You’re right about the desperation. I thought simmonds played with desperation. I think g always gives his best it just doesn’t always show. The problem to me is they don’t have enough experienced players that fully understand the desperation. Young players I’m sure can pull from their previous experience but they are also wide eyed and digesting everything that comes with finally making it to the NHL. It’s more a product of the make up of the team which I’m not all that surprised with given given how the team is constructed right now
- funmaster18

You're on point here in my opinion. There are a lot of young players who are trying to find their way in the league here. Add in some veteran players who are struggling also and it's not a good mix. Hakstol deserves his share of the blame like any coach should get but nitpicking minor stuff that is not at the top of the reasons for the team struggles is ridiculous. Some don't see that and need to focus on Dale Weise.

It appears anything Hak is trying is failing. The hand picked coach doesn’t appear to have many answers and it appears they will have to come from within. Have to think guys like G, Vorecek and Simmonds are wondering what the (frank) is Hexy doing ? It’s not often a GM does nothing unless it is a “tank”. Which I’ve been assured the Flyers would never do....

- landros 2

Other than bring kids up, which probably wouldn't be doing those kids any favors right now, I'm not sure how much Hexy can do at this point in the season. With cap implications, the time do most deals is either in the off season or at the deadline. The other problem is finding someone who would want what the Flyers want to sell. If we assume they aren't looking to move any of the kids or Couturier, it leaves slim pickings.

No one is going to line up to acquire Filppula, Raffl, Manning, Weise or Lehtera right now. Maybe Filppula and to a lesser extent Raffl, could get you something at the deadline, but not now. Giroux and Voracek aren't going to get moved mid season, if at all and considering he's the only stable vet on D, AMac is likely here for at least another season after this one. Also, no matter what Ek says, I really can't see anyone calling Hextall about either of our goalies.

That basically leaves Gudas and Simmonds as the only 2 marketable pieces to move and both will likely only increase in value as the deadline draws nearer, especially Simmonds.

It sucks, but for the most part, at least until late Feb or so, this roster pretty much is what it is.

I don’t think he’s hanging his hat on it, just looking at how replacing Weise isn’t changing much about the team right now. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Dale Weise fan
- funmaster18

True, but I don't think sitting in the press box is doing anything to help Leier either. The kid at least hustles and works hard on the ice, that alone is reason enough to have him in the lineup over Weise.

Can't wait to see what he does for team Canada at the World Juniors this month.
- Buzzo

He's going to need to stand on his head. Team doesn't look very good infront of him.

You're on point here in my opinion. There are a lot of young players who are trying to find their way in the league here. Add in some veteran players who are struggling also and it's not a good mix. Hakstol deserves his share of the blame like any coach should get but nitpicking minor stuff that is not at the top of the reasons for the team struggles is ridiculous. Some don't see that and need to focus on Dale Weise.
- MJL

Agreed on the blame. It’s really a product of a lot of smaller things that add up to a big struggle. I think a lot of people have valid points and concerns, but I don’t think you get any major impact from them because the core of the issue is where they are in their development. And that is a choice hextall made and committed to, whether not you agree (the general “you”)

Other than bring kids up, which probably wouldn't being those kids any favors right now, I'm not sure how much Hexy can do at this point in the season. With cap implications, the time do most deals is either in the off season or at the deadline. The other problem is finding someone who would want what the Flyers want to sell. If we assume they are looking to move any of the kids or Couturier, it leaves slim pickings.

No one is going to line up to acquire Filppula, Raffl, Manning, Weise or Lehtera right now. Maybe Filppula and to a lesser extent Raffl, could get you something at the deadline, but not now. Giroux and Voracek aren't going to get moved mid season, if at all and considering he's the only stable vet on D, AMac is likely here for at least another season after this one. Also, no matter what Ek says, I really can't see anyone calling Hextall about either of our goalies.

That basically leaves Gudas and Simmonds as the only 2 marketable pieces to move and both will likely only increase in value as the deadline draws nearer, especially Simmonds.

It sucks, but for the most part, at least until late Feb or so, this roster pretty much is what it is.
- BiggE

Hockey night in Canada, Nick Kypreous suggested last night that Simmonds could be on his way out mid year and that teams would be lining up. Considering how good his current contract is and what he is as a player Kyper suggested that’s their top trade commodity. How limp wristed would this team be with out him ?

Hockey night in Canada, Nick Kypreous suggested last night that Simmonds could be on his way out mid year and that teams would be lining up. Considering how good his current contract is and what he is as a player Kyper suggested that’s their top trade commodity. How limp wristed would this team be with out him ?
- landros 2

Right now, without Simmonds, they'd be softer than a cheesecake left out in the sun on a hot summer's day. However, long term, trading Simmonds is the smart move. His value will likely never be higher than it will be as the deadline approaches.

True, but I don't think sitting in the press box is doing anything to help Leier either. The kid at least hustles and works hard on the ice, that alone is reason enough to have him in the lineup over Weise.
- BiggE

If it’s a game here or two, it could be Hakstol wanting them to get a game off here and there to watch and digest what’s happening from a different point of view. The more it happens the more it becomes frustrating. I’m not sure Leirer is one of the players that needs it.

I also don’t know if Leirer has a nagging injury or did something stupid off the ice or in practice. The problem is with so much going wrong for them right now, it’s hard to give the benefit of the doubt and I think that’s natural and to a degree warranted

Right now, without Simmonds, they'd be softer than a cheesecake left out in the sun on a hot summer's day. However, long term, trading Simmonds is the smart move. His value will likely never be higher than it will be as the deadline approaches.
- BiggE

He is one of the few players with an outright edge and fire to his game. He has everyone’s back. Tough decision. He’s probably one of the best trade chips, but who in the pipeline fills that role? That’s a big unknown right now and the leadership group would become smaller

Agreed on the blame. It’s really a product of a lot of smaller things that add up to a big struggle. I think a lot of people have valid points and concerns, but I don’t think you get any major impact from them because the core of the issue is where they are in their development. And that is a choice hextall made and committed to, whether not you agree (the general “you”)
- funmaster18

Exactly. More than anything, it's the secondary scoring that has been absent after the top line that is the biggest issue. Kids like Patrick and Konecny just aren't ready for it. Remember the discussions on how to replace the offense that was lost with the trade of Schenn? For the record I think if Schenn was still here, it's vdery possible he would be struggling also. They should be better than they are but there is a pretty big confidence issue with this team right now that is the biggest hurdle they need to get over.

True, but I don't think sitting in the press box is doing anything to help Leier either. The kid at least hustles and works hard on the ice, that alone is reason enough to have him in the lineup over Weise.
- BiggE

I do wonder if Leier is hurt ? Weren’t we assured by the GM that the young guys wouldn’t be sitting in the press box for long periods? It’s going on a week isn’t it ? Let him go to LHV and play some good minutes.

Exactly. More than anything, it's the secondary scoring that has been absent after the top line that is the biggest issue. Kids like Patrick and Konecny just aren't read for it. Remember the discussions on how to replace the offense that was lost with the trade of Schenn? For the record I think if Schenn was still here, it's vdery possible he would be struggling also. They should be better than they are but there is a pretty big confidence issue with this team right now that is the biggest hurdle they need to get over.
- MJL

They definitely miss Schenn and even supporters of the trade largely agreed to the fact we’d miss him short term. I don’t think he’s a godsend that fixes their issues, but I definitely believe they’d be a better team right now, if only marginally.

I think the fresh start for Schenn probably has helped him more than anything. Sometimes you need a change of scenery to spark major growth. Unfortunately we will never know if it was just his year to take that next step

First I Recall Even Hearing A Kick Starting To Our Lines

He is one of the few players with an outright edge and fire to his game. He has everyone’s back. Tough decision. He’s probably one of the best trade chips, but who in the pipeline fills that role? That’s a big unknown right now and the leadership group would become smaller
- funmaster18

If they move Simmonds for futures....then call it what it is Ronnie....A TANK.

He is one of the few players with an outright edge and fire to his game. He has everyone’s back. Tough decision. He’s probably one of the best trade chips, but who in the pipeline fills that role? That’s a big unknown right now and the leadership group would become smaller
- funmaster18

If they get a young legit scoring threat offered in return they almost have to take the deal. They can turn to physical play elsewhere.

As far as leadership goes this team has one playoff series win that happened over 5 years ago. Leadership hasn't been cutting it.

If it’s a game here or two, it could be Hakstol wanting them to get a game off here and there to watch and digest what’s happening from a different point of view. The more it happens the more it becomes frustrating. I’m not sure Leirer is one of the players that needs it.

I also don’t know if Leirer has a nagging injury or did something stupid off the ice or in practice. The problem is with so much going wrong for them right now, it’s hard to give the benefit of the doubt and I think that’s natural and to a degree warranted
- funmaster18

If Leier is hurt or violated some minor team rule, then yeah, I can understand it. Other than that, having him sit for more than 1 game is pointless. He's a 4th year pro, he needs to be playing, not watching.

First I Recall Even Hearing A Kick Starting To Our Lines
- PhillySportsGuy

If they move Simmonds for futures....then call it what it is Ronnie....A TANK.
- landros 2

I would be disapppinted if they did that this season

If they get a young legit scoring threat offered in return they almost have to take the deal. They can turn to physical play elsewhere.

As far as leadership goes this team has one playoff series win that happened over 5 years ago. Leadership hasn't been cutting it.
- hereticpride

Agreed it is all about the return

If Leier is hurt or violated some minor team rule, then yeah, I can understand it. Other than that, having him sit for more than 1 game is pointless. He's a 4th year pro, he needs to be playing, not watching.
- BiggE

I agree

If Leier is hurt or violated some minor team rule, then yeah, I can understand it. Other than that, having him sit for more than 1 game is pointless. He's a 4th year pro, he needs to be playing, not watching.
- BiggE

He's a rookie in the NHL who has played 37 games in the NHL. Nothing wrong with sitting a kid down for a few games if it is deemed warranted by the coach. It's a frequently used tool in player development.

He's a rookie in the NHL who has played 37 games in the NHL. Nothing wrong with sitting a kid down for a few games if it is deemed warranted by the coach. It's a frequently used tool in player development.
- MJL

A few games, yes. If it becomes a trend then I disagree. We all only have some of the information to work with, so it’s hard to really say.

All we really know is the product on the ice as it stands today is not acceptable. Hopefully they work their way out of it or it’s growing pains that in the end become worth it.

I would be disapppinted if they did that this season
- funmaster18

It really depends just how bad they get this season. If they're well out of the playoff race near the deadline they might as well take offers.

He's a rookie in the NHL who has played 37 games in the NHL. Nothing wrong with sitting a kid down for a few games if it is deemed warranted by the coach. It's a frequently used tool in player development.
- MJL

In general theory, yes, you are correct. In this specific instance I think it's a bad move.

Inspired by the mess that is the flyers right now, I have decided to go clean up the mess of leaves out in the yard. Catch you fellas later.