signing a 30 year old winger who just put up the best year he's had in almost 4 years during a contract year, is not a chance Id take. Maybe 2 years, but you know he will get offers for 3, possibly 4, because of the 30 goals and 2 way play he brings.

contract years always scare me...
- sjk540

What scares me a little about Schenn. Did he turn the corner or did he cash in on a contract year.

I would be ok with Eriksson at 3 years most but like you said he is going to get a 4 or 5 deal from someone. And he is going to get some good money. I would stay away.

One guy I would like to look into other then Stamkos would be Jonathan Marchessault. Not big like we want but he was always noticeable in games when he got time. I think he could easily replace Read on the 3rd line.

Ek saying....
- arichardson22

What scares me a little about Schenn. Did he turn the corner or did he cash in on a contract year.

I would be ok with Eriksson at 3 years most but like you said he is going to get a 4 or 5 deal from someone. And he is going to get some good money. I would stay away.

One guy I would like to look into other then Stamkos would be Jonathan Marchessault. Not big like we want but he was always noticeable in games when he got time. I think he could easily replace Read on the 3rd line.
- J35Bacher

with Schenn though, i think his age and the pattern of his statistics, increasing YoY, in terms of points, PP points, TOI, are different then that of a 30 year old like Loui Eriksson.

Loui turned it on and was possibly one of the most underrated offensive players in the league for Dallas, then goes to Boston and doesnt play all that well in year 1, partially due to injuries. Plays better in year 2 and then goes on to record 30 goals and 60 points his final year. hes going to be 31 and hes gonna command a contract that easily takes him into his mid thirties. something we dont want for cap reasons, but also because he would potentially take a spot of a prospect that could come up in say a year or two.

with Schenn though, i think his age and the pattern of his statistics, increasing YoY, in terms of points, PP points, TOI, are different then that of a 30 year old like Loui Eriksson.

Loui turned it on and was possibly one of the most underrated offensive players in the league for Dallas, then goes to Boston and doesnt play all that well in year 1, partially due to injuries. Plays better in year 2 and then goes on to record 30 goals and 60 points his final year. hes going to be 31 and hes gonna command a contract that easily takes him into his mid thirties. something we dont want for cap reasons, but also because he would potentially take a spot of a prospect that could come up in say a year or two.
- sjk540

I see what your saying.

I like Eriksson, just not enough that I want to commit something like 4 years at a cap hit probably around 6million.

I would rather give Konecny every chance to take a spot in the top 6. Also I would like Stamkos. But a top 6 of below I could get my head around

Voracek - Giroux - Simmonds
Konecny - Couturier - Schenn

3rd Line?
Raffl - Cousins - Laughton

I see what your saying.

I like Eriksson, just not enough that I want to commit something like 4 years at a cap hit probably around 6million.

I would rather give Konecny every chance to take a spot in the top 6. Also I would like Stamkos. But a top 6 of below I could get my head around

Voracek - Giroux - Simmonds
Konecny - Couturier - Schenn

3rd Line?
Raffl - Cousins - Laughton
- J35Bacher

I highly doubt Konecny will be playing 20+ minutes a night with Coots as a 19 year old

Is RJ delusional?

http://www.philly.com/phi...f_Flyers_buy_him_out.html
- dragonoffrost

RJ Umberger playing a 3rd or 4th line role making 4.6 million dollars is ridiculous.

However, once he's bought out, he'll likely have to make his next team out of camp and will probably get something shy of a million dollars to play that 3rd or 4th line role if he makes it.

So, theoretically, he could do it. The reality is, the number of teams that want to populate their 3rd or 4th line with a guy with RJ's miles are limited when many teams would likely prefer to have younger players take those roles.

I liked RJ when he was here before. This is a little like the Vinny scenario, in that you wish it had turned out better.

The fancy stats say they were outplayed at even strength, though the numbers are skewed a bit by game 5
- PhillySportsGuy

So my eyes are pretty good then. Nice.

I highly doubt Konecny will be playing 20+ minutes a night with Coots as a 19 year old
- YuenglingJagr

I don't know.

With a better 3rd line they could spread out minutes better. Also remember couturier gets minutes from PP and PK.

If they want later in games you can always slide Raffl up if there in a situation of protecting a lead.

- Tomahawk

well played!

I understand the concerns with Eriksson's age and potential years wanted and they too concern me, but I'm going to put myself in Eriksson's shoes (or skates) and Philly seems like a good match to benefit both sides. Philly is a big market and has a very solid core that he'd contribute to and with. Playing a line with 2 of Simmonds, Jake, Schenn, or Giroux is appealing. He also could add to our power play first or second unit. He fits our needs and I think he could find success for himself in Hak's system and with any of linemates listed above. Regardless, I am very excited for July 1st with news hinting Eriksson and Okposo prob not returning to their current teams. Even if Flyers sign no body, I always enjoy some good free agency times.

IMO Konecny is going back to Junior next year unless we see a dominant pre-season/first 9 games. Fringe top 6/ top 9 potential or Matt Read's replacement should not be enough to make the team. Knowing Hexy, I don't think it will be.

He still has too many opportunities for valuable experience in Junior to rush him into an NHL role.

-Still hasn't had a long OHL playoff run, He's played a combined 7 post season games.
-Should earn a much bigger role on Canada's WJC team. Should've already had a bigger role on last year's team based on his play.

His career to date looks very similar to Brendan Gallagher's at this stage. A similar trajectory would put him in the NHL in 1 to 2 years.

I understand the concerns with Eriksson's age and potential years wanted and they too concern me, but I'm going to put myself in Eriksson's shoes (or skates) and Philly seems like a good match to benefit both sides. Philly is a big market and has a very solid core that he'd contribute to and with. Playing a line with 2 of Simmonds, Jake, Schenn, or Giroux is appealing. He also could add to our power play first or second unit. He fits our needs and I think he could find success for himself in Hak's system and with any of linemates listed above. Regardless, I am very excited for July 1st with news hinting Eriksson and Okposo prob not returning to their current teams. Even if Flyers sign no body, I always enjoy some good free agency times.
- arichardson22

I want absolute chaos in the off-season. Trades, crazy FA signings, coaches hired and fired, ya know, stuff to keep it interesting and mix the league up a bit. I'd be fine with Eriksson on the Flyers, just not to expensive and for the love of God, NO NTC or NMC's please!!!!!!! Those need to become a thing of the past, especially in a cap driven league.

I want absolute chaos in the off-season. Trades, crazy FA signings, coaches hired and fired, ya know, stuff to keep it interesting and mix the league up a bit. I'd be fine with Eriksson on the Flyers, just not to expensive and for the love of God, NO NTC or NMC's please!!!!!!! Those need to become a thing of the past, especially in a cap driven league.
- Tomfan365

Me too! I love it. It's one of the more exciting occurrences for sports in each league. I love new looks or added personal to teams and seeing the impact throughout the season. This offseason is going to hopefully be a lot more exciting as well with some interesting or "big" names potentially hitting the market. In my perfect world, Kopitar and Stamkos both hit UFA market. But there still is hope for one of them to!

Is RJ delusional?

http://www.philly.com/phi...f_Flyers_buy_him_out.html
- dragonoffrost

I don't think so. He was no worse than everyday 3rd/4th liner Chris VandeVelde, who must have caught greyscale in the last offseason given how bad his hands were in 15-16.

Me too! I love it. It's one of the more exciting occurrences for sports in each league. I love new looks or added personal to teams and seeing the impact throughout the season. This offseason is going to hopefully be a lot more exciting as well with some interesting or "big" names potentially hitting the market. In my perfect world, Kopitar and Stamkos both hit UFA market. But there still is hope for one of them to!
- arichardson22

Philadelphia Flyers sign Steven Stamkos and Trade 1st round pick to WPG for Trouba.

Trade Mark Streit, Matt Read, Andrew MacDonald.

That would gives us some stuff to hold us over until training camp.

Me too! I love it. It's one of the more exciting occurrences for sports in each league. I love new looks or added personal to teams and seeing the impact throughout the season. This offseason is going to hopefully be a lot more exciting as well with some interesting or "big" names potentially hitting the market. In my perfect world, Kopitar and Stamkos both hit UFA market. But there still is hope for one of them to!
- arichardson22

I think Stamkos does, especially if TB can beat Pittsburgh. They might not want to tie up 10-12 mil a year in cap space with a team that made the ECF's or SCF's, and if they don't, they could still decide to upgrade elsewhere for cheaper. If that happens, I do think it is fairly shortsighted by TB, they had a much easier road then either of Pens, Caps, Rags or Flyers would have had. But the cap is a funny thing, and teams handle it differently.

Me too! I love it. It's one of the more exciting occurrences for sports in each league. I love new looks or added personal to teams and seeing the impact throughout the season. This offseason is going to hopefully be a lot more exciting as well with some interesting or "big" names potentially hitting the market. In my perfect world, Kopitar and Stamkos both hit UFA market. But there still is hope for one of them to!
- arichardson22

I think Stamkos does, especially if TB can beat Pittsburgh. They might not want to tie up 10-12 mil a year in cap space with a team that made the ECF's or SCF's, and if they don't, they could still decide to upgrade elsewhere for cheaper. If that happens, I do think it is fairly shortsighted by TB, they had a much easier road then either of Pens, Caps, Rags or Flyers would have had. But the cap is a funny thing, and teams handle it differently.

I think Stamkos does, especially if TB can beat Pittsburgh. They might not want to tie up 10-12 mil a year in cap space with a team that made the ECF's or SCF's, and if they don't, they could still decide to upgrade elsewhere for cheaper. If that happens, I do think it is fairly shortsighted by TB, they had a much easier road then either of Pens, Caps, Rags or Flyers would have had. But the cap is a funny thing, and teams handle it differently.
- Tomfan365

If your Stevie Y, and Tampa makes it to the Cup without Stamkos, you gotta think he's chewing his lip wishing he maybe made a move with Stamkos at the deadline to prevent losing him for nothing. At least not completely shut down the idea with his announcement around deadline to hold him. Could be some very angry Tampa fans this summer

I see what your saying.

I like Eriksson, just not enough that I want to commit something like 4 years at a cap hit probably around 6million.

I would rather give Konecny every chance to take a spot in the top 6. Also I would like Stamkos. But a top 6 of below I could get my head around

Voracek - Giroux - Simmonds
Konecny - Couturier - Schenn

3rd Line?
Raffl - Cousins - Laughton
- J35Bacher

I would give Konecny every chance too. I feel like, other than the lack of post season experience down in Juniors, he's done it all. He's been through playing on a sub par team, hes been through being traded and getting to a team in better position. he had an unbelievable stretch drive for Sarnia, sucks so much he got injured. he had 3 points in like a game and a half and had 10 points in 5 previous games.

I would love for them to include leier as a 4th liner next year instead of VDV.

I like your lines with leier included with PEB and White, although id switch Laughts and Raffl, for some reason i like laughton on his dominant side going into those battles in the corners. feels like it makes it easier when you can be facing the net on your forehand instead of having your back to it

Philadelphia Flyers sign Steven Stamkos and Trade 1st round pick to WPG for Trouba.

Trade Mark Streit, Matt Read, Andrew MacDonald.

That would gives us some stuff to hold us over until training camp.




- J35Bacher

Somehow I just knew you'd comment something involving Trouba and Stamkos

But that would be one hell of an offseason my friend. Hexy would further prove his wizardry. You're a wizard Hexy! -Hagrad from HP

I see what your saying.

I like Eriksson, just not enough that I want to commit something like 4 years at a cap hit probably around 6million.

I would rather give Konecny every chance to take a spot in the top 6. Also I would like Stamkos. But a top 6 of below I could get my head around

Voracek - Giroux - Simmonds
Konecny - Couturier - Schenn

3rd Line?
Raffl - Cousins - Laughton
- J35Bacher

I really don't think Voracek on the left side will be a long term solution. We need to upgrade there, rather than throwing anyone over there and seeing what sticks. Voracek was taken off the LW in the regular season and the playoffs.

I would kick tires on Stamkos. I think Jake would set him up all day.

Somehow I just knew you'd comment something involving Trouba and Stamkos

But that would be one hell of an offseason my friend. Hexy would further prove his wizardry. You're a wizard Hexy! -Hagrad from HP
- arichardson22

Until it doesn't happen that is my plan.

And then when I am let down and Stamkos goes to (frank)ing Buffalo I'll move to the regular banter of Vandevelde being a black hole of offense.

I would give Konecny every chance too. I feel like, other than the lack of post season experience down in Juniors, he's done it all. He's been through playing on a sub par team, hes been through being traded and getting to a team in better position. he had an unbelievable stretch drive for Sarnia, sucks so much he got injured. he had 3 points in like a game and a half and had 10 points in 5 previous games.

I would love for them to include leier as a 4th liner next year instead of VDV.

I like your lines with leier included with PEB and White, although id switch Laughts and Raffl, for some reason i like laughton on his dominant side going into those battles in the corners. feels like it makes it easier when you can be facing the net on your forehand instead of having your back to it
- sjk540

All for it.

I hate Vandevelde. I would even put Colin McDonald there if Leier doesn't have a strong camp.

I would give Konecny every chance too. I feel like, other than the lack of post season experience down in Juniors, he's done it all. He's been through playing on a sub par team, hes been through being traded and getting to a team in better position. he had an unbelievable stretch drive for Sarnia, sucks so much he got injured. he had 3 points in like a game and a half and had 10 points in 5 previous games.

I would love for them to include leier as a 4th liner next year instead of VDV.

I like your lines with leier included with PEB and White, although id switch Laughts and Raffl, for some reason i like laughton on his dominant side going into those battles in the corners. feels like it makes it easier when you can be facing the net on your forehand instead of having your back to it
- sjk540

Still plenty for Konecny to experience in juniors. Late post season and Memorial Cup CHL hockey is very different from the competition and intensity he has primarily faced to date. He was used as a role player on Canada's WJC team. Hopefully the coach next season has more sense to expand his role.

All for it.

I hate Vandevelde. I would even put Colin McDonald there if Leier doesn't have a strong camp.
- J35Bacher

and you wouldnt necessarily lose that much as Leier is a solid two way player and can possibly be turned into a strong PK presence under Lappy's tutelage. Id also be in favor of CMac over VDV. i really dont hate VDV, but he had so many almost point blank chances last year and ended up with what? 3 goals? he was a solid PKer, but we can certainly do better. i hope the UND ties can be cut and not held on to