Could be nothing but Gaudreau removed the Calgary Flames from his Twitter and Instagram photo. Maybe he's just messing with people because deadline is near.

Braun out with flu so Friedman is in. Dont think Hagg and him get too much ice time

Could be nothing but Gaudreau removed the Calgary Flames from his Twitter and Instagram photo. Maybe he's just messing with people because deadline is near.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Yeah, don't blame him, he's been ready to get out of western canada. Flames are deep at forward too.

Flyers have the pieces to make a deal for someone of his caliber. Mid twenties, proven player, playoff experience, cap friendly.

things I would be willing to get rid of: JVR (even eat half his salary), Ghost, 1st round pick (looking mid to late), O'brien, Laughton, Brink

Nationwide not First Nation.

I have seen them lose there too, but have seen them lose there other places that are much worse like Newark, NJ.
- dfseed

Oops, thanks

It's more about building a stronger lineup below Couturier rather than above him. He is the teams best forward and should be for quite a while moving forward.
- MJL

I consider Couturier slightly better than Keith Primeau in his prime (offensively). I know this will be an unpopular post but should we ever come across a more dominant center, like let’s say Lindros to Primeau or Giroux in his prime at center, a guy line Sean Couturier is taking a back seat.

I definitely want to see the team make a move at the deadline. and not for one of these "usual suspects" rental players I.e) kreider or JGP. It's on management to send a message not only to the team, but to the fans as well that they're all in and goin for it. I'm not sure how staying put matches them up better against the likes of wsh, pitt, bos, or tampa. They have a legit shot at making a run this year. The home record is outstanding, goaltending has been more solid than in years past.

names I like: gaudreau, reinhart, forsberg, domi, tatar...
- Bryz's Buyout Fund

Going all in this season would be a big mistake by management. There is no deal they can make at the trade deadline that will raise them to the level of those teams.

I consider Couturier slightly better than Keith Primeau in his prime (offensively). I know this will be an unpopular post but should we ever come across a more dominant center, like let’s say Lindros to Primeau or Giroux in his prime at center, a guy line Sean Couturier is taking a back seat.
- SuperSchennBros

so if we end up drafting a center that ends up being better than couturier at some point, he will slot higher in the lineup? you don't say.

Yeah, don't blame him, he's been ready to get out of western canada. Flames are deep at forward too.

Flyers have the pieces to make a deal for someone of his caliber. Mid twenties, proven player, playoff experience, cap friendly.

things I would be willing to get rid of: JVR (even eat half his salary), Ghost, 1st round pick (looking mid to late), O'brien, Laughton, Brink
- Bryz's Buyout Fund

Do you seriously think you could get Gaudreau for those players? Think more like Konecny, Sanheim, Farabee, etc.

Going all in this season would be a big mistake by management. There is no deal they can make at the trade deadline that will raise them to the level of those teams.
- MJL

But they've beaten all those teams, except for tampa (which were close games). Put up a 7 spot in wsh, beat bos twice, always play pitt tough.

I really think the window is now. I get playoff hockey is itself a different animal and some of our young guys (mainly on the d end) are gonna have to experience that more in a trial by fire sort of way, but we have the vets to lead.

You gotta crack a few eggs to make an omelette. I don't think giving up a mid to late first round pick, one of the many NHL potential prospects we have in the farm, and a roster player or 2 is considered "going all in"

But they've beaten all those teams, except for tampa (which were close games). Put up a 7 spot in wsh, beat bos twice, always play pitt tough.

I really think the window is now. I get playoff hockey is itself a different animal and some of our young guys (mainly on the d end) are gonna have to experience that more in a trial by fire sort of way, but we have the vets to lead.

You gotta crack a few eggs to make an omelette. I don't think giving up a mid to late first round pick, one of the many NHL potential prospects we have in the farm, and a roster player or 2 is considered "going all in"
- Bryz's Buyout Fund

Beating them in a game is different than a 7 game series. The Flyers can compete with any team. Let them do it. No reason to give up what you want to give up. For who? Now if you can make a deal that also has a future component to improve the team now and in the future, I'm all for it. The odds of that kind of deal presenting itself at the deadline is low. Not for an "all in" playoff rental move. That would be a mistake. Let the team develop and grow. Don't let haste and impatience get in the way.

Do you seriously think you could get Gaudreau for those players? Think more like Konecny, Sanheim, Farabee, etc.
- MJL

I would see TK as almost even and actually think TK is trending better. From a position standpoint you can make a similar case for Sanheim. I would think it would be the Flames trying to pry TK and SanHeim away from the Flyers. Johnny only has 2 more years on his contract, Flyers could have him then, pretty sure the Flames would consider that...

No way I trade for him unless it is a win for the Flyers. The Flames have all of their picks currently, I don't see a fit for trade here. I could see the Flames asking for Frost and Farabee or Farabee,Laughton and a high pick. No idea why the Flyers would do something like that...

Do you seriously think you could get Gaudreau for those players? Think more like Konecny, Sanheim, Farabee, etc.
- MJL

Someone like JVR would need to be included to make any deal work to be honest. I agree I dont think its gonna be possible to work out a deal for both parties to be happy.

Flames are in a the playoffs too. They would want someone to replace his vacancy and Flyers cant take him without creating cap room.

Ghost and JVR would clear the cap room but is it necessarily something CGY wants?

Doubtful

Now as an outside the box thought, if Lucic came back as well maybe CGY would consider but then is it really worth it for us. Probably not. I mean I guess maybe he could be flipped to DET after and just give them something to take the contract but then why wouldnt CGY do the same?

Is there any recapture penalties on a player with retained cap getting bought out?

Beating them in a game is different than a 7 game series. The Flyers can compete with any team. Let them do it. No reason to give up what you want to give up. For who? Now if you can make a deal that also has a future component to improve the team now and in the future, I'm all for it. Not for an "all in" playoff rental move. That would be a mistake. Let the team develop and grow. Don't let haste and impatience get in the way.
- MJL

Yeah I am totally on board with that. If you're going to make a trade, don't just make one for the sake of making one. Make one for the guy you covet, who will have a material impact on the team for years to come. Hence, a proven player mid twenties still under contract fits that description.

It's not haste or impatience; it's more the reality is Jake and G arent getting any younger.

Someone like JVR would need to be included to make any deal work to be honest. I agree I dont think its gonna be possible to work out a deal for both parties to be happy.

Flames are in a the playoffs too. They would want someone to replace his vacancy and Flyers cant take him without creating cap room.

Ghost and JVR would clear the cap room but is it necessarily something CGY wants?

Doubtful

Now as an outside the box thought, if Lucic came back as well maybe CGY would consider but then is it really worth it for us. Probably not. I mean I guess maybe he could be flipped to DET after and just give them something to take the contract but then why wouldnt CGY do the same?

Is there any recapture penalties on a player with retained cap getting bought out?
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Cap wise, yea, the Flyers would have to move some salary out to fit Gaudreau. Making a deal even more unlikely.

Lucic is not a player with a cap recapture element in his contract.

Yeah I am totally on board with that. If you're going to make a trade, don't just make one for the sake of making one. Make one for the guy you covet, who will have a material impact on the team for years to come. Hence, a proven player mid twenties still under contract fits that description.

It's not haste or impatience; it's more the reality is Jake and G arent getting any younger.
- Bryz's Buyout Fund

You're moving off of your "all in" comment of your previous post. Going all in means giving up future for now for a run.

Let's go all in on letting the young players develop and have a contending team for a wide window of time.

Someone like JVR would need to be included to make any deal work to be honest. I agree I dont think its gonna be possible to work out a deal for both parties to be happy.

Flames are in a the playoffs too. They would want someone to replace his vacancy and Flyers cant take him without creating cap room.

Ghost and JVR would clear the cap room but is it necessarily something CGY wants?

Doubtful

Now as an outside the box thought, if Lucic came back as well maybe CGY would consider but then is it really worth it for us. Probably not. I mean I guess maybe he could be flipped to DET after and just give them something to take the contract but then why wouldnt CGY do the same?

Is there any recapture penalties on a player with retained cap getting bought out?
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

I think you can get creative with it. This is the problem that has arisen with the flyers for past handful years of now. Given the depth of our youth, talent, and prospect pool, teams are always going to reach and make outrageous requests. Part of the reason why hexy was so reluctant to make any deal.

Also the cap really handcuffs you, fletcher said a while back how he would love to trade a 3rd or 4th round pick for a 4 mil per player, but the cap prevents that. so back to the original point, get creative ,eat some salary, only if results in a impact player tho.

You're moving off of your "all in" comment of your previous post. Going all in means giving up future for now for a run.

Let's go all in on letting the young players develop and have a contending team for a wide window of time.
- MJL

The term all in is getting misconstrued a bit. I said making a deal that involved picks, prospects, and players for a impact player for years to come is more than just an "all-in for a pending ufa" cup run sort of player. The window is now.

Going all in this season would be a big mistake by management. There is no deal they can make at the trade deadline that will raise them to the level of those teams.
- MJL

Playing devil's advocate: If you were Jarmo Kekäläinen, would you have regretted the Matt Duchene rental and first-round pick loss, knowing a) the Blue Jackets were still major underdogs going up against Tampa, even with the Duchene addition, b) Duchene was probably not going to re-sign with your team regardless of what Bobrovsky (who was a lock to leave) and Panarin (ditto) decided to do, c) you'd end up not only beating Tampa but sweeping them outright, and d) Duchene would post 10 points in 10 playoff games.

Was it a waste since Columbus went out in the second round? The Tampa series is their only playoff series win in franchise history to date.

I don't know the answer myself. But there is a school of thought that says "get in, and anything can happen."

Unless the Flyers this spring were to run into Tampa in the first round, they'll be in division against (probably) either the Caps or Penguins. Still underdogs, yes, but not massive ones.

The term all in is getting misconstrued a bit. I said making a deal that involved picks, prospects, and players for a impact player for years to come is more than just an "all-in for a pending ufa" cup run sort of player. The window is now.
- Bryz's Buyout Fund

Moves like that aren't often made at the deadline. You also have to manage the cap for future years. In my opinion, you can't buy your way or trade your way. Need to draft and develop. Then when the time is right, use free agency or tradeable assets to apply finishing touches. I don't think the window is now. Still too many young players that need seasoning.

Playing devil's advocate: If you were Jarmo Kekäläinen, would you have regretted the Matt Duchene rental and first-round pick loss, knowing a) the Blue Jackets were still major underdogs going up against Tampa, even with the Duchene addition, b) Duchene was probably not to be re-sign with your team regardless of what Bobrovsky (who was a lock to leave) and Panarin (ditto) decided to do, c) you'd end up not only beating Tampa but sweeping them outright, and d) Duchene would post 10 points in 10 playoff games.

Was it a waste since Columbus went out in the second round? The Tampa series is their only playoff series win in franchise history to date.

I don't know the answer myself. But there is a school of thought that says "get in, and anything can happen."

Unless the Flyers this spring were to run into Tampa in the first round, they'll be in division against (probably) either the Caps or Penguins. Still underdogs, yes, but not massive ones.
- bmeltzer

Flyers beat the Caps. Pittsburgh.... ugh, those series are always weird. Who knows?

Playing devil's advocate: If you were Jarmo Kekäläinen, would you have regretted the Matt Duchene rental and first-round pick loss, knowing a) the Blue Jackets were still major underdogs going up against Tampa, even with the Duchene addition, b) Duchene was probably not to be re-sign with your team regardless of what Bobrovsky (who was a lock to leave) and Panarin (ditto) decided to do, c) you'd end up not only beating Tampa but sweeping them outright, and d) Duchene would post 10 points in 10 playoff games.

Was it a waste since Columbus went out in the second round? The Tampa series is their only playoff series win in franchise history to date.

I don't know the answer myself. But there is a school of thought that says "get in, and anything can happen."

Unless the Flyers this spring were to run into Tampa in the first round, they'll be in division against (probably) either the Caps or Penguins. Still underdogs, yes, but not massive ones.
- bmeltzer

It's hindsight but I know the answer. Columbus was still not goo enough. GM's need to decide when to make those kinds of moves and when not to. Flyers can compete with any team in my opinion. Could they make a run? Sure if Hart plays extremely well and young players step up. Realistically though, they still need more youth development and time. Make the gamble or play long ball? No doubt Fletcher has corporate pressure but don't make the mistake and over evaluating your team. I've seen years and years of going for it. I want to see a team built that can realistically compete for the Cup over a significant period of time.

Moves like that aren't often made at the deadline. You also have to manage the cap for future years. In my opinion, you can't buy your way or trade your way. Need to draft and develop. Then when the time is right, use free agency or tradeable assets to apply finishing touches. I don't think the window is now. Still too many young players that need seasoning.
- MJL

I wonder what the blues hockeybuzz feed looked like this time last year?

I agree with Bill; you can't know and you won't know unless you go for it.

so if we end up drafting a center that ends up being better than couturier at some point, he will slot higher in the lineup? you don't say.
- Ftown19125

I’m not the one posting on here as if Couturier is our number one moving forward and that’s that. I could name probably ten centers in the league I would rather play ahead of Coots and this isn’t a knock on him by any stretch.

Playing devil's advocate: If you were Jarmo Kekäläinen, would you have regretted the Matt Duchene rental and first-round pick loss, knowing a) the Blue Jackets were still major underdogs going up against Tampa, even with the Duchene addition, b) Duchene was probably not to be re-sign with your team regardless of what Bobrovsky (who was a lock to leave) and Panarin (ditto) decided to do, c) you'd end up not only beating Tampa but sweeping them outright, and d) Duchene would post 10 points in 10 playoff games.

Was it a waste since Columbus went out in the second round? The Tampa series is their only playoff series win in franchise history to date.

I don't know the answer myself. But there is a school of thought that says "get in, and anything can happen."

Unless the Flyers this spring were to run into Tampa in the first round, they'll be in division against (probably) either the Caps or Penguins. Still underdogs, yes, but not massive ones.
- bmeltzer

You also have some much parody in this league you will never be sure you are a lock for the playoffs, look at the Metro this year, a real good team will not make it. As young players continue to come in, players like Braun and Nisk will phase out, but they are 2 important players right now. The point being, how much upside will the next young guns bring beyond a NISK. Yes Sanheim and the gang should get better but then you need to assimilate 2 more D when Braun and Nisk go. Do the Flyers really have that can't miss impact forward coming? Or will Frost mature and offset G as he declines a little?

Add in the draft is producing really good players, that means all teams have a shot at getting better, quick. Teams have figured out when to move roster players to stack picks. Even Pitt, with their lack of picks will find a way to load up on picks. They will eventually trade Malkin and others and stock up. The Rangers rebuild will not take as long as the Flyers have to rebuild. I honestly believe teams today have a good blueprint to rebuild quicker, even compared to when Hextall started the rebuild.

you think you are in, you have to go for it.

how about someone like a Craig Smith from the Preds