I see it like that too but then I also think that ideally I want my 4th line guys to be specialists who can kill penalties which Cousins doesn't do.

Is Cousins just a more glorified Akenson?
- J35Bacher

I don't mind an agitator who can draw penalties on my 4th line. All 3 guys don't need to be PK players. Cousins has pretty decent skills and could perhaps develop into a guy who could play on the 2nd pp unit.

I think Cousins is better than Akeson at the NHL level. I don't think he'll ever be superstar or anything, but he's got a bit of scoring and above-average speed. Plus he has that poop-eating grin that makes other teams furious.
- jmatchett383

Not sure who you've been watching, but Cousin's speed is mediocre at best.
I do agree with the rest of your post however.

did vinny officially retire yet? I still see hes listed on our cap yet

Probably.

I was just more looking for that big center to handle some minutes. I was more illustrating there really isn't that guy out there unless you want to pay for players like Neilson, Brouwer or Backes. UFA seems to have a lot of older types.

Stamkos is of course my option and then fill in with cheap ELC type players. But I know lots of people hate that.

The other thing I think of is would you make a move for a young RFA. If you want to be stronger up the middle would you move a winger like Schenn for a center like Shaw or Sheahan.

I guess depends how you want to build the team and allocate money
- J35Bacher

I don't want to pay for anybody, right now.

See what they have in the kids first.

If you need short-term help, find a MDZ'esque value deal. There will be plenty available this summer, given the constricted cap ceiling.

Not sure who you've been watching, but Cousin's speed is mediocre at best.
I do agree with the rest of your post however.
- BiggE

Maybe I'm misremembering.

Coming around to what? My opinion hasn't changed one bit.
- MJL

Okay

I think he's confusing your stance on Umberger with your prior stance on VLC.
- jmatchett383

That is not the case

did vinny officially retire yet? I still see hes listed on our cap yet
- jmdodgeser4

The season hasnt ended yet...

The season hasnt ended yet...
- YuenglingJagr

He's still holding on for a chance to win the Cup.

Not that I don't like Cousins, but I'd really like to see the Flyers add a veteran center, who can play on the PK, and take key defensive zone draws. Some offense would be nice. Hopefully improve the PK, and take some wear and tear off of Giroux.
- MJL

I think Bellemare would be better off on the wing with less defensive responsibility and more opportunity to use his sped, just like Laughton. Adding a veteran center like Nielsen is what I'd like to see. He's 32, but I think he has plenty of good years left.

Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Raffl-Giroux-Voracek
Laughton-Nielsen-Read
VdV/Leier-Cousins-Bellemare

I don't want to pay for anybody, right now.

See what they have in the kids first.

If you need short-term help, find a MDZ'esque value deal. There will be plenty available this summer, given the constricted cap ceiling.
- Tomahawk

See I think paying for Stamkos then paying for someone in their 30's. I think Stamkos can grow with the team and also be a future part of it due to his age.

He's still holding on for a chance to win the Cup.
- jmatchett383

He will win one after Jordan Weal

The season hasnt ended yet...
- YuenglingJagr

He doesn't have to wait for the season to be over, does he?

I think Bellemare would be better off on the wing with less defensive responsibility and more opportunity to use his sped, just like Laughton. Adding a veteran center like Nielsen is what I'd like to see. He's 32, but I think he has plenty of good years left.

Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Raffl-Giroux-Voracek
Laughton-Nielsen-Read
VdV/Leier-Cousins-Bellemare
- Feanor

I agree with this exact lineup, but I am sad that we had to sacrifice Coots to clone Giroux

See I think paying for Stamkos then paying for someone in their 30's. I think Stamkos can grow with the team and also be a future part of it due to his age.
- J35Bacher

Does Stamkos play 3C? PK? LW? RD?

He doesn't have to wait for the season to be over, does he?
- Scoob

He doesnt have to, but the trade was contingent on him retiring after the season ended

Does Stamkos play 3C? PK? LW? RD?
- Tomahawk

All of those things, except for 3C

Does Stamkos play 3C? PK? LW? RD?
- Tomahawk

Yes.

Does Stamkos play 3C? PK? LW? RD?
- Tomahawk

No.

But he can play 2nd line center, PK, LW.

Couturier can play the 3rd center role. Run down the middle with Giroux, Stamkos and Couturier.

I agree with this exact lineup, but I am sad that we had to sacrifice Coots to clone Giroux
- YuenglingJagr

I shut out shutdown Seanie.

He doesnt have to, but the trade was contingent on him retiring after the season ended
- YuenglingJagr

Did he specify the NHL season?
Maybe he meant the political season.

I shut out shutdown Seanie.
- Feanor

Future Selke Nominee Shutdown Seanie

I think its hilarious that he probably needs to score 45-50 points before he gets serious Selke consideration

Did he specify the NHL season?
Maybe he meant the political season.
- Scoob

its been hush-hush, but Mackenzie tweeted it was actually the slam ball season

Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Goalie Prospects, Alumni and More
- bmeltzer

I think this offseason is going to be key from beginning to end. From top to bottom. Every move made. Ever cent spent. We have holes to fill. We have top prospects who need to start taking giant steps and become apart of the rotation. We need positive steps.

I think Bellemare would be better off on the wing with less defensive responsibility and more opportunity to use his sped, just like Laughton. Adding a veteran center like Nielsen is what I'd like to see. He's 32, but I think he has plenty of good years left.

Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Raffl-Giroux-Voracek
Laughton-Nielsen-Read
VdV/Leier-Cousins-Bellemare
- Feanor

I agree, I'd love to add Neilsen. I just think he'll cost too much.