Again and I felt the same way when they made the deal so this is not Monday morning quarterbacking. If you need the player to make a legit cup run then fine. However I don't think the Flyers should've been in that position to give up a 2nd and 3rd round picks and buyout a player to take on future dead cap space to do so. He wasn't that critical. I think it's really going to be mitigated when they trade Gostisbehere but it doesn't change how I feel about the move.
- MJL

I do recall you not liking the Braun deal nor the buy outs. You didn’t like the Hayes deal if I recall correctly. Said the Flyers weren’t ready to make a run yet and needed to have the cap space when they are in position. All valid points.

I don’t like the buy outs but concede to not see the big picture as well. I liked the Hayes signing. Never had an issue with it. Think he can be productive deep into that contract. Braun I liked with a luke warm feeling. Not sure where I stand on the pick. The team did compete this season and Braun had something to do with that.

Could be an interesting draft coming up. Cap space is a real asset, more then in the past just because of the flat cap for at least 3 years...that’s tough. Add in a lot of teams are going with internal cap budgets, cap space really will be king.
As far as Patrick, I personally have zero faith he won’t go down as a bust. As a huge fan I hope I am dead wrong, but at this point I’ve become pretty cynical of the player. I agree with Bill about not dwelling on the guys they didn’t pick, I understand why they made the pick. It’s just a shame that the first 3 years have been such a disappointing start to his career. Patrick has the talent to be a number one center in the NHL. But it takes more then talent to get there.

Again and I felt the same way when they made the deal so this is not Monday morning quarterbacking. If you need the player to make a legit cup run then fine. However I don't think the Flyers should've been in that position to give up a 2nd and 3rd round picks and buyout a player to take on future dead cap space to do so. He wasn't that critical. I think it's really going to be mitigated when they trade Gostisbehere but it doesn't change how I feel about the move.
- MJL

It's weird that they went thru so much just to pick up Braun.

Agree on the poll party take.

IMO i think the oilers would be interested in ghost as much as any team. Yes Kassian doesnt fix all the issues though he adds value and addresses some. At least he would be in the lineup.
- login

Oh I wouldn’t be mad at the trade one bit.

Interesting that with all of the possibilities listed here for a 3C their former 2016 #1 pick Rubtsov isn’t even mentioned as a remote chance to compete. Now heading to the KHL, is it still to soon to call that pick a bust? He’s only 22 but apparently not heading in the right direction.

Interesting that with all of the possibilities listed here for a 3C their former 2016 #1 pick Rubtsov isn’t even mentioned as a remote chance to compete. Now heading to the KHL, is it still to soon to call that pick a bust? He’s only 22 but apparently not heading in the right direction.
- Djapana

Unless I’m wrong he’s only being loaned to play in the KHL until next season begins to continue to get playing time.

He was the best player on the board when we picked him imo. I’m not mad with the pick but I never really had anything more than solid bottom 6 forward in mind for him as well.

The part about that draft that really hurts is taking Laberge over DeBrincat in the 2nd.

Unless I’m wrong he’s only being loaned to play in the KHL until next season begins to continue to get playing time.

He was the best player on the board when we picked him imo. I’m not mad with the pick but I never really had anything more than solid bottom 6 forward in mind for him as well.

The part about that draft that really hurts is taking Laberge over DeBrincat in the 2nd.
- hereticpride

He seems to be out of site out of mind right now

Interesting that with all of the possibilities listed here for a 3C their former 2016 #1 pick Rubtsov isn’t even mentioned as a remote chance to compete. Now heading to the KHL, is it still to soon to call that pick a bust? He’s only 22 but apparently not heading in the right direction.
- Djapana

No. With everything going on and the injury history. I just figured he would stay over there for a year. Play a full year and get healthy. And let’s see how he does. I don’t give up until they are about 24 and not in the league. Some just take a little longer.

And yes. Technically on loan. But if the ahl doesn’t play........

Wrong. It was reported by many that multiple teams were in on acquiring Braun. Matter of fact. This very blog believes this to be the case.
- peesinwind

I don't think that's accurate.

I do recall you not liking the Braun deal nor the buy outs. You didn’t like the Hayes deal if I recall correctly. Said the Flyers weren’t ready to make a run yet and needed to have the cap space when they are in position. All valid points.

I don’t like the buy outs but concede to not see the big picture as well. I liked the Hayes signing. Never had an issue with it. Think he can be productive deep into that contract. Braun I liked with a luke warm feeling. Not sure where I stand on the pick. The team did compete this season and Braun had something to do with that.
- peesinwind

I wanted the Flyers to stay out of long term free agency. I also said if they do get involved, Hayes was the player I'd target. Others were pushing for Panarin. The Flyers would have been in trouble at the center ice position without Hayes. He played well but there is still the possibility that he will be an overpaid role player at the end of the deal.

I don't think that's accurate.
- mickel25

According to reports, it is accurate. As much as can be reported. Bill stated that multiple teams were interested in acquiring him.

I think your first optional be close. If no pa is ready I may consider him 4 th line to get adjusted. Still have two descent wingers. The slot up if/when he acclimated pushing Scott to wing as I think g will be first line wing and Scott at third line center.

I hope to see tanner as the 4 th or maybe even 3 rd line center sometime next year.
- Peter Richards

If you mean a line of Farabee-Hayes-TK, I saw that this playoffs and didn’t like it at all.
Smaller wings getting pushed around and not the same speed up the middle, I really didn’t think it worked well. Also not excited about the Giroux-Couturier-Voracek line. If it won’t work in the playoffs then I’d rather see the playmakers on separate lines and have better depth. Build line chemistry in the regular season with what can work in the playoffs.

I wanted the Flyers to stay out of long term free agency. I also said if they do get involved, Hayes was the player I'd target. Others were pushing for Panarin. The Flyers would have been in trouble at the center ice position without Hayes. He played well but there is still the possibility that he will be an overpaid role player at the end of the deal.
- MJL

Agreed, that is the fear. He has a big frame that can stand some wear and tear. But it is pretty long contract. That was the asking price to plug that hole from without. I liked it but some may be giving me crap 6 years from now.

Interesting that with all of the possibilities listed here for a 3C their former 2016 #1 pick Rubtsov isn’t even mentioned as a remote chance to compete. Now heading to the KHL, is it still to soon to call that pick a bust? He’s only 22 but apparently not heading in the right direction.
- Djapana

He was too busy playing fortnite.

Its just my opinion, but I see Frost having the most success on the wing in the NHL.
- MBFlyerfan

Perhaps but I would not think they go that route unless another sure-thing top 3 center is found within the organization. It might take more time but Frost might be the best bet among prospects to develop as an NHL centerman if Patrick is out. If they can place Frost with vet centers on his line, it could help ease his learning curve.

Right now they have Laczynski, Rubtsov, and Bunnaman in the wings. It’s certainly not impossible that one of those can eventually be a 3rd line center. I just wouldn’t plan on it for next season. If it happens, that’s a happy surprise.

Unless I’m wrong he’s only being loaned to play in the KHL until next season begins to continue to get playing time.

He was the best player on the board when we picked him imo. I’m not mad with the pick but I never really had anything more than solid bottom 6 forward in mind for him as well.

The part about that draft that really hurts is taking Laberge over DeBrincat in the 2nd.
- hereticpride

I'm pretty excited about Rubtsov because he may be that player that is tops in the league in the bottom 6 role i.e. third line center. That kind of player helps you win cups.

Unless I’m wrong he’s only being loaned to play in the KHL until next season begins to continue to get playing time.

He was the best player on the board when we picked him imo. I’m not mad with the pick but I never really had anything more than solid bottom 6 forward in mind for him as well.

The part about that draft that really hurts is taking Laberge over DeBrincat in the 2nd.
- hereticpride

Saw this update on Rubtsov today and he had apparently worked his way up to playing 1C for his KHL team, so hopefully the injury update will be positive.

https://twitter.com/jamey.../1306292229212958721?s=21

Could be an interesting draft coming up. Cap space is a real asset, more then in the past just because of the flat cap for at least 3 years...that’s tough. Add in a lot of teams are going with internal cap budgets, cap space really will be king.
As far as Patrick, I personally have zero faith he won’t go down as a bust. As a huge fan I hope I am dead wrong, but at this point I’ve become pretty cynical of the player. I agree with Bill about not dwelling on the guys they didn’t pick, I understand why they made the pick. It’s just a shame that the first 3 years have been such a disappointing start to his career. Patrick has the talent to be a number one center in the NHL. But it takes more then talent to get there.
- landros 2

Agree on Patrick 100% he is done. Any contract now will just be to get whatever he can get to start funding his retirement, or his next career move. Wouldn't mind at all if the Flyers just let him go, (or threw him in a package as a freebie to take JVR) so we can all move on, including Patrick. That's the harder choice, but closure has value here.

NoPa has as much chance of playing a significant role in the NHL as South Jersey has at landing the next Tesla factory... or any job creating company for that matter.
Too many people are in denial about where he is.

Agree on Patrick 100% he is done. Any contract now will just be to get whatever he can get to start funding his retirement, or his next career move. Wouldn't mind at all if the Flyers just let him go, (or threw him in a package as a freebie to take JVR) so we can all move on, including Patrick. That's the harder choice, but closure has value here.

NoPa has as much chance of playing a significant role in the NHL as South Jersey has at landing the next Tesla factory... or any job creating company for that matter.
Too many people are in denial about where he is.
- BadCowboyDan

So just cut him loose as opposed qualifying him and retaining his rights? Makes sense.

Perhaps but I would not think they go that route unless another sure-thing top 3 center is found within the organization. It might take more time but Frost might be the best bet among prospects to develop as an NHL centerman if Patrick is out. If they can place Frost with vet centers on his line, it could help ease his learning curve.

Right now they have Laczynski, Rubtsov, and Bunnaman in the wings. It’s certainly not impossible that one of those can eventually be a 3rd line center. I just wouldn’t plan on it for next season. If it happens, that’s a happy surprise.
- NC Flyers Fan

Don’t see bunnaman in any other role except 4th which is fine.

Staal would have been a very nice stop gap for a year that’s for sure.

Agree on Patrick 100% he is done. Any contract now will just be to get whatever he can get to start funding his retirement, or his next career move. Wouldn't mind at all if the Flyers just let him go, (or threw him in a package as a freebie to take JVR) so we can all move on, including Patrick. That's the harder choice, but closure has value here.

NoPa has as much chance of playing a significant role in the NHL as South Jersey has at landing the next Tesla factory... or any job creating company for that matter.
Too many people are in denial about where he is.
- BadCowboyDan

If that is true then why would the Flyers re-sign Patrick? Why would another team take him in a trade?

So just cut him loose as opposed qualifying him and retaining his rights? Makes sense.
- jmatchett383

Closure has value here. More than Patrick does.

If that is true then why would the Flyers re-sign Patrick? Why would another team take him in a trade?
- MJL

I didn't say anyone would trade for him. I said throw him in as a freebie...

Did the Flyers resign him? Did I miss that?
If they did, it won't be the first time they hung on too long... hoping.

I didn't say anyone would trade for him. I said throw him in as a freebie...

Did the Flyers resign him? Did I miss that?
If they did, it won't be the first time they hung on too long... hoping.
- BadCowboyDan

What you said was to throw him in as a package to get someone to take JVR. You also said any contract signed now would be to just get him to retirement. As if the Flyers are a charity. I think what is clear is that your comments were poorly thought out. The questions were rhetorical to point that out.