Del Zotto / Gudas
Gostisbehere / Morin
Sanheim / Provorov
Hagg / Alt

Grabner probably wouldn't command major-break-the-bank money to re-sign; I'd imagine he'd get a "prove-it contract" -- and with his age and family situation, he might take more years for less money to bring stability to a family.
- Moose_15

Doesn't matter what the odds are. I take my chances then waste them on grabner.
I believe Alt is about 6'3 over 200 pounds though.

Wait until free agency then. Grabner doesn't make or break this team being in the playoffs.

I wouldn't.

There are only two guys that I would target in FA. Stamkos and Boedker. Both young and be part of future and provide skillset needed on the Flyers.


If that's not the course then I don't want to throw money at middle tier guys and overpay. I would look at the reclamation types and low risk-high reward types. Kind of how they got Del Zotto.

The only trades I would make are to get young talent back and I only trade youth if I am getting youth back. Something like Laughton for Drouin or Hagg for Rychel.

I think Hextall will be smart when making deals. You can see how the deals he has made so far are not kneejerk type moves.
- J35Bacher

I cant imagine laughton having any real value at all right now.

I am not a fan of losing assets for a "try" and then walk away. You almost have to sign him if your going to give players up for him. This isn't like a playoff team trying to get that one guy to make a cup run
- J35Bacher

Friedman is a long-shot prospect. Yes, the ceiling is high, but there are a lot of factors that work against him.

Looking at the Flyers problems (speed, scoring, PK, LW) -- I think it's a gamble I'd be willing to take.

I understand the concerns, and I'm not advocating going back to the Homer era of throwing away prospects and picks willy-nilly (a word that is greatly underused) -- but if the targeted player addresses specific needs to the club, I think it could work.

But then again -- I'm not a GM. And I don't think Mr. Hextall will be taking my call anytime soon.

Doesn't matter what the odds are. I take my chances then waste them on grabner.
I believe Alt is about 6'3 over 200 pounds though.

Wait until free agency then. Grabner doesn't make or break this team being in the playoffs.
- rinaldo

Friedman is 5"10, 175 lbs.

- funmaster18

I'm loving your posts today.

- funmaster18

That is literally a ghost bear

Friedman is a long-shot prospect. Yes, the ceiling is high, but there are a lot of factors that work against him.

Looking at the Flyers problems (speed, scoring, PK, LW) -- I think it's a gamble I'd be willing to take.

I understand the concerns, and I'm not advocating going back to the Homer era of throwing away prospects and picks willy-nilly (a word that is greatly underused) -- but if the targeted player addresses specific needs to the club, I think it could work.

But then again -- I'm not a GM. And I don't think Mr. Hextall will be taking my call anytime soon.
- Moose_15

And Grabner is a long-shot to ever be a top-6 guy again. No way I'm wasting young, cost-controlled unknowns for an old(er), known good.

Again, if you want him, he's almost certain to be a UFA. No need to waste assets to see if a guy can make you less bad for 35 games.

Anyone plan on watching the CHL top prospects game tonight? 20 of the top 30 North American skaters ranked by Central Scouting will be there.

And Grabner is a long-shot to ever be a top-6 guy again. No way I'm wasting young, cost-controlled unknowns for an old(er), known good.

Again, if you want him, he's almost certain to be a UFA. No need to waste assets to see if a guy can make you less bad for 35 games.
- jmatchett383

Fair enough. I'd like to see them go for the playoffs this year. Rather go out with a bang than a whimper.

My point is that possession numbers aren't everything. You can live with a 4th line that is below 50% in Corsi if they aren't getting scored on a lot, and can chip in with an occasional goal.
- MJL

They get 12-14 minutes per night....calling their offense occasional is a compliment.

I am not saying possession numbers are everything...just saying there should be a redeeming quality from that line and I really don't see it on a consistent basis.

I'm loving your posts today.
- mayorofangrytown

ty, just trying to stay on topic

Fair enough. I'd like to see them go for the playoffs this year. Rather go out with a bang than a whimper.
- Moose_15

But I don't think Grabner is a guy who will help you (now) as much as Alt/Friedman might (later). I'd love them to make the playoffs, but not at the cost of their young assets. Now, if the trend continues into next year, maybe you make some tougher decisions.

Edit: Also, chances are Toronto's wants to move him on the cheap, so now way I'm giving up prospects for their Umberger.

They get 12-14 minutes per night....calling their offense occasional is a compliment.

I am not saying possession numbers are everything...just saying there should be a redeeming quality from that line and I really don't see it on a consistent basis.
- YuenglingJagr

Um....They're all better than Roman Vopat?

Friedman is a long-shot prospect. Yes, the ceiling is high, but there are a lot of factors that work against him.

Looking at the Flyers problems (speed, scoring, PK, LW) -- I think it's a gamble I'd be willing to take.

I understand the concerns, and I'm not advocating going back to the Homer era of throwing away prospects and picks willy-nilly (a word that is greatly underused) -- but if the targeted player addresses specific needs to the club, I think it could work.

But then again -- I'm not a GM. And I don't think Mr. Hextall will be taking my call anytime soon.
- Moose_15

Guys like that should be included in trades when we determine they do not have a spot here. They get added to trades to improve the team even more and getting rid of them now doesnt make much sense.

Friedman is 5"10, 175 lbs.
- Moose_15

ok and you said 2 sub 6 ft dman did you not?

Exactly.

Other than when teams played the Flyers and I could see them on TV (Prism!), the only exposure I had to what other teams (especially West coast teams) were things like the Hockey News, Hockey Digest (loved Hockey Digest), and daily box scores.

Looking at box scores as a kid from the Gretzky Oilers days was mind boggling.
- johndewar

Those box scores were hysterical. The average game had 8 or 9 goals and a couple of fights. Hell, if Gretzky had a 2 point night it was considered an off game for him.