I think the consensus here is to let the kids play. No one wants a repeat of dull, uninspired hockey with more losses than wins, especially the 2-0 or 3-1 variety. Letting the kids play at least gives us optimism and something to look forward to while they work out their bumps in the road. Losing a game 5-4 while watching flashes of what's to come, seems the better route. But hey, wth do we know?

I think the consensus here is to let the kids play. No one wants a repeat of dull, uninspired hockey with more losses than wins, especially the 2-0 or 3-1 variety. Letting the kids play at least gives us optimism and something to look forward to while they work out their bumps in the road. Losing a game 5-4 while watching flashes of what's to come, seems the better route. But hey, wth do we know?
- Hokeeguy9

I'd like to know who smashed that damn glass on the floor

From an article by Nick Som:

To put it mildly, I respectfully disagree (besides the fact that Lindblom getting the pink slip officially ruined my final roster prediction). The idea that Oskar Lindblom didn’t do enough to earn a spot on the roster because he scored only one goal in a mere 2 games is a load of horse manure. Guess how many points Matt Read, Jori Lehtera, and Dale Weise scored in the preseason? Hint: not as many as Lindblom.

And to reduce one’s evaluation of Lindblom to #pointzzz is to completely ignore the positive impact he made on the ice every night. Lindblom was a powerhouse along the boards, winning puck battles and making smart plays. His Corsi For % of 81.82% led the team. You heard that correctly: Oskar Lindblom did a better job of generating shot attempts and preventing opponent’s shot attempts than anyone else on the Flyers.

Lindblom will be donning the Orange and Black shortly, as soon as the injury bug hits or a forward has a particularly disappointing first couple weeks. But Lindblom’s failure to make the team is the clearest sign of Hextall’s senseless veteran fetish to date. Even in the face of such talent, it still wasn’t enough to overcome Hextall’s bias.

I just don't get it. I want to believe it was the right move or had good reasoning behind it, but some of the other decisions contradict the proposed reasons for sending him down.
- mikel33

Nik Som is missing a lot. It's not about how many goals he scored, it's about how he asserted himself offensively. If he had generated a bunch of good scoring chances for himself or his teammates, he would've made the team even if it resulted in 0 points. Lindblom's play away from the puck is strong. The Flyers would rather Lindblom play big minutes on a top scoring line and on the PP for the Phantoms at this point than to play limited minutes on the 3rd or 4th line on the Flyers with no special teams play. They feel that is best for his development at this point in time. Nothing to do with a veteran fetish.

Damn shame no one suggested that last year
- YuenglingJagr

You overlooked the "if they're ready for it". A very important distinction.

Nik Som is missing a lot. It's not about how many goals he scored, it's about how he asserted himself offensively. If he had generated a bunch of good scoring chances for himself or his teammates, he would've made the team even if it resulted in 0 points. Lindblom's play away from the puck is strong. The Flyers would rather Lindblom play big minutes on a top scoring line and on the PP for the Phantoms at this point than to play limited minutes on the 3rd or 4th line on the Flyers with no special teams play. They feel that is best for his development at this point in time. Nothing to do with a veteran fetish.
- MJL

I understand the Lindblom thing.

I think i am more disappointed that they just didn't keep the 3 rookie defensman and waive MacDonald.

I understand the hesitation to have 3 rookies on the back end but the team looked good when all where in the lineup in the preseason. I think having the rookies on the back end brought an element to the team they don't have when MacDonald is in the lineup.

Nik Som is missing a lot. It's not about how many goals he scored, it's about how he asserted himself offensively. If he had generated a bunch of good scoring chances for himself or his teammates, he would've made the team even if it resulted in 0 points. Lindblom's play away from the puck is strong. The Flyers would rather Lindblom play big minutes on a top scoring line and on the PP for the Phantoms at this point than to play limited minutes on the 3rd or 4th line on the Flyers with no special teams play. They feel that is best for his development at this point in time. Nothing to do with a veteran fetish.
- MJL

But why not have him be an impact player on the 3rd line?

Why not split the minutes between the 3 or even 4 lines evenly?

Also, he can play on the top PP unit in place of Flip.

In my opinion, it does reek of a veteran fetish.

I think the bottom line for Hexy is that with or without the rookies the team is a bubble team at best...the best case is that the rookies get real playing time in the AHL and continue to develop and work on the things that were pointed out during camp, at the same time the Vets that really need to go do well enough to be moved at the TDL and Hexy gets more assets...I don't think he has any trade partners right now to open up the holes and a guy like read could help a playoff team...so he is not going to just waive him...I would rather the rookies play, but I am sure Hexy is just taking the long view and not giving away potential assets at the TDL.

From an article by Nick Som:

To put it mildly, I respectfully disagree (besides the fact that Lindblom getting the pink slip officially ruined my final roster prediction). The idea that Oskar Lindblom didn’t do enough to earn a spot on the roster because he scored only one goal in a mere 2 games is a load of horse manure. Guess how many points Matt Read, Jori Lehtera, and Dale Weise scored in the preseason? Hint: not as many as Lindblom.

And to reduce one’s evaluation of Lindblom to #pointzzz is to completely ignore the positive impact he made on the ice every night. Lindblom was a powerhouse along the boards, winning puck battles and making smart plays. His Corsi For % of 81.82% led the team. You heard that correctly: Oskar Lindblom did a better job of generating shot attempts and preventing opponent’s shot attempts than anyone else on the Flyers.

Lindblom will be donning the Orange and Black shortly, as soon as the injury bug hits or a forward has a particularly disappointing first couple weeks. But Lindblom’s failure to make the team is the clearest sign of Hextall’s senseless veteran fetish to date. Even in the face of such talent, it still wasn’t enough to overcome Hextall’s bias.

I just don't get it. I want to believe it was the right move or had good reasoning behind it, but some of the other decisions contradict the proposed reasons for sending him down.
- mikel33

But why not have him be an impact player on the 3rd line?

Why not split the minutes between the 3 or even 4 lines evenly?

Also, he can play on the top PP unit in place of Flip.

In my opinion, it does reek of a veteran fetish.
- ggunky

They don't feel he is ready or will be an impact player with just 11-12 minutes of ES time and no PP time. They tried him on the PP. Right now going to the Phantoms is better for this development. The three young defenseman are a different story in my opinion. All three of had AHL time to further develop and are ready to play in the NHL as regular defenseman in my opinion.

I think the bottom line for Hexy is that with or without the rookies the team is a bubble team at best...the best case is that the rookies get real playing time in the AHL and continue to develop and work on the things that were pointed out during camp, at the same time the Vets that really need to go do well enough to be moved at the TDL and Hexy gets more assets...I don't think he has any trade partners right now to open up the holes and a guy like read could help a playoff team...so he is not going to just waive him...I would rather the rookies play, but I am sure Hexy is just taking the long view and not giving away potential assets at the TDL.
- JW98FlyerFan

I kind of get that too. Teams are going to go with what they have for a little and see what they have in house before looking for moves.

I understand the Lindblom thing.

I think i am more disappointed that they just didn't keep the 3 rookie defensman and waive MacDonald.

I understand the hesitation to have 3 rookies on the back end but the team looked good when all where in the lineup in the preseason. I think having the rookies on the back end brought an element to the team they don't have when MacDonald is in the lineup.
- J35Bacher

Very frustrating, but I also feel that "rookie" label is being exploited as well. How many years does Sam have to put in to be considered? What happens next year if Meyers looks ready??? Does he stay down again until AMAC comes off the books. At some point multiple years in the AHL rookie is completely different than "I just finished juiniors" rookie.

We know nothing boys.

Sit down, shut up and pay up.

From an article by Nick Som:

To put it mildly, I respectfully disagree (besides the fact that Lindblom getting the pink slip officially ruined my final roster prediction). The idea that Oskar Lindblom didn’t do enough to earn a spot on the roster because he scored only one goal in a mere 2 games is a load of horse manure. Guess how many points Matt Read, Jori Lehtera, and Dale Weise scored in the preseason? Hint: not as many as Lindblom.

And to reduce one’s evaluation of Lindblom to #pointzzz is to completely ignore the positive impact he made on the ice every night. Lindblom was a powerhouse along the boards, winning puck battles and making smart plays. His Corsi For % of 81.82% led the team. You heard that correctly: Oskar Lindblom did a better job of generating shot attempts and preventing opponent’s shot attempts than anyone else on the Flyers.

Lindblom will be donning the Orange and Black shortly, as soon as the injury bug hits or a forward has a particularly disappointing first couple weeks. But Lindblom’s failure to make the team is the clearest sign of Hextall’s senseless veteran fetish to date. Even in the face of such talent, it still wasn’t enough to overcome Hextall’s bias.

I just don't get it. I want to believe it was the right move or had good reasoning behind it, but some of the other decisions contradict the proposed reasons for sending him down.
- mikel33

nope....don't believe that!!!!

That's the rumors I've heard. I think this could be a blessing. Hope that the kids do well on the west coast and force Hextall and Hakstol to figure out the puzzle.
- dragonoffrost

based on style imagine Sanheim will be in for Ghost but will Morin be in for Manning? I seriously am going to be upset if he ends up being a healthy scratch but wouldn't shock me

I think the bottom line for Hexy is that with or without the rookies the team is a bubble team at best...the best case is that the rookies get real playing time in the AHL and continue to develop and work on the things that were pointed out during camp, at the same time the Vets that really need to go do well enough to be moved at the TDL and Hexy gets more assets...I don't think he has any trade partners right now to open up the holes and a guy like read could help a playoff team...so he is not going to just waive him...I would rather the rookies play, but I am sure Hexy is just taking the long view and not giving away potential assets at the TDL.
- JW98FlyerFan

I thought that was last years plan??

I think the consensus here is to let the kids play. No one wants a repeat of dull, uninspired hockey with more losses than wins, especially the 2-0 or 3-1 variety. Letting the kids play at least gives us optimism and something to look forward to while they work out their bumps in the road. Losing a game 5-4 while watching flashes of what's to come, seems the better route. But hey, wth do we know?
- Hokeeguy9

It takes rookies a while....there will be some bumps in the road....it appears Hextall doesn't want 3 guys that fit that description.....I think back to Provorov last year in Chicago I believe. Rough, rough night. But the Flyers committed to him and let him Play through it. Its pretty tough to come up and not have those bumps in the road. Hextalls best comment was " you never really know if a rookie is ready". True dat.
- landros 2

thing is, altho an elite player, Provorov was coming straight from juniors as a 19 year old. Hagg is 22 with 3 years of AHL play, Morin 22 with 2 years of AHL and Sanheim 21 with 1 year. I have no problem with Sanheim going back for more time in the AHL but I will be so annoyed if Morin and Hagg aren't in the lineup when all healthy.

https://www.glassdoor.com/Jobs/NHL-Jobs-E3679.htm

Crappy way for all 3 kids on D to make the team, but that's often the way it happens.

Sadly, after what just happened in Vegas it's hard to care that much about hockey.
- BiggE

With the Ghost injury, yeah it looks like Morin and Sanheim make the team. The team actually looked like poop without them last night. I'm hoping that reflects on guys like Manning and MacDonald. I'm also hoping that as long as Morin and Sanheim play, they again out play Mac and Manning in regular season action.

From an article by Nick Som:

To put it mildly, I respectfully disagree (besides the fact that Lindblom getting the pink slip officially ruined my final roster prediction). The idea that Oskar Lindblom didn’t do enough to earn a spot on the roster because he scored only one goal in a mere 2 games is a load of horse manure. Guess how many points Matt Read, Jori Lehtera, and Dale Weise scored in the preseason? Hint: not as many as Lindblom.
- mikel33

I would have Lindblom (and Sanheim) on the team, but that's not accurate. Weise and Lehtera also had two points in four games.

http://www.foxsports.com/...7&category=SCORING&time=1

Read looks like he'll be a regular healthy scratch, which is not a position Lindblom was in contention for. It was top 9 or AHL for him.

You overlooked the "if they're ready for it". A very important distinction.
- MJL

Hagg, Morin, and Sanheim have done exactly what they were doing last year. They were ready for it. Heck, maybe even some NHL experience at the end of last season makes them look even better this preseason.

I would have Lindblom (and Sanheim) on the team, but that's not accurate. Weise and Lehtera also had two points in four games.

http://www.foxsports.com/...7&category=SCORING&time=1


- Feanor

lol

Looks like I just found out who Nick Som is.

Hagg, Morin, and Sanheim have done exactly what they were doing last year. They were ready for it. Heck, maybe even some NHL experience at the end of last season makes them look even better this preseason.
- YuenglingJagr

I would have them all in the top 6 and MacDonald in the AHL, but I never expected that to happen so I don't have the energy to get mad about it. Even before I woke up and saw the awful news.

based on style imagine Sanheim will be in for Ghost but will Morin be in for Manning? I seriously am going to be upset if he ends up being a healthy scratch but wouldn't shock me
- nastyflyergirl

You would think there are ways to keep both players out, depending on need. I think Hakstol might want to give Ghost's PP time to Provorov, which I don't think is the best idea. Manning and MacDonald are capable of running the second unit but not our best option. Morin and Sanheim offer more right now. They should play in San Jose.

thing is, altho an elite player, Provorov was coming straight from juniors as a 19 year old. Hagg is 22 with 3 years of AHL play, Morin 22 with 2 years of AHL and Sanheim 21 with 1 year. I have no problem with Sanheim going back for more time in the AHL but I will be so annoyed if Morin and Hagg aren't in the lineup when all healthy.
- nastyflyergirl

I get that but after watching this team the last couple of years and the inconsistent play of some these bottom of the line up types, all three deserve a shot after simply outplaying the vets in camp. If I'm Morin and they sent me back in place of Andrew Macdonald, I think I would ask my agent to request a change of scenery. As someone said yesterday "how much more could Morin have done"? Its not like these guys are trying to crack the defense of the 1976 Canadians.

I would have them all in the top 6 and MacDonald in the AHL, but I never expected that to happen so I don't have the energy to get mad about it. Even before I woke up and saw the awful news.
- Feanor

For sure. I knew that all three weren't making it and anyone who watched last year could tell they'd be scratched at various points in time in favor of ManDog, etc.