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

Any signing this offseason likely makes another decent nhler available in an expansion draft. It probably makes more sense to take a conservative approach to free agency this offseason then re-evaluate next offseason when they're more ready to move into contender status.

Any signing this offseason likely makes another decent nhler available in an expansion draft. It probably makes more sense to take a conservative approach to free agency this offseason then re-evaluate next offseason when they're more ready to move into contender status.
- PhillySportsGuy

Or its an easy alternative to signing a 1 year deal...Sign Nielsen to a longer contract and watch him get picked in the draft, which by then hopefully someone else can take that role

Or its an easy alternative to signing a 1 year deal...Sign Nielsen to a longer contract and watch him get picked in the draft, which by then hopefully someone else can take that role
- YuenglingJagr

I'd be more interested in making a trade than a big signing. They have a lot of assets. Maybe consolidate for a better piece.

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

I look at Czikas and what he just got and I would have to figure that Neilsen is getting close to 5million in cap hit.

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 agree 100%. It's not that I dislike Bellemare or Cousins but I do feel like we could use a makeover in the bottom 6, especially at center. Faceoffs are huge for the 3rd and 4th lines. I would love to see a vet well known in the league there like a Matt Cullen.

Any signing this offseason likely makes another decent nhler available in an expansion draft. It probably makes more sense to take a conservative approach to free agency this offseason then re-evaluate next offseason when they're more ready to move into contender status.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah, that's yet another wrench thrown into the UFA market this summer.

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.
- J35Bacher

Couturier already plays 2C, well.

Stamkos and G play in the exact same spot on the PP, so one of them would have to move somewhere else on the ice, or to 2PP.

And you don't want Stamkos playing on the PK. He got pulled out of C by Cooper for not being great defensively.

I think we all have to continue to remind ourselves that this team is a work in progress and also that development will have its ups and downs. For example, if they work in one or 2 kids on D and a rookie or 2 up front next season, they could very well take a small step back and miss the playoffs.

There are no magic moves or shortcuts that will make this team a legit Cup contender in 16-17. There are just too many holes that need to be filled to get there: another quality center, a top 6 LW and, of course, 2 top pair dmen.

All in all though, I am in complete agreement with Hextall's philosophy of using the draft and player development to build your core and then using trades and free agency to fill holes in your roster.

Other than the draft, I still think Hexy goes into this summer with moving bad contracts, and unloading deadwood having a higher priority than adding free agents. He may, and probably will, add a low cost FA or 2 to add to the forward mix, but I can't see him making any big money acquisitions.

My best guess is that Streit gets moved this offseason, with only 1 year left and with the Flyers able to withhold some $$, he won't be that hard to move. I also think they may do the same with Read. My guess is they sign a relatively inexpensive FA to fill a hole at LW and bring back 6 vets on D (2 of whom will be AMac and Manning) which leaves an opportunity for one young Dman to make the club out of camp.

With that in mind, I think the opening night roster looks something like:

Schenn-G-Simmonds
Raffl-Coots-Jake
New FA or Laughton-Cousins or Laughton-Laughton or Konecny
Laughton or VDV-PEB-White or perhaps an FA who will cost less than White

MDZ-Gudas
Ghost-AMac or Manning
Schultz-Provorov or another kid or AMac or Manning
Manning or perhaps Alt as the 7th D

Mason
Neuvirth

Now there can and probably will be changes as the season goes on, but I really don't expect the opening night roster to be much different from the one that finished the season.

Any signing this offseason likely makes another decent nhler available in an expansion draft. It probably makes more sense to take a conservative approach to free agency this offseason then re-evaluate next offseason when they're more ready to move into contender status.
- PhillySportsGuy

Exactly

I'd be more interested in making a trade than a big signing. They have a lot of assets. Maybe consolidate for a better piece.
- PhillySportsGuy

I would not be opposed to this.

I would not be opposed to this.
- BiggE

#18 overall for Ville Leino

I think we all have to continue to remind ourselves that this team is a work in progress and also that development will have its ups and downs. For example, if they work in one or 2 kids on D and a rookie or 2 up front next season, they could very well take a small step back and miss the playoffs.

There are no magic moves or shortcuts that will make this team a legit Cup contender in 16-17. There are just too many holes that need to be filled to get there: another quality center, a top 6 LW and, of course, 2 top pair dmen.
- BiggE

I agree. Next year is really another transition year. The Flyers currently only have 7 guys signed for 2017. Obviously there will be more added, like Ghost, Gudas, and Schenn, but there is a good chance the 2017 roster will have a ton of new faces. It is hard to expect a linear progression with a big roster turnover in a years time.

If I am the Flyers management, I am focusing on acquiring assets for the future. IMO, It won't be a big deal if they miss the playoffs next season.

#18 overall for Ville Leino
- jmatchett383

You misspelled Steve Eminger.

You misspelled Steve Eminger.


- MBFlyerfan

Steve Eminger, coupled with a walking suspension named Steve Downie, got us Matt Carle. Matt Carle not only was a key cog in helping us to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, he also was able to give this board someone to blame for every loss for years. Great trade!

#18 overall for Ville Leino
- jmatchett383

I agree. Next year is really another transition year. The Flyers currently only have 7 guys signed for 2017. Obviously there will be more added, like Ghost, Gudas, and Schenn, but there is a good chance the 2017 roster will have a ton of new faces. It is hard to expect a linear progression with a big roster turnover in a years time.

If I am the Flyers management, I am focusing on acquiring assets for the future. IMO, It won't be a big deal if they miss the playoffs next season.
- psuhockey

Steve Eminger, coupled with a walking suspension named Steve Downie, got us Matt Carle. Matt Carle not only was a key cog in helping us to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, he also was able to give this board someone to blame for every loss for years. Great trade!
- jmatchett383

There is nothing more important than this.

There is nothing more important than this.
- BiggE

I also blame him for the Dry Island issue.
It's also his fault that Lappy took that puck to the face (the second one; it's weird that i have to specify this).
And let's not forget, he's the reason that Pronger took the stick to his face.

I agree. Next year is really another transition year. The Flyers currently only have 7 guys signed for 2017. Obviously there will be more added, like Ghost, Gudas, and Schenn, but there is a good chance the 2017 roster will have a ton of new faces. It is hard to expect a linear progression with a big roster turnover in a years time.

If I am the Flyers management, I am focusing on acquiring assets for the future. IMO, It won't be a big deal if they miss the playoffs next season.
- psuhockey

As long as they compete day in and day out, missing the playoffs is fine, as much as it would suck. Also we need to do something about all these 1 goal games and giving up tying/winning goals in the last minute. That's the biggest improvement I need to see next year. Too many games went to OT that didn't need to and we all know how well we do in the shoot out.

I also blame him for the Dry Island issue.
It's also his fault that Lappy took that puck to the face (the second one; it's weird that i have to specify this).
And let's not forget, he's the reason that Pronger took the stick to his face.
- jmatchett383

His stick shouldve been behind Leighton in case that shot snuck though

With that in mind, I think the opening night roster looks something like:

Schenn-G-Simmonds
Raffl-Coots-Jake
New FA or Laughton-Cousins or Laughton-Laughton or Konecny
Laughton or VDV-PEB-White or perhaps an FA who will cost less than White

MDZ-Gudas
Ghost-AMac or Manning
Schultz-Provorov or another kid or AMac or Manning
Manning or perhaps Alt as the 7th D

Mason
Neuvirth

Now there can and probably will be changes as the season goes on, but I really don't expect the opening night roster to be much different from the one that finished the season.
- BiggE

This is in no way a critique of your suggestion, but I personally question if putting Konecky in a 3rd line role will slow his offensive development (I.E. Coots daily argument!!!). If he doesn't make the top 2 lines...send him back!

As long as they compete day in and day out, missing the playoffs is fine, as much as it would suck. Also we need to do something about all these 1 goal games and giving up tying/winning goals in the last minute. That's the biggest improvement I need to see next year. Too many games went to OT that didn't need to and we all know how well we do in the shoot out.
- Tomfan365

Meh...like this season...all I really care about for next year is to see improvement from younger players. I think it is pretty clear that the team is good enough to make the playoffs though

Steve Eminger, coupled with a walking suspension named Steve Downie, got us Matt Carle. Matt Carle not only was a key cog in helping us to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, he also was able to give this board someone to blame for every loss for years. Great trade!
- jmatchett383

I also blame him for the Dry Island issue.
It's also his fault that Lappy took that puck to the face (the second one; it's weird that i have to specify this).
And let's not forget, he's the reason that Pronger took the stick to his face.
- jmatchett383

They also traced Stamkos' clots to him as well.

Love seeing the depth for goaltending in our system. Our prospect pool in general is really starting to look good. One more good forward prospect and we'll be set.

On a non hockey note- I saw cage the elephant last night, if anyone likes that band. They (frank)ing rocked live.