just checkin on the phrasing. do you mean EK as the Flyers guy? Or both Ek and Meltzer? Because Meltzer is actually very good. He's not a homer. He's fair. Of course he's happy when there is something to be excited about, but he has no qualms with pointing a finger when things aren't right with the franchise. He doesn't get into mixes with the posters and stays professional. That guy is an actual journalist, not just a blogger.

Most people, even as fans of other teams that may or may not care for Philly, recognize him as a quality addition to the site.

And thank god for that, because if we were just stuck with Ek as being our lone voice, well...yikes.
- Hesh_

EK and his Flyers homerism and the guy who blogs for Pitts, Wilson or whatever his name is. Both gross. I haven't seen anything i have an issue with with Meltzer and he is known around the hockey community. Not just around HB.

EK and his Flyers homerism and the guy who blogs for Pitts, Wilson or whatever his name is. Both gross. I haven't seen anything i have an issue with with Meltzer and he is known around the hockey community. Not just around HB.
- wreckage

Oh, ok. Just checkin. Yeah, Ek is Ek. He’s gonna be a homer. Meltzer is a quality contributor.

Sorry if I missed it, but why would RNH miss out on free agency to resign with the oil? Unless they're going to give him an above value contract, why wouldn't he just sign elsewhere? He would have a lot better chance of advancing up the lineup on another team since he has to compete with Mcdavid and Draisaitl with EDM unless he is fine to just play wing.
- lemieux_66

He’s sleeping with Kevin Lowe’s daughter.

Oilers fans were so worried about protecting Lucic...but obviously it wouldn't have been an issue since they have 5 guys worth protecting

Oilers fans were so worried about protecting Lucic...but obviously it wouldn't have been an issue since they have 5 guys worth protecting
- flashfire

They have 5 forwards worth protecting and at least 9 forwards more worth protecting than Lucic. So yes it would be an issue. Plus they could acquire others before the expansion. The flames could be forced to expose Dube, Ryan, Mangiapane, or Bennett because they have to protect Lucic. How do you feel about that?

Absolutely.

This doesn’t work for Philly as their defensive pipeline looks fairly solid

In ~2 seasons, Philly's top 4 project to be Provorov, Myers, Sanheim, and either York or Zamula. The other will be on the 3rd pairing, likely with whomever remains (if either) between Ghost or Hagg. I suppose the 6th could also be a low dollar value veteran defenseman if Ghost is traded and Hagg is poached by Seattle.

Farabee is a big part of their plans. He's young yet, and the potential is there. Philly's needs are a reliable sniper, and a back up Goalie in case Moose leaves. I know they hope Farabee and Frost (and hopefully Patrick one day) will provide their next level of scoring, and with luck Konecny and Lindblom continue to mature/progress. Ideally it is fixed from within, but hey, I'd still pick up a phone and listen.

At one point, maybe a year or so ago, I thought our teams could really benefit from one another. Right now, I’m not so sure we make great trade partners. I mean, maybe if Edmonton is looking to move away from Puljujarvi and Philly wanted to take a flier on him (so to speak) in exchange for defensive help, but that seems very unlikely.

I doubt we’re a match.
- Hesh_

ghost and a pick for pool party and kassian. Money is about equal. Both players help each team fill a need.

Interest? Sure. Ghost is a 27 year old signed for 3 more years at a reasonable deal. Don't see the two as trading partners though. A cursory glance through the roster and it looks like the Flyers are in need of right shot defencemen, something Edmonton is short on. Larsson could be available but that isn't close to enough to get the conversation started I'm sure.

So instead you're looking at a lateral move in Klef for Ghost and still doubt Philly would bite on that.
- freelancer

Ghost isn't what we should want. At all.

Oilers fans were so worried about protecting Lucic...but obviously it wouldn't have been an issue since they have 5 guys worth protecting
- flashfire

They have 5 forwards worth protecting and at least 9 forwards more worth protecting than Lucic. So yes it would be an issue. Plus they could acquire others before the expansion. The flames could be forced to expose Dube, Ryan, Mangiapane, or Bennett because they have to protect Lucic. How do you feel about that?
- wreckage

Lucic already said he’ll wave. He likes Sammy and Dube too much.

What did you guys turn Eberle into again? Maroon?

Make no mistake, I am not suggesting the Kraken will be running to the podium to snatch up Neal. The team will need to reach the cap floor though and will need veteran players in addition to the middling younger players they will be able to snatch.

Seattle won't be looking to do Edmonton any favours though, if they are taking Neal it's because Edmonton is throwing in a sweetener, similar to what Pittsburgh had to do to make them take Fleury.
- freelancer

Haha big difference between Flowers and Neal. BIG. No way they take Neal unless he comes with Bouchard + 1st..... There will be plenty of teams offering better players on similar deals hoping to shed some Cap in this climate. Sorry, but he won't be on their radar unless he comes with a massive piece of your future.

Lucic already said he’ll wave. He likes Sammy and Dube too much.
- K-man25

Find me one link where is said he has already agreed to waive. In fact Todd wrote about it in July that they will have to protect him because he hasn't waived.

What did you guys turn Eberle into again? Maroon?
- K-man25

Not even.

Eberle -> Strome -> Spooner -> Gagner -> Athanasiou.

Haha big difference between Flowers and Neal. BIG. No way they take Neal unless he comes with Bouchard + 1st..... There will be plenty of teams offering better players on similar deals hoping to shed some Cap in this climate. Sorry, but he won't be on their radar unless he comes with a massive piece of your future.
- bikeguy99

No one gave up 2 1sts to Vegas for protection/Selection in their draft. It may cost something, but not Bouchard and a 1st. If thats their ask we can easily keep him for another year or so or just buy him out.