I agree but the Flyers operated as a team that was going for it every year for the most part and traded a lot of draft picks away to try and win. They're now accumulating draft picks under Hextall. I have no doubt that Hextall once they get to that point will adjust somewhat. I doubt that he will completely abandon the draft and develop mantra though. As you get better it gets harder because you wind up having to pay more for players and you get lower draft picks.
- MJL

And if that had paid off even once, I don't think anyone would be looking back and saying it was a flawed strategy. You could argue they just didn't pull the right triggers. I'm cautiously optimistic and am a big clear the deck and let the kids play guy. My only criticism is the mixed message . . . I don't think they're a playoff team that just played a little inconsistently. I think they overachieved by a lot last year.

Nahh.

You agree with the same concept that's at times rotting this club. 'Flyers know best'.
- flyer_nutter

More nonsense, no substance. Hakstol has proven that if given a young player who merits and earns ice time at the NHL level he will play them, and in fact play the crap out of them.

3 of the last 4 coaches, were hired with zero NHL head coaching experience. We will see if they get head coaching jobs with any other NHL franchise. I'm pretty confident they will be one hit wonders.
- PLindbergh31

Stevens, Hak and Berube. Gordon in the AHL.

Yeah thats a hall of fame group right there. With as much financial power as the club has, and for them to think that was the best option(s) - disturbing.

And if that had paid off even once, I don't think anyone would be looking back and saying it was a flawed strategy. You could argue they just didn't pull the right triggers. I'm cautiously optimistic and am a big clear the deck and let the kids play guy. My only criticism is the mixed message . . . I don't think they're a playoff team that just played a little inconsistently. I think they overachieved by a lot last year.
- fls13

I don't think it's flawed. I loved that philosophy and loved that most years the Flyers were in the mix. As a fan it was fun. Times have changed though, and it's no longer the best approach, so the Flyers have changed their approach under Hextall. I personally think on paper the Flyers had a playoff roster. Not many teams that are a bubble team would do well with their franchise player scoring 18 points in 82 games at 5 on 5 play.

More nonsense, no substance. Hakstol has proven that if given a young player who merits and earns ice time at the NHL level he will play them, and in fact play the crap out of them.
- MJL

Its dead on.

'Flyers know best'. If I can ask a personal question that may shed some light, as a fan were you around for the Bully years?

Its dead on.

'Flyers know best'.
- flyer_nutter

Tops nutter knows best.

Tops nutter knows best.

- MJL

See edit above please.

I don't think it's flawed. I loved that philosophy and loved that most years the Flyers were in the mix. As a fan it was fun. Times have changed though, and it's no longer the best approach, so the Flyers have changed their approach under Hextall. I personally think on paper the Flyers had a playoff roster. Not many teams that are a bubble team would do well with their franchise player scoring 18 points in 82 games at 5 on 5 play.
- MJL

The times have changed here but teams are still making big moves hoping it will put them over the top. Giroux did have a brutal year but he's still a better player than that. He'll never be a 95 point a season guy again but he'll be better. The big issue with the Flyers is their current top 6 forwards are topped out scoring wise. They're at ages where they don't have upsides. They do need more offense from their bottom 6.

The times have changed here but teams are still making big moves hoping it will put them over the top. Giroux did have a brutal year but he's still a better player than that. He'll never be a 95 point a season guy again but he'll be better. The big issue with the Flyers is their current top 6 forwards are topped out scoring wise. They're at ages where they don't have upsides. They do need more offense from their bottom 6.
- fls13

The Flyers need to improve their overall team skill and speed and they're clearly working on that.

Just curious as to what anyone would think about this.

Since we lack young elite goal scoring, and at least some is absolutely necessary (but not required with depth) to win; are you willing to live with trying to find elite talent out of the top 10 every year or sign or trade for this type of player should they be available? And if so, hypothetically, would you give up 4 1sts to sign a restricted McDavid should it get to that?

If not McDavid is there anyone else that you would do that for?

Just curious as to what anyone would think about this.

Since we lack young elite goal scoring, and at least some is absolutely necessary (but not required with depth) to win; are you willing to live with trying to find elite talent out of the top 10 every year or sign or trade for this type of player should they be available? And if so, hypothetically, would you give up 4 1sts to sign a restricted McDavid should it get to that?

If not McDavid is there anyone else that you would do that for?
- DrMidnite

Of couse this would depend on the other team being over a barrel I guess where they might not/could not match.

The Flyers need to improve their overall team skill and speed and they're clearly working on that.
- MJL

Hahahaha! Then I don't see much to be optimistic about. The D looks pretty well set and forwards like Lindblom, Vecchione and Rubtsov aren't noted for their speed. There are only so many roster spots available.

Just curious as to what anyone would think about this.

Since we lack young elite goal scoring, and at least some is absolutely necessary (but not required with depth) to win; are you willing to live with trying to find elite talent out of the top 10 every year or sign or trade for this type of player should they be available? And if so, hypothetically, would you give up 4 1sts to sign a restricted McDavid should it get to that?

If not McDavid is there anyone else that you would do that for?
- DrMidnite

The entire league would give up 4 first for McDavid. It will never get to that point. Oilers would match any offer.

Hahahaha! Then I don't see much to be optimistic about. The D looks pretty well set and forwards like Lindblom, Vecchione and Rubtsov aren't noted for their speed. There are only so many roster spots available.
- fls13

They aren't slow either to my limited knowedge about them. The Flyers have this draft and many more upcoming. Hextall's plan is a process and it's going to take time.

Just curious as to what anyone would think about this.

Since we lack young elite goal scoring, and at least some is absolutely necessary (but not required with depth) to win; are you willing to live with trying to find elite talent out of the top 10 every year or sign or trade for this type of player should they be available? And if so, hypothetically, would you give up 4 1sts to sign a restricted McDavid should it get to that?

If not McDavid is there anyone else that you would do that for?
- DrMidnite

If McDavid ever signed an offer sheet I don't really see what would sell him on Philly over anywhere else tbh. Oilers will in all likelihood offer him a fully maxed out deal anyway. He isn't moving.

For me I keep drafting and maybe try to use an asset here and there to move up or make a move that makes sense for the team. I wouldn't be making any Lindros type deals but in a future draft, moving up a few spots into the 10, I'd certainly consider it.

They aren't slow either to my limited knowedge about them. The Flyers have this draft and many more upcoming. Hextall's plan is a process and it's going to take time.
- MJL

It will and that was understood. This is the first time the Flyers have really committed to building the D corps through the draft and that is doing it the hard way but the dividends are hopefully worth it. But now the focus has to be up front where there are holes and some guys we all like are going to be past it by the time the D really blossoms.

Rumor has it that Mullen informed management he would not be interested in coaching past this year. He agreed to the Hextall "gut" narrative so the Flyers could save face as he already has a new gig lined up.... oh and to tick everyone off on this board.
- Lawless18

I haven't heard that Mullen had something lined up but it wouldn't surprise me. Did anyone believe the real reason Mullen was let go was because of a "gut" feeling? Anyone can see right through that. That was Hextall saying it's none of your business and I am not going to tell you.

I don't have "Chairman of the International Coalition of United Pharmacists" on mine, so I didn't match to a residency.

And yes, as Mordecai​ echoes, everything is literally terrible
- Giroux_Is_God

(frank) todays job market dude

It will and that was understood. This is the first time the Flyers have really committed to building the D corps through the draft and that is doing it the hard way but the dividends are hopefully worth it. But now the focus has to be up front where there are holes and some guys we all like are going to be past it by the time the D really blossoms.
- fls13

If we're being fully honest G, Jake & Simmonds will very likely be exciting their prime when the D finally realizes it's full potential. It's not a concern. It's pretty much a certainty. You just hope you get the two windows to overlap at some point. (Obviously the forward group needs retooling tho)

That's never going to be perfect though. With the exception of the Hawks there isn't a team out there that has built a full fledged, high talent D core and forward core of similarly aged players.

- Giroux_Is_God

We all know who the left turtle is

We all know who the left turtle is
- Mononoke

Princess. Hello

We all know who the left turtle is
- Mononoke

JSaq?

Princess. Hello
- Giroux_Is_God

I bet that left turtle has a happier turtle husband

I bet that left turtle has a happier turtle husband
- Mononoke

Left turtle has nothing on left shark