Dan McGillis had a (frank)ton of hits and scored 40-pts multiple times. How elite was he?

And wasn't Cam playing for Torts when he scored all those goals? And wasn't Panarin a big part in why he hit 40 that one time?
- Tomahawk

I think he could easily get to 30 again but also depends on where he is slotted.

I agree. That is possible. He didn't have great centers in Columbus the last few years. If he plays with Couturier or with Giroux, he could absolutely regain his goal scoring touch. We know he's a better all around player than Voracek is. My only point is that there is reason for concern in all of the major deals that Fletcher has made. The team added aging players with term and a player who is not cost controlled and has been a mediocre player. I know that Ellis is a legit top pairing RH defenseman now but for how long? Ristolainen is due a new contract and the Flyers have taken on a ton of risk with him. He could improve playing on a different team with better players around him in a lesser role. However having all the tools to be an elite player? Doubtful.
- MJL

How are they not cost controlled? Ellis and Atkinson both have deals. We saved money on the jake trade. One less year with jake but a higher cap hit.

Is it just the length of Ellis s deal?

Just getting rid of jake is a win in my book. The cap $ saved is a big bonus
- bradster

For the money I’ll take Ellis and Atkinson over jake and ghost.

I agree. That is possible. He didn't have great centers in Columbus the last few years. If he plays with Couturier or with Giroux, he could absolutely regain his goal scoring touch. We know he's a better all around player than Voracek is. My only point is that there is reason for concern in all of the major deals that Fletcher has made. The team added aging players with term and a player who is not cost controlled and has been a mediocre player. I know that Ellis is a legit top pairing RH defenseman now but for how long? Ristolainen is due a new contract and the Flyers have taken on a ton of risk with him. He could improve playing on a different team with better players around him in a lesser role. However having all the tools to be an elite player? Doubtful.
- MJL

Risto definitely concerns me. I love his physical play and think that is something this team needs more of. However, if he cannot cover in his own end or get the puck up in transition he offers little in terms of overall value. Hopefully, the team around him in Buffalo was a major detriment to his overall play.

I really like Ellis. If he remains healthy I have not doubt he will be the top pair defenseman we need.

Risto definitely concerns me. I love his physical play and think that is something this team needs more of. However, if he cannot cover in his own end or get the puck up in transition he offers little in terms of overall value. Hopefully, the team around him in Buffalo was a major detriment to his overall play.

I really like Ellis. If he remains healthy I have not doubt he will be the top pair defenseman we need.
- mickel25

And think. Our top pair for a couple of years will take up 12-13 mil. Some teams have one guy at 9 mil. Have money for balance and depth. If Risto shows well our top 4 could be set for a little while. It will be interesting to see if York makes someone expendable.

How are they not cost controlled? Ellis and Atkinson both have deals. We saved money on the jake trade. One less year with jake but a higher cap hit.

Is it just the length of Ellis s deal?
- Peter Richards

the player not cost controlled is ristolainen. one year left on his deal, ufa, and going to get a raise after this season.

Atkinson scored 41 goals playing under Tortorella.

There is no evidence whatsoever that points to Ristolainen having the ability to be an elite defenseman. You named two variables in a players game and claimed that tells you he has all the tools. There's that GM level ability again.
- MJL

Honestly, I'm just hoping Risto isn't another Luke Schenn. They just need him to be a solid 2nd pair dman.

How are they not cost controlled? Ellis and Atkinson both have deals. We saved money on the jake trade. One less year with jake but a higher cap hit.

Is it just the length of Ellis s deal?
- Peter Richards

You should re-read what I actually posted.

"The team added aging players with term and A player who is not cost controlled and has been a mediocre player"

the player not cost controlled is ristolainen. one year left on his deal, ufa, and going to get a raise after this season.
- Ftown19125

Got it. He said aging players. Was looking at the two acquired that are older. Wouldn’t consider a 26 year old as aging. I accept the risk as imo he is better than Myers. Talk about lack of hockey iq.

Risto definitely concerns me. I love his physical play and think that is something this team needs more of. However, if he cannot cover in his own end or get the puck up in transition he offers little in terms of overall value. Hopefully, the team around him in Buffalo was a major detriment to his overall play.

I really like Ellis. If he remains healthy I have not doubt he will be the top pair defenseman we need.
- mickel25

That's the knock on Ristolainen. Good on the PP, decent on the PK. Plays with a physical edge but at 5 on 5 is poor in coverage and poor in transition. Hardly having all the tools of an elite player.

Ellis is the real deal and is really going to help. I just have concerns about durability and decline.

And think. Our top pair for a couple of years will take up 12-13 mil. Some teams have one guy at 9 mil. Have money for balance and depth. If Risto shows well our top 4 could be set for a little while. It will be interesting to see if York makes someone expendable.
- Peter Richards

It would also be great to see York get slotted on the third pair to ease him into the NHL. Hopefully it all works out.

You should re-read what I actually posted.

"The team added aging players with term and A player who is not cost controlled and has been a mediocre player"
- MJL

Thanks for clarifying. Got it.

It would also be great to see York get slotted on the third pair to ease him into the NHL. Hopefully it all works out.
- mickel25

Guessing next year. Will get called up this year. Question is what will they do with sanhiem if York comes in and delivers.

Guessing next year. Will get called up this year. Question is what will they do with sanhiem if York comes in and delivers.
- Peter Richards

Why would they have to do anything with Sanheim? He can also play the right side. The best thing they can do is let York play in a lesser role for a few years. Unless he really excels. Don't rush him up the lineup. If it comes down to it, having a surplus of top 4 defenseman is not a bad thing.

Why would they have to do anything with Sanheim? He can also play the right side. The best thing they can do is let York play in a lesser role for a few years. Unless he really excels. Don't rush him up the lineup. If it comes down to it, having a surplus of top 4 defenseman is not a bad thing.
- MJL

Money and performance may force their hand.

Money and performance may force their hand.
- Peter Richards

It could but York is on an EL deal for two more years counting this one.

It could but York is on an EL deal for two more years counting this one.
- MJL

Yes and sanhiem is only signed for two going into ufa status. Depends on other contracts and cap situation and their performance. Both players in question. Bunch of ifs

I think he could easily get to 30 again but also depends on where he is slotted.
- Peter Richards

I think he'll need a featured spot on PP1 to hit 30+ goals.

He's not really a natural goal scorer. More of a guy who has a knack for placing himself where the puck will end up.

Money and performance may force their hand.
- Peter Richards

i could totally see them trading him after this year, i year would be left on his contract, could fill a hole somewhere and have cam move up.

Honestly, I'm just hoping Risto isn't another Luke Schenn. They just need him to be a solid 2nd pair dman.
- BenderRodriguez

Luke Schenn was never really a top 4 d man. Never hit 40 points. Was not fast or skilled really. Risto has the athletic ability and talent, just needs to play smart and he will be fantastic