daily question about whether or not we should resign an enforcer who cant crack an echl lineup

Our third line is more of a 4th line since we use our 4th to shut down opposing teams top lines. We are going to have a pretty good phantoms team this year Laughton a natural leader could go down for half a season to full season help some the younger guys transition and refine some his little issues that kept him from being effective.
- Tfaehner

That was last season. This season is a different season. I think the biggest thing that affected him last season was the concussion. In my opinion, he's an NHL player, and he belongs in the NHL.

If he plays 55 games for the Flyers this season, he will no longer be exempt
- MJL

If he fails to play 55 NHL games do we have to protect him for expansion ? That could be just another reason to start him ahl.

I think the big thing is that the Flyers are going to have options to look at for guys who might be able to bring more speed or talent to the bottom six, simply based on the sheer number of guys who didn't get qualified, let alone the other free agents

I think that is great -- no reason to not look at those slots with a very critical eye

If he fails to play 55 NHL games do we have to protect him for expansion ? That could be just another reason to start him ahl.
- Tfaehner

Zero factor for expansion. He will need to be protected.

Our third line is more of a 4th line since we use our 4th to shut down opposing teams top lines. We are going to have a pretty good phantoms team this year Laughton a natural leader could go down for half a season to full season help some the younger guys transition and refine some his little issues that kept him from being effective.
- Tfaehner

the third line was used as the 4th because it was the only line that never gelled and could be trusted in defensive situations. even when the 4th line was getting steamrolled in shots and chances...they were at least doing it consistently

If he fails to play 55 NHL games do we have to protect him for expansion ? That could be just another reason to start him ahl.
- Tfaehner

Yes, expansion is based on number of years as a North American pro.

Hmm, interesting.

I'd be leery of putting him in the AHL. At this point, I have to wonder if his confidence is on the verge of breaking. He's been up and down a bit, has missed some time with injuries (thought he was paralyzed by Carlson), and seems like he needs to nail down a spot. I don't need him scoring 20 goals or winning the Selke, but a permanent spot held down in the middle-6 seems like a legitimate goal.
- jmatchett383

I think your right there.

He either needs to hold down a spot or he could be looking at getting moved at the TDL.

Pirri is a guy im really not sold on. I have not watched him enough recently...but I feel like his goal scoring streak just made promises that he wont actually live up to. He is certainly better than a lot of players available, offensively that is even more obvious.

Just feels like a Dom Brown or Ben Zobrist (for power) kind of situation...cranked out this crazy milestone and he will make a career out of people wondering if he can repeat it

Scott Laughton turned 22 in May.....

Pirri is a guy im really not sold on. I have not watched him enough recently...but I feel like his goal scoring streak just made promises that he wont actually live up to. He is certainly better than a lot of players available, offensively that is even more obvious.

Just feels like a Dom Brown or Ben Zobrist (for power) kind of situation...cranked out this crazy milestone and he will make a career out of people wondering if he can repeat it
- YuenglingJagr

I am really surprised Colborne didnt get qualified. I would definitely be interested there.

Hmm, interesting.

I'd be leery of putting him in the AHL. At this point, I have to wonder if his confidence is on the verge of breaking. He's been up and down a bit, has missed some time with injuries (thought he was paralyzed by Carlson), and seems like he needs to nail down a spot. I don't need him scoring 20 goals or winning the Selke, but a permanent spot held down in the middle-6 seems like a legitimate goal.
- jmatchett383

How much can a 22 year old with male pattern baldness take?

Latta has not killed penalties the last two seasons.
- MJL

Can you check his stats in Hershey?

For some reason I thought he was a solid PK guy. Maybe I was mixing him and beagle up

I am really surprised Colborne didnt get qualified. I would definitely be interested there.
- jak521

Think that's one where they're trying to avoid player-initiated arb?

I am really surprised Colborne didnt get qualified. I would definitely be interested there.
- jak521

Forgot about him.

Good call on that.

I think that the bottom 6 is pretty much interchangeable right now. I would do whatever I need to upgrade it. the only player I see as having a lock down job is Raffl in the bottom 6.

After that I think all the jobs should be in the bottom 6

Actually, I'd rather see a guy like Taylor Leier get a shot at a regular job in the bottom 6 than bring a guy off the street in.

If he plays 55 games for the Flyers this season, he will no longer be exempt
- MJL

But he would be exempt out of camp for opening night roster, whereas Weal is subject to waivers. That's the point.

Can you check his stats in Hershey?

For some reason I thought he was a solid PK guy. Maybe I was mixing him and beagle up
- J35Bacher

I don't know if he is or isn't. I'm just saying he hasn't in the last few seasons.

But he would be exempt out of camp for opening night roster, whereas Weal is subject to waivers. That's the point.
- bmeltzer

Yes, he would. I was just posting on how much eligibility he has left.

But he would be exempt out of camp for opening night roster, whereas Weal is subject to waivers. That's the point.
- bmeltzer

Bill,

Whats you opinion on Weal? I feel like he is Akeson 2.0 and I get this feeling that the Flyers would prefer guys that play a, not to be cliché, 200ft game like Leier or Bardreau if push came to shove for a roster spot?

Does Weal have to significantly out play for example Leier, to earn a spot?

Forgot about him.

Good call on that.

I think that the bottom 6 is pretty much interchangeable right now. I would do whatever I need to upgrade it. the only player I see as having a lock down job is Raffl in the bottom 6.

After that I think all the jobs should be in the bottom 6
- J35Bacher

laughton pirri raffl
PEB Cousins Read

But he would be exempt out of camp for opening night roster, whereas Weal is subject to waivers. That's the point.
- bmeltzer

even tho weal didnt record a point, in the few games he was in he seemed like he had some good offensive instincts and didnt look too out of place when on the ice. especially considering being a healthy scratch on most nights, with teammates he rarely had the opportunity to play with in a game.

im in the camp that if there are no better alternatives to have him play a 3rd line role, maybe over matt read, and slot read down if we dont bring back VDV

Think that's one where they're trying to avoid player-initiated arb?
- Tomahawk

I dont know. I dont think that would make much sense. He is an interesting player for a few reasons... He is a big center/wing forward who has taken a pretty long time to develop. Bigger players usually do take a long time, but he is 26 coming off of a 44 point season. He has a great combination of skating, skill and size. He has struggled to find consistency and to stay healthy, but I still think he can be a solid third liner who can bounce around the lineup a bit.

Also would not be totally surprised to see him have a big year next year. That tends to happen with bigger guys. They figure poop out and become a bit more consistent.

Actually, I'd rather see a guy like Taylor Leier get a shot at a regular job in the bottom 6 than bring a guy off the street in.
- johndewar

No problem with giving Leier a shot, but it's a good idea to have a Plan B and Plan C as well.

Forgot about him.

Good call on that.

I think that the bottom 6 is pretty much interchangeable right now. I would do whatever I need to upgrade it. the only player I see as having a lock down job is Raffl in the bottom 6.

After that I think all the jobs should be in the bottom 6
- J35Bacher

Pebbles too. I think he is a lock for the 4th line and PK.