Bill,

Don't you think he might have too. If all are healthy, your most likely to see Couturier, Hayes and Patrick down the middle.
- J35Bacher

I don't know when/if Patrick will be cleared to play. Fletcher stopped well short of saying he should be ready to start the season.

But if/when Patrick returns and if Frost is also on the team, I could see Frost technically being listed at LW but centering when play starts on his natural side and Patrick centering when it starts at center ice or the right side.

I think they'd like to see what Sandin and Laczynski can bring. If the price is right (no more than his current $1M), could see them resigning Pitlick or making a trade.
- bmeltzer

I believe Sandin is a lock unless he just totally looks out of place. He doesnt come over to play in the AHL. A good cheap raffl type signing would work out great.

Bill do you also think guys like Pitlick and bottom pair dman are going to feel the cap squeeze and therefore there will be many bargains come free agency?

Bill,

Don't you think he might have too. If all are healthy, your most likely to see Couturier, Hayes and Patrick down the middle.
- J35Bacher

I don't know when/if Patrick will be cleared to play. Fletcher stopped well short of saying he should be ready to start the season.

But if/when Patrick returns and if Frost is also on the team, I could see Frost technically being listed at LW but centering when play starts on his natural side and Patrick centering when it starts at center ice or the right side.

I believe Sandin is a lock unless he just totally looks out of place. He doesnt come over to play in the AHL. A good cheap raffl type signing would work out great.

Bill do you also think guys like Pitlick and bottom pair dman are going to feel the cap squeeze and therefore there will be many bargains come free agency?
- login

There very well could be. Lots of teams are in the same boat as the Flyers or a year away from it once players come up on RFA status.

They want Frost to add muscle. No more, no less. The rest will come with experience. I personally think they should experiment with him on a wing.
- bmeltzer

It seems they don’t agree with you on that. From what I have read (and I’m sure you have heard the same) they don’t mind the idea of Patrick being a winger?

I certainly don’t have a finger on the Teams’ pulse like you do Bill, but the narrative could be read as the Flyers not being “STOKED” on Frost. He has obvious issues they want fixed. If they can get immediate help at the center position by trading an asset like Frost along with Ghost to improve now...that seems like something that could benefit both trade partners

It seems they don’t agree with you on that. From what I have read (and I’m sure you have heard the same) they don’t mind the idea of Patrick being a winger?

I certainly don’t have a finger on the Teams’ pulse like you do Bill, but the narrative could be read as the Flyers not being “STOKED” on Frost. He has obvious issues they want fixed. If they can get immediate help at the center position by trading an asset like Frost along with Ghost to improve now...that seems like something that could benefit both trade partners
- Wingdestroyer

It's something I have discussed with several people in the organization. The exact things that Chuck Fletcher mentioned yesterday are the things they feel need improvement. But they also express confidence that he will resolve them. Maybe not overnight, but as he gains experience. He just turned 21 in mid-May.

In terms of a trade, they should be open to anything. But it's a mischacterization that they are not high on him. They see the upside.

It's something I have discussed with several people in the organization. The exact things that Chuck Fletcher mentioned yesterday are the things they feel need improvement. But they also express confidence that he will resolve them. Maybe not overnight, but as he gains experience. He just turned 21 in mid-May.

In terms of a trade, they should be open to anything. But it's a mischacterization that they are not high on him. They see the upside.
- bmeltzer

Was this Frost's first year pro? And even that was cut short.

There very well could be. Lots of teams are in the same boat as the Flyers or a year away from it once players come up on RFA status.
- bmeltzer

If that article Frank wrote yesterday has even some truth teams will be cutting cost; good to see the flyers were not on that list.

GM's will be earning their keep the next few years. Drafting will be crucial as need to be productive.

Reading into a lot of what Fletcher said and the fact Frost didn’t even appear AT ALL in the round robin points to the fact the Flyers brass aren’t high on him, no matter how high pundits and fans are. Add that to the uncertainty of Patrick.


- Wingdestroyer

I would disagree completely with that. It was clear from what Fletcher said that the reason Frost didn't play is because he needs to get stronger physically and to mature. Not at all uncommon for a young player. I didn't ready anything even remotely close to suggesting that they aren't high on him. In fact when Fletcher was talking about adding offense to the team, he mentioned Frost several times.

It's something I have discussed with several people in the organization. The exact things that Chuck Fletcher mentioned yesterday are the things they feel need improvement. But they also express confidence that he will resolve them. Maybe not overnight, but as he gains experience. He just turned 21 in mid-May.

In terms of a trade, they should be open to anything. But it's a mischacterization that they are not high on him. They see the upside.
- bmeltzer

Fair enough. It’s got to be even more frustrating for them as it is to us to have internal solutions that just aren’t “there” yet.

After the young guns on those mid 80’s tea s (who kinda came outta nowhere) I don’t remember the Flyers ever waiting for multiple pieces to mature in the farm system.

It’s weird and I don’t like it, Bill!!

I wonder if Grant could be an option if contract is pretty cheap. Can play wing or center or possibly 4c if patrick is healthy. I didn't like his pplayoffs but he was solid when he first came over.

I think you could see frost moved to wing.
- J35Bacher

Have to see how the market plays out. Grant didn't really score for us but he had a decent goal scoring year. I think the Flyers will be priced out on Grant.

Bill,

Just looking for your thoughts. After next season Niskanen is likely gone. If no one is brought in, who do you think internally has top pairing potential with Provorov. I think the 3 cornerstones are Provorov, Sanheim and Myers. I think York fits more as a 2nd pair guy with PP QB potential. I know there is time but was just curious of how you see the progression on the back end.

Lines for next season.

Lindblom-Coots-Voracek
Farabee-Hayes-TK
Giroux-Patrick-JVR
Raffl-Laughton-Pitlick

Pretty balanced and very strong down the middle. The fourth line would be really tough to play against. I assume a few things with this lineup obviously.

Have to see how the market plays out. Grant didn't really score for us but he had a decent goal scoring year. I think the Flyers will be priced out on Grant.
- MJL

I tend to agree. You almost have to prepare as if Patrick isn't playing and go from there don't you?

I would disagree completely with that. It was clear from what Fletcher said that the reason Frost didn't play is because he needs to get stronger physically and to mature. Not at all uncommon for a young player. I didn't ready anything even remotely close to suggesting that they aren't high on him. In fact when Fletcher was talking about adding offense to the team, he mentioned Frost several times.
- MJL

He didn’t mention him in the list of “young players” in one part of his transcript along with TK, Hart, Patrick, etc.

I admittedly may be reading way too much into it, but the even needing to “bulk up” is an issue needing fixing.

Fair enough. It’s got to be even more frustrating for them as it is to us to have internal solutions that just aren’t “there” yet.

After the young guns on those mid 80’s tea s (who kinda came outta nowhere) I don’t remember the Flyers ever waiting for multiple pieces to mature in the farm system.

It’s weird and I don’t like it, Bill!!
- Wingdestroyer

Under Clarke and Holmgren, the Flyers were never a patient team. They went for it every year. Trading picks and prospects to try and win now. Season after season.

He didn’t mention him in the list of “young players” in one part of his transcript along with TK, Hart, Patrick, etc.

I admittedly may be reading way too much into it, but the even needing to “bulk up” is an issue needing fixing.
- Wingdestroyer

Yes, you read something into it that isn't there.

Lines for next season.

Lindblom-Coots-Voracek
Farabee-Hayes-TK
Giroux-Patrick-JVR
Raffl-Laughton-Pitlick

Pretty balanced and very strong down the middle. The fourth line would be really tough to play against. I assume a few things with this lineup obviously.
- mickel25

I don't think Laughton will be playing center unless in a pinch. I think they like him on the wing.

Also I feel like there could be a couple moves in the forwards. Possibly JVR/Voracek if the right deal is there.

And like Bill said, guys like Pittlick might get priced out with the cap not moving and you'll need internal options.

I tend to agree. You almost have to prepare as if Patrick isn't playing and go from there don't you?
- J35Bacher

I think you definitely have to have a backup plan. It's a tough situation for sure.

Interesting that he spoke about our youth a bunch and also mentioned being active on the phones. Obj own it’s his job. But doesn’t seem like he will want to part with some of our youth. Which is good.

Have to see how the market plays out. Grant didn't really score for us but he had a decent goal scoring year. I think the Flyers will be priced out on Grant.
- MJL

Grant is too slow. Need to walk away. Better option sin free agency if that is the route you want to go

Grant is too slow. Need to walk away. Better option sin free agency if that is the route you want to go
- login

Who is the better option?

I think you definitely have to have a backup plan. It's a tough situation for sure.
- MJL

If it's me I look at it as Patrick is the back up plan. I prepare the best I can and if he is healthy then it's like a bonus. Kind of why Domi interest me. Plays center and wing so just say Patrick is good to go it's not like I need to really change a lot. I know most centers these days can swing out to wing.

Was this Frost's first year pro? And even that was cut short.
- J35Bacher

Yes. First pro year. Made the AHL All-Star Game. Had an early season 7-game point streak. Spent time in the NHL. Scored goals in his first two NHL games.

Yes, it was a bumpy ride at times. Yes, there are physical and in-game decision-making adjustments he needs to make. But he is also very coachable and a bright kid.

There isn't always instant gratification on prospects at the NHL level. Frost should eventually be fine and become a bonafide top 6 forward.

Lines for next season.

Lindblom-Coots-Voracek
Farabee-Hayes-TK
Giroux-Patrick-JVR
Raffl-Laughton-Pitlick

Pretty balanced and very strong down the middle. The fourth line would be really tough to play against. I assume a few things with this lineup obviously.
- mickel25

I hope Pitlick and maybe Elliott are the only two UFAs they re-sign. I also hope NAK can find his way on the team, but it's going to be tough for him. He had a pretty good season in my opinion.