Trading Couturier changes chemistry and alters the salary cap landscape which has been suffocating this team for almost a decade.

If the Flyers sign a veteran D-man this summer, a Niskanen type, that can cost the Flyers around a $5.5 cap hit. Maybe more. So how much cap space remains for a Couturier pay raise?

Where is the money to resign Farabee and Frost next summer?

If they are healthy and play well, they are getting a pay raise. The Flyers have to be prepared for that.

Sanheim, again, needs a new contract as he is a RFA this summer.

Where is the cap space for Hart this summer and how much is he getting paid after a poor season?

Most likely it will be a short deal so he and his agent can capitalize on a bounce back season. The Flyers need to be prepared for that .

And for a backup?

It's time to turn this team over. This struggle has been going on long enough. It's time for some fresh air.

Tampa Bay is a dominant team. They let Lecavalier go. Their Captain. Helped them win a Stanley Cup. And they did not miss a beat as they reached the Stanley Cup Finals just 2 seasons later.

I think jones is exactly what this team needs, super stready #1RHD. He would be a star here.
\And i have no idea what the package to get him would be, dont want to see them give away the farm, but at least be involved to see what it takes
- bradster

Unless Jones is singing an extension, which he already said he is not, how can any team give up good assets to acquire him? I think Columbus is stuck now at least until the trade deadline, where they can maybe pick up a number 1 pick and a prospect from a contending team that sees Jones as the guy to put them over the top. That won't be the Flyers this year unless Fletcher shocks the world with savey moves this off season. No, if the Flyers want Jones, I'd wait until FA next year. Take this year to right the ship so you can show Jones this is a destination where he can win a cup. Right now is not the time for Jones IMO.

Trading Couturier changes chemistry and alters the salary cap landscape which has been suffocating this team for almost a decade.

If the Flyers sign a veteran D-man this summer, a Niskanen type, that can cost the Flyers around a $5.5 cap hit. Maybe more. So how much cap space remains for a Couturier pay raise?

Where is the money to resign Farabee and Frost next summer?

If they are healthy and play well, they are getting a pay raise. The Flyers have to be prepared for that.

Sanheim, again, needs a new contract as he is a RFA this summer.

Where is the cap space for Hart this summer and how much is he getting paid after a poor season?

Most likely it will be a short deal so he and his agent can capitalize on a bounce back season. The Flyers need to be prepared for that .

And for a backup?

It's time to turn this team over. This struggle has been going on long enough. It's time for some fresh air.

Tampa Bay is a dominant team. They let Lecavalier go. Their Captain. Helped them win a Stanley Cup. And they did not miss a beat as they reached the Stanley Cup Finals just 2 seasons later.
- Captain_Ahab

When trading a player, does that automatically change the chemistry for the positive. Who is the #1 all situations center for this team if Couturier is traded.

TB got extremely lucky to draft Kucherov and Point. They also had players like Stamkos and Hedman and they kept them. Why didn't they trade Stamkos?

Unless Jones is singing an extension, which he already said he is not, how can any team give up good assets to acquire him? I think Columbus is stuck now at least until the trade deadline, where they can maybe pick up a number 1 pick and a prospect from a contending team that sees Jones as the guy to put them over the top. That won't be the Flyers this year unless Fletcher shocks the world with savey moves this off season. No, if the Flyers want Jones, I'd wait until FA next year. Take this year to right the ship so you can show Jones this is a destination where he can win a cup. Right now is not the time for Jones IMO.
- jd250

There is a deal to be made with Colorado for Jones.

What was your opinion of the Hayes signing when it was made? How did you feel about Hayes in the 19/20 season?
- MJL

I did not like the signing when it was made. I had the pleasure of watching how bad his cousin Jimmy Hayes was on the Bruins and kind of thought Kevin was not much better at the time. However when I saw Kevin play his first season I was pleasantly surprised at how good he was and thought maybe this might work out. Then he got hurt this pas season and we saw how that went. Overall Kevin Hayes is a good center, way better than his cousin Jimmy, but not I guy I would have paid $7.1M for 7 years, I didn't think this was smart in 2019 and I don't think so now.

When trading a player, does that automatically change the chemistry for the positive. Who is the #1 all situations center for this team if Couturier is traded.

TB got extremely lucky to draft Kucherov and Point. They also had players like Stamkos and Hedman and they kept them. Why didn't they trade Stamkos?
- MJL

TB didn't get lucky drafting Kucherov and Point, they drafted them because they have a superior scouting department.

The real reason why the Flyers haven't done anything since 2010 is because of the scouting department. It needs a major overhaul, imo.

There is a deal to be made with Colorado for Jones.
- MJL

I would be very surprised if Jones is moved before the deadline next year. Why would any team give up a lot for a player that said he will not sign a new deal? Unless of course there is a wink wink deal between Jones' camp and Colorado, but then why not just sign the deal now?

I did not like the signing when it was made. I had the pleasure of watching how bad his cousin Jimmy Hayes was on the Bruins and kind of thought Kevin was not much better at the time. However when I saw Kevin play his first season I was pleasantly surprised at how good he was and thought maybe this might work out. Then he got hurt this pas season and we saw how that went. Overall Kevin Hayes is a good center, way better than his cousin Jimmy, but not I guy I would have paid $7.1M for 7 years, I didn't think this was smart in 2019 and I don't think so now.
- jd250

I don't recall you being against the deal when it was made but that doesn't mean anything. The overwhelming stance on this board was in favor of the moves that Fletcher made. The Jimmy Hayes reference is very funny.

I would be very surprised if Jones is moved before the deadline next year. Why would any team give up a lot for a player that said he will not sign a new deal? Unless of course there is a wink wink deal between Jones' camp and Colorado, but then why not just sign the deal now?
- jd250

It's not a big secret that Jones wants to play in Colorado and will sign an extension there. Colorado may wait or they may not. They're likely going to lose a defenseman in the ED so if they can use that player to acquire Jones rights, then why not pull the trigger? Likely going to wait until after the ED but another team could beat them to it.

It's not horrible. Giroux was 24 when he signed his contract. Were you against the contract at that time? Voracek was 25 when he signed his deal. Were you against the deal at that time? You need some veteran players on a team. Couturier is exactly the kind of player you re-sign to an extension. For many reasons.
- MJL

Yes, I hated the Voracek contract.

The Flyers signed him when he still had 1 year left on his last contract.

I felt is was too long of a deal in the salary cap era.

I never liked his goal scoring numbers. He has never hit the 24 goal mark in his 13 year career and is a $8.25 cap hit.

In contrast, Konecny has 3 - 24 goal seasons in a row before turning 25 and is only a $5.5 cap hit.

Giroux I was concerned with due to it expiring when he turns 34.

I remember the Flyers thinking Giroux and Voracek was their version of Crosby and Makin. ...sigh....

The revisionist history on that pick is becoming comical. The Flyers drafted the #1 ranked NA skater according to central scouting.
- MJL

Its not revisionist history. It may be hindsight is 20/20 I grant you that, but its accurate history. Makar was there, some Flyers scouts wanted him but because there wasn't complete consensus, Hextall decided to go for the big power forward instead. There were plenty of red flags there on Patrick, his skating, his injuries, his passiveness, these are all facts that were reported many, many times before the draft which is why Patrick went from the draft being named after him to not even being the top pick. Hextall thought he was smarter than everyone else, he turned out to be wrong. Its hindsight, but these are the facts.

It's not a big secret that Jones wants to play in Colorado and will sign an extension there. Colorado may wait or they may not. They're likely going to lose a defenseman in the ED so if they can use that player to acquire Jones rights, then why not pull the trigger? Likely going to wait until after the ED but another team could beat them to it.
- MJL

Well, Ok, then if this is true the Flyers should move on in a different direction and focus on players that are can help this team now and are willing to come here.

I don't recall you being against the deal when it was made but that doesn't mean anything. The overwhelming stance on this board was in favor of the moves that Fletcher made. The Jimmy Hayes reference is very funny.
- MJL

I wasn't on this board them Hayes was signed. Did you ever watch Jimmy play, it was comically bad.

Its not revisionist history. It may be hindsight is 20/20 I grant you that, but its accurate history. Makar was there, some Flyers scouts wanted him but because there wasn't complete consensus, Hextall decided to go for the big power forward instead. There were plenty of red flags there on Patrick, his skating, his injuries, his passiveness, these are all facts that were reported many, many times before the draft which is why Patrick went from the draft being named after him to not even being the top pick. Hextall thought he was smarter than everyone else, he turned out to be wrong. Its hindsight, but these are the facts.
- jd250

is there a link you can provide that states some Flyers scouts wanted Makar rather than Patrick?

I wasn't on this board them Hayes was signed. Did you ever watch Jimmy play, it was comically bad.
- jd250

How does the play of Jimmy Hayes have anything to do with Kevin Hayes?

TB didn't get lucky drafting Kucherov and Point, they drafted them because they have a superior scouting department.

The real reason why the Flyers haven't done anything since 2010 is because of the scouting department. It needs a major overhaul, imo.
- KGBflyers10

Yes, let's look at TB's superior scouting department. Brayden Point was drafted with the 79th pick in the 2014 NHL draft. With the 19th pick in that draft, TB drafted Tony DeAngelo. With their first pick in the 2nd round, the 35th pick, they drafted Dominik Mason. He's lighting it up for TB. Spent 5 seasons in the AHL and is not in the KHL. With their 3rd pick in that draft, the 57th pick, they drafted Johnathon MacLeod. He's a stalwart on TB LOL. Played 4 years in college and one year in the ECHL and is currently out of hockey. All the while, TB was waiting to spring their trap with their superior scouting to draft the player they knew was going to be a star all along with the 79th overall pick and chose Brayden Point! They knew he was going to be a top player and they knew he would fall to the bottom the 3rd round. Their scouting is that good.

Its not revisionist history. It may be hindsight is 20/20 I grant you that, but its accurate history. Makar was there, some Flyers scouts wanted him but because there wasn't complete consensus, Hextall decided to go for the big power forward instead. There were plenty of red flags there on Patrick, his skating, his injuries, his passiveness, these are all facts that were reported many, many times before the draft which is why Patrick went from the draft being named after him to not even being the top pick. Hextall thought he was smarter than everyone else, he turned out to be wrong. Its hindsight, but these are the facts.
- jd250

Yes, it is revisionist history. Patrick not working out is simply bad luck. There were so many red flags that he was the #1 pick in many scouts eyes. Oh he fell so far, all the way to #2! It's not the facts, it's hyperbole. Based on the information at the time, it was a good choice. Don't tell me your not using the facts that are known now in this.

I wasn't on this board them Hayes was signed. Did you ever watch Jimmy play, it was comically bad.
- jd250

I'm not sure how what Jimmy Hayes has to do with this. Think about the logic here. Jimmy Hayes is a bad player so that's why I didn't want them to sign Kevin Hayes.

is there a link you can provide that states some Flyers scouts wanted Makar rather than Patrick?
- KGBflyers10

No link needed, BMeltzer explained this a while ago on this very board.

Yes, let's look at TB's superior scouting department. Brayden Point was drafted with the 79th pick in the 2014 NHL draft. With the 19th pick in that draft, TB drafted Tony DeAngelo. With their first pick in the 2nd round, the 35th pick, they drafted Dominik Mason. He's lighting it up for TB. Spent 5 seasons in the AHL and is not in the KHL. With their 3rd pick in that draft, the 57th pick, they drafted Johnathon MacLeod. He's a stalwart on TB LOL. Played 4 years in college and one year in the ECHL and is currently out of hockey. All the while, TB was waiting to spring their trap with their superior scouting to draft the player they knew was going to be a star all along with the 79th overall pick and chose Brayden Point! They knew he was going to be a top player and they knew he would fall to the bottom the 3rd round. Their scouting is that good.
- MJL

Look at their picks in the past decade past the third round and they've hit on quite a few players--Killorn, Paquette, Palat, etc.

I'm not sure how what Jimmy Hayes has to do with this. Think about the logic here. Jimmy Hayes is a bad player so that's why I didn't want them to sign Kevin Hayes.
- MJL

Well, they are related, cousins, same last name. Can't say I watched Kevin Hayes much before he signed with the Flyers. I mean did watch games that he played but he never really stood out to me. So I wasn't excited about the signing, and definitely not excited about the cost, but his first year here was really good, I will give him that.

When trading a player, does that automatically change the chemistry for the positive. Who is the #1 all situations center for this team if Couturier is traded.

TB got extremely lucky to draft Kucherov and Point. They also had players like Stamkos and Hedman and they kept them. Why didn't they trade Stamkos?
- MJL

Stamkos was not traded because he is a superior goal scorer.

He has scored 40 goals or more in a season 5 times.

And his cap hit is similar to Giroux and Voracek while also expiring when he is 34.

Yes, I hated the Voracek contract.

The Flyers signed him when he still had 1 year left on his last contract.

I felt is was too long of a deal in the salary cap era.

I never liked his goal scoring numbers. He has never hit the 24 goal mark in his 13 year career and is a $8.25 cap hit.

In contrast, Konecny has 3 - 24 goal seasons in a row before turning 25 and is only a $5.5 cap hit.

Giroux I was concerned with due to it expiring when he turns 34.

I remember the Flyers thinking Giroux and Voracek was their version of Crosby and Makin. ...sigh....
- Captain_Ahab

That's when pretty much every player is signed. When they have a year left. That is when a player is eligible to be re-signed.
So when Voracek was resigned, he was what 24 or 25? Coming off a season that he finished 5th in the league in scoring and racked up 59 assists, 2nd only to Backstrom with 60, that you thought it was a bad deal?

Stamkos was not traded because he is a superior goal scorer.

He has scored 40 goals or more in a season 5 times.

And his cap hit is similar to Giroux and Voracek while also expiring when he is 34.
- Captain_Ahab

Stamkos was not traded because you don't use a blanket, he's going to be 30 so you trade the player. You evaluate each player individually. Couturier is a top 2 way center that plays in all situations. He is a physical horse who makes everyone he plays with better.

Well, they are related, cousins, same last name. Can't say I watched Kevin Hayes much before he signed with the Flyers. I mean did watch games that he played but he never really stood out to me. So I wasn't excited about the signing, and definitely not excited about the cost, but his first year here was really good, I will give him that.
- jd250

Their related. Next time we have a discussion on whether to sign a player, I'm going to go on ancestry.com and look at his family tree.