I guess I’m not as negative on the team as most. They didn’t have a good year but just removed from a year of hope. Only lost a couple of pieces from last year. Those pieces I think really effected the chemistry of the team. Nisky was the biggest factor and him not coming back was not a choice of management.

No, they didn’t solve that problem but in al fairness solving those problems takes two and sometimes the cost can out weigh the reward. With a flat cap and a looming expansion draft it is understandable.

Patrick didn’t have a good year. Agreed. I don’t agree that this is what he is though. Guess I’m not so shook up on the short term. Maybe I’m to much of a positive dude but I believe we are a couple pieces off and we have the assists to get those pieces over the next two years.

interesting tidbits from the 2017 draft.

Where Patrick ranks in the class:

Goals scored:5th
Assists: 7th
Points: 9th
Games played:3rd

I would have thought he would be way lower considering how much time he missed.
- MBFlyerfan

This off-season is a crossroads for him. He made it through a semi full season healthy now time to him to build on that by adding strength and confidence. I expect he signs a 1-2 year minimum deal as a prove it contract. I would not give up on him because you would not get much in a trade and his first 2 years fair for a 19 year old.

Jaden Schwartz played at Gretzky level for a few months a few years ago. Oscars half season was not the norm. Nor should it be expected or considered even a possibility. We are both on record for the point totals for next year. Any player and in most cases most players get hot for a point in a season. Oscar certainly is capable of scoring some points over a few weeks or even a few months. And most likely will. Just like he will most like go mostly pointless over weeks and most likely scoring drought over months. For example he could put up 10 points in a month and the next month 0 I get the optimistic hopefulness that he’ll get more than my point totals. We will see
- SMS4016

It was not just half a season. It was that half season plus the first 30 games of 2019-20 (11g, 18 PTS). And that was already better than a half-point per game despite being a PP2 guy. This year, very little PP time and still managed 8 goals in 48 games (which is pretty much what you predicted he'll get in a full season next year).

He wasn't rushed. A late birthday player. Would have been a first rounder even in 2016 had he been eligible. Didn't need another WHL season by 2017-18.
- bmeltzer

What do you mean? From my understanding Patrick had an injury riddled season prior to being drafted, so why couldn’t Patrick have seen another year? Why couldn’t Patrick seen time in the minors? You’re telling me there has been zero rush for Nolan Patrick? Drafted second, right into the NHL three to four months later.

Hmm. I see 3rd. Farabee, Couts,Giroux and JVR tied for 3rd. Not that it matters.
- PT21

Goal scoring. My apologies. You’re right.

I have no issue letting him develop in the bottom six. The kid needs to put on size to find his game at this level, period. Anyone who sees differently probably never watched much of how he played in junior.
- hereticpride

I feel that a kid with Patrick’s potential struggling the way he is right now, you have to ask if something else is going on with his history with injuries. If this makes me stupid, well I’m stupid.

Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Can't Close, Lose in OT to Caps
- bmeltzer

Has anyone heard any updates on Morgan Frost? I think I remember hearing he was either starting to skate or skating. Any word if he looks stronger or added good weight?

I’m trying to look forward to next year and he would be a big addition if he progress and can help with secondary scoring.

Oscars rookie season was very good... 33 points. 2nd year he was on pace for 45 points. We all know how that season ended. It was unfair to expect much this year. Can he find his way again next year? Who the hell knows. In the history of the NHL you'll find thousands of players who had short term success and then fail, and an equal amount who went on to long term success. I don't think He'll be a star, but 40-50 points a year is very doable. None of us has a crystal ball.

Jaden Schwartz played at Gretzky level for a few months a few years ago. Oscars half season was not the norm. Nor should it be expected or considered even a possibility. We are both on record for the point totals for next year. Any player and in most cases most players get hot for a point in a season. Oscar certainly is capable of scoring some points over a few weeks or even a few months. And most likely will. Just like he will most like go mostly pointless over weeks and most likely scoring drought over months. For example he could put up 10 points in a month and the next month 0 I get the optimistic hopefulness that he’ll get more than my point totals. We will see
- SMS4016

Not much should be based on a hot start or a hot October. If Lindblom because a star, the rest is gravy. I’ve always viewed Lindblom as a slightly better Michael Raffl.

It was not just half a season. It was that half season plus the first 30 games of 2019-20 (11g, 18 PTS). And that was already better than a half-point per game despite being a PP2 guy. This year, very little PP time and still managed 8 goals in 48 games (which is pretty much what you predicted he'll get in a full season next year).
- bmeltzer

Yes. Oscar this season on pace for roughly 13 goals /11assist. Which outside of a half season to end a year and a half season to begin a year should be close to his expected output. The ebbs and flows of a season are great. One can never look at 2 different seasons and use that to predict ones future output. For example. Can you say well so and so player always has a great nov-Jan and this year player had a great March so in future player should be able to hit X output. I totally get the optimism and hopefully Oscar hits some of that. But again he’s a 5th round pick. And if that’s what we’re counting on to play in top 6 to hit those numbers that probably means we don’t have the talent to fill top 6. Which is not good. Now if Oscar can hit 35-40 points close to 20 g 20 asst on 3rd line great! That’s excellent production there. I don’t see it unless he’s in top 6. For example Jvr is 3rd liner that gets pp time and has 42 points. Hits 50 in full season is Oscar as talented as Jvr? Does Oscar possess that skill? Probably not.

Has anyone heard any updates on Morgan Frost? I think I remember hearing he was either starting to skate or skating. Any word if he looks stronger or added good weight?

I’m trying to look forward to next year and he would be a big addition if he progress and can help with secondary scoring.
- Hosher12

With a broken collarbone needing surgery I doubt he has been able to do much upper body work.

If only abue-Kobel could have put that dirty puke Wilson out for the playoffs.

Way to go hawks!!

With a broken collarbone needing surgery I doubt he has been able to do much upper body work.
- MBFlyerfan

I hope he is progressing and comes back strong and makes an impact next year!

If only abue-Kobel could have put that dirty puke Wilson out for the playoffs.
- mattstake

we tried and usual flyers fashion we fail

JVR while having a good season, losing him for nothing is actually gaining something in a flat cap environment. Best to protect Patrick
- Just5

from a culture standpoint I would much rather have Jake get picked. I like JVR on this team, he seems like a good vet for younger guys. I know the cap hits are similar but I'm done watching jake.

It was not just half a season. It was that half season plus the first 30 games of 2019-20 (11g, 18 PTS). And that was already better than a half-point per game despite being a PP2 guy. This year, very little PP time and still managed 8 goals in 48 games (which is pretty much what you predicted he'll get in a full season next year).
- bmeltzer

I have posted that if I were the Flyers, I would try to sign Schwartz as a free agent. I think his price will be reasonable and he will inject speed into the lineup and I hope better leadership.

With a broken collarbone needing surgery I doubt he has been able to do much upper body work.
- MBFlyerfan

I saw a video of Frost and Ghost skating, passing and shooting, so I think his recovery is going well.

I feel that a kid with Patrick’s potential struggling the way he is right now, you have to ask if something else is going on with his history with injuries. If this makes me stupid, well I’m stupid.
- SuperSchennBros

It does not make you stupid to wonder what is going on with Patrick, or for having empathy of his situation. It also does not make me or others stupid to state that no matter what the reason is, Patrick is not a good player and really has not been a good player for his entire Flyer career, and thus, reluctantly, its time for the Flyers and Patrick to part ways.

It does not make you stupid to wonder what is going on with Patrick, or for having empathy of his situation. It also does not make me or others stupid to state that no matter what the reason is, Patrick is not a good player and really has not been a good player for his entire Flyer career, and thus, reluctantly, its time for the Flyers and Patrick to part ways.
- jd250

Sure, let’s just give up on a 2nd overall pick at age 22. Jfc

Amazes me how many people say just get rid of Patrick. There is absolutely no reason too.

Let’s see what he can do next year. Both first two seasons he had strong second half. While some issues may be from not playing for almost two years, his confidence has to be down. I see the same people who defend ghost for his couple years of suspect play complain about nopa. No not thrilled with how he played, but couple the confidence issues with being away from the game...... Oscar will be fine as well.

Also even if he only becomes a third line center. What’s the issue. Everyone just concentrating on him being 2 nd overall.

And other teams obviously feasted on his confidence and hemming him in the zone.

Sure, let’s just give up on a 2nd overall pick at age 22. Jfc
- hereticpride

Sure, lets just go into next season with the same exact team instead, because you are sure that the results will be different, right? How much more do you need to see from Patrick before you figure out what he is? If Patrick ever does figure it out, its not going to be for the Flyers, too much pressure now, too much water under the bridge.

Amazes me how many people say just get rid of Patrick. There is absolutely no reason too.

Let’s see what he can do next year. Both first two seasons he had strong second half. While some issues may be from not playing for almost two years, his confidence has to be down. I see the same people who defend ghost for his couple years of suspect play complain about nopa. No not thrilled with how he played, but couple the confidence issues with being away from the game...... Oscar will be fine as well.

Also even if he only becomes a third line center. What’s the issue. Everyone just concentrating on him being 2 nd overall.

And other teams obviously feasted on his confidence and hemming him in the zone.
- Peter Richards

Is he going to earn his spot? We saw what he could do this year, which was nowhere near an effective 3C. There’s no rush to get rid of him, he has next to no trade value. Let’s see what he can do in Lehigh valley though, that is what’s fair for all parties.

Is he going to earn his spot? We saw what he could do this year, which was nowhere near an effective 3C. There’s no rush to get rid of him, he has next to no trade value. Let’s see what he can do in Lehigh valley though, that is what’s fair for all parties.
- Just5

I agree with this approach. Going into next season the Flyers should be OK at center with G, Hayes (assuming they are both here due to their NMCs), Laughton and Frost, so why not put him down with the Phantoms and have him earn his callup. It might be the best thing for him, and maybe even increases his trade value.

Is he going to earn his spot? We saw what he could do this year, which was nowhere near an effective 3C. There’s no rush to get rid of him, he has next to no trade value. Let’s see what he can do in Lehigh valley though, that is what’s fair for all parties.
- Just5

This seems like an excellent perspective to me. Take him away from the relentless scrutiny and expectations and let him just be and rediscover his game without thinking of the big picture. My only caution would be the waivers he would have to go through. I would sign him for a longer term or higher AAV to act as a waiver claim deterrent.