I think I would rather pay 9-11 for Duchene then 6-8 for Hayes, if it is a center we are targeting.
- youarewrong

To me that would depend on what you think you'll get next season out of Patrick. Also need to consider what the term is for each player. Personally there is no way I would pay more than 9 for Duchene.

I somehow Neuvy'd myself in my sleep. Woke up with a nasty sprained ankle. Ouch

Please note that I don’t say this to stir up the dislike some have for this player but rather to give you a different perspective.

The reason I think Corban Knight might be a good fit for the team next year: I see him as an ideal 13th forward who can fill the 12th spot whenever it is required. He is versatile—plays center, both wings, PK and 2nd PP—can play limited minutes, help with faceoffs or play more if needed due to injuries. Key to note that he is an already developed player at age 28 in his prime. He gives 100% and is remarkably consistent. He is not slow and not a defensive liability. By all accounts, he is a team first, quality veteran lockeroom presence.

The role of the 13th and even more so the 14th forward has been a sore spot this season and probably going back further as well. I don’t think it is a spot to place developing forwards age 26 and under especially when they have a handful or less NHL game experience. How can you ask a player like that to sit potentially half a season or more? Rust? Nerves? Getting attitude about not getting a chance? Low ice time? Yo-yo of in the lineup and out of the lineup?

Do the Flyers have other choices for the extra forward role? Sure. I just don’t see them as being better than Knight. Also, I don’t want to see guys like Bailey in that role. Guys that are young enough and still have potential to improve their game by playing...whether a limited NHL role or big minutes in the AHL. Asking guys like that to sit doesn’t seem good for them or the team.
- NC Flyers Fan

100% agree. Varone also can fill that roll IMO.

I don’t understand this Scott Gordon. Remember when Biron was traded here and Mason at the deadline? These guys were brought here for a reason and given along look. Talbot is more healthy than Elliott.
- SuperSchennBros

Elliott played great against the Isles earlier this week which is why I'm guessing he's getting the start here.

I'm guessing Talbot will get the Sens Monday.

Elliott played great against the Isles earlier this week which is why I'm guessing he's getting the start here.

I'm guessing Talbot will get the Sens Monday.
- hereticpride

Makes zero sense to me. They traded for Talbot. Elliott will not be here next year. Elliott looked lousy in the last game. Time to play Talbot. I don't really see much of a difference between the two guys quality-wise. Why not play the guy who will be here next year?

I think I would rather pay 9-11 for Duchene then 6-8 for Hayes, if it is a center we are targeting.
- youarewrong

I feel the opposite

To me that would depend on what you think you'll get next season out of Patrick. Also need to consider what the term is for each player. Personally there is no way I would pay more than 9 for Duchene.
- MJL

See to me it doesn't matter. If Patrick comes in and shows he is ready to be a 1st or 2nd line center, thats fine, Duchene can play wing. Very versatile player and he will put up a lot of points. It might also allow us to move JVR or Voracek if a good deal comes up.

Makes zero sense to me. They traded for Talbot. Elliott will not be here next year. Elliott looked lousy in the last game. Time to play Talbot. I don't really see much of a difference between the two guys quality-wise. Why not play the guy who will be here next year?
- Dkos

Has Talbot signed a deal that I'm not aware of?

Has Talbot signed a deal that I'm not aware of?
- youarewrong

No but he was the training partner of Carter Hart before he got here.
They should be the two for 2019/2020 season

See to me it doesn't matter. If Patrick comes in and shows he is ready to be a 1st or 2nd line center, thats fine, Duchene can play wing. Very versatile player and he will put up a lot of points. It might also allow us to move JVR or Voracek if a good deal comes up.
- youarewrong

To trade Voracek it would have to be a really good deal in my opinion. I know people get annoyed by his turnovers and lack of defense at times, but he puts a ton of points on the board. Trading him would hurt, obviously depending on what's coming back.

I'm really not a fan of Duchene. Seems to me like he's one of those strictly offensive players who certainly can score and produce but I just don't feel like he's the kind of player to give that big UFA deal to. Maybe I'm off base here but that's the feeling I get.
- MJL

I'm not a big fan of Duchene either. Used to draft every year in fantasy early in his career wit the Avs. Showed flashes, but was a very streaky point producer. Not sure if that's still his m/o or not. After killing my team for like 3 years, he was dead to me.

I could be way off, but seems like he will be getting around 8.5-9m/yr (possibly more) in FA. I definitely hope the Flyers are not the ones to give him that. And would much rather see them pony up the additional 2-2.5m/per to make a legit run at Panarin. Although my gut tells me Panarin is signing with FLA. Tax rules, Barkov, climate/atmosphere will be tough to beat

See to me it doesn't matter. If Patrick comes in and shows he is ready to be a 1st or 2nd line center, thats fine, Duchene can play wing. Very versatile player and he will put up a lot of points. It might also allow us to move JVR or Voracek if a good deal comes up.
- youarewrong

I would not pay Duchene the kind of money it would take to play on the Wing.

I watched the video and I'd love to know what specifically from that video formed that opinion. There's very little there on him.
- MJL

Not a lot of Lappy but the snippets I did see I almost felt bad for him. He seemed to be mumbling incoherent words of encouragement to some forwards. I will admit there was nothing on there that would show him from a coaching or X's and O'x standpoint. To me, he just seemed "off."

It's Duchene the 3rd team he is destroying
Avs , Sens and now Blue Jackets
- goenzoy

Wow, hot take.

Not a lot of Lappy but the snippets I did see I almost felt bad for him. He seemed to be mumbling incoherent words of encouragement to some forwards. I will admit there was nothing on there that would show him from a coaching or X's and O'x standpoint. To me, he just seemed "off."
- cdearth23

Doesn't add up to me.

I would not pay Duchene the kind of money it would take to play on the Wing.
- MJL

I was big on Duchene recently because he seemed to be the best available offensive minded center. If there is someone else out there at the draft (I have no idea on possible names or trading partners) then I would be all for it. I agree and would NOT sign him and have to move him to wing. We need a center (IMO).

G is better for us at wing. I doubt Frost comes in next summer and plays well enough to slot him in at 3C. I could see him playing a season on wing as he gets comfortable with the pro game.

I was big on Duchene recently because he seemed to be the best available offensive minded center. If there is someone else out there at the draft (I have no idea on possible names or trading partners) then I would be all for it. I agree and would NOT sign him and have to move him to wing. We need a center (IMO).

G is better for us at wing. I doubt Frost comes in next summer and plays well enough to slot him in at 3C. I could see him playing a season on wing as he gets comfortable with the pro game.
- cdearth23

I agree.

To trade Voracek it would have to be a really good deal in my opinion. I know people get annoyed by his turnovers and lack of defense at times, but he puts a ton of points on the board. Trading him would hurt, obviously depending on what's coming back.
- Ftown19125

I want to trade Voracek just because he is part of a core that has been inconsistent and fragile emotionally for years. I can put up with the turnovers and lack of defense because of his point production. I just think this team needs a new philosophy and trading an important player and voice in the locker room can do that.

How the Blue Jackets do this season is not going to effect the market for Duchene in my opinion. What will effect the market is what other similar top free agents sign for and how many team are bidding for his services.
- MJL

there is always one team that will overpay, that is for sure. I do think how he plays down the stretch and if the BJ's make the playoffs will have a small impact. Three teams and not much success? Again, I do think someone will overpay. It could get down to the opportunity, he might want a team that he feels is his best fit.

Would you sign him in Philly?

MTL and CBJ lost. Good for Philly. Go Ducks!

there is always one team that will overpay, that is for sure. I do think how he plays down the stretch and if the BJ's make the playoffs will have a small impact. Three teams and not much success? Again, I do think someone will overpay. It could get down to the opportunity, he might want a team that he feels is his best fit.

Would you sign him in Philly?
- wcorvette

Not a big fan of Duchene.

I was big on Duchene recently because he seemed to be the best available offensive minded center. If there is someone else out there at the draft (I have no idea on possible names or trading partners) then I would be all for it. I agree and would NOT sign him and have to move him to wing. We need a center (IMO).

G is better for us at wing. I doubt Frost comes in next summer and plays well enough to slot him in at 3C. I could see him playing a season on wing as he gets comfortable with the pro game.
- cdearth23

My problem with Hayes is I don't believe he is a 2nd line center. He is more of a 2b or 3a center. Patrick is the same thing at this point in his career. So IMO if we sign Hayes as our center, then it isn't much help. Duchene however is a 1b or 2a center. Like him or not he scores 30g 40a a year. And we could either keep a super deep center group as Patrick and Frost get better, or move Duchene to wing.

Not a big fan of Duchene.
- MJL

would have to be a real good deal, I don't see that happening.

My problem with Hayes is I don't believe he is a 2nd line center. He is more of a 2b or 3a center. Patrick is the same thing at this point in his career. So IMO if we sign Hayes as our center, then it isn't much help. Duchene however is a 1b or 2a center. Like him or not he scores 30g 40a a year. And we could either keep a super deep center group as Patrick and Frost get better, or move Duchene to wing.
- youarewrong

I like Hayes because he brings size that the Flyers don't have, he also has skill and is good on faceoffs.

Honestly Duchene is someone Flyers could use but I would pass on him strictly because of his attitude. He is on his 3rd team and honestly it doesnt look good for him. Avs were not a playoff team, he left and they improved significantly. This season they are struggling with goaltending but nevertheless they were a playoff team after dealing him. Ottawa was doing fairly well until the Duchene deal, it was early in the season still but things sort of fell apart around when he joined the team. Now he is trade to Columbus and they are falling apart. The other thing that comes to mind is the poor example he was for the young guys in Ottawa with the cab ride video. He said he stopped paying attention to the team meetings. That is not a good influence you want with the young players on our roster.

Stay away!