The Flyers are destined for last in the Metro if you think they will be competing with the BJ's and Devils cause those teams are better. Oh, and Chuckles needs to be moved OUT(certainly not up). The only wild card from keeping the Flyers out of last is coaching and structure compared to the last couple of years. FIRE CHUCK!
- Phillywhiteout

Now that Laine is back in Columbus (apparently they have no problem signing a player that pushes them way over the cap) I think they are better than the Flyers for sure. I am not sold on NJ, but even so, the Flyers will have a tough time with them also. In the end, there is little hope for the Flyers this year, that is why it would have been much better to just save the cap space, accumulate draft capital, play the kids for a season, draft high in the 2023 draft and have a big offseason after that.

And BTW, for those who want to say I am late to the party here in terms of criticizing Fletcher, I told you all multiple times that if Fletcher did not do what was best for this franchise in this offseason, which IMO was predicated on patience, I would lambaste him, and that is exactly what I am doing now. I had no problem with the Ellis trade, because unlike some, I had no way of foreseeing how bad Ellis's condition was. Kudos to that crack Flyers medical staff for clearing him and thus consummating the trade! Risto was never on my radar but I was willing to be open-minded and give him a chance, but it was clear after watching him that he was not worth the money the Flyers paid to resign him, it was a desperation move from a GM with no plan! The other moves were meant to be depth signings, but Ellis being out completely screwed that up. But after the 2022 trade deadline debacle and this off season, there is just no defending what is clearly and incompetent GM who is just winging it out of desperation!

Another opportunity squandered by the Flyers because of their cap predicament. I am not just talking about Tkachuk either, I'm talking about Huberdeau and Weeger potentially available at the 2023 trade deadline. The Flyers even then will not be a position most likely to trade for those players at the deadline, because they certainly will not have the cap space! Big names are moving all over the place, really good young players, and the Flyers have their hands tied because they preferred instead to resign Risto, trade for DeAngelo and sign a tough guy!

Meanwhile I think its clear Captain Comfortable himself, Claude Giroux, took the money and the easy life in Ottawa where there will be no pressure in the world, instead of trying to sign with a contending team. Apparently winning isn't all that important to G afterall!
- jd250

Agree 100% with the spirit of the first paragraph.

The second is ridiculous. Playing in Canada is NEVER pressure-free. And don't sleep on Ottawa... if they get decent goaltending, they have enough talent to take a big leap forward. They kinda remind me of the post Bill Wirtz 'Hawks the way they're set up right now.

Another opportunity squandered by the Flyers because of their cap predicament. I am not just talking about Tkachuk either, I'm talking about Huberdeau and Weeger potentially available at the 2023 trade deadline. The Flyers even then will not be a position most likely to trade for those players at the deadline, because they certainly will not have the cap space! Big names are moving all over the place, really good young players, and the Flyers have their hands tied because they preferred instead to resign Risto, trade for DeAngelo and sign a tough guy!

Meanwhile I think its clear Captain Comfortable himself, Claude Giroux, took the money and the easy life in Ottawa where there will be no pressure in the world, instead of trying to sign with a contending team. Apparently winning isn't all that important to G afterall!
- jd250

The Flyers arent capped
JD250

less than 2 weeks ago

You know what else was a bad move?

Signing a turning 30 year old ex selke winner never to be compared with hall of famer Bergy to 8 year contract. Especially when core “star” player was over 30 and not good enough to win cup especially.
- Stayin alive

I don't have an issue with the contract. Couturier should be a player that can play at a high level deep into his contract. He is a stabilizing player that makes other players around him better and is a quality support player to have around for what should be a young developing team. The back injury gives me some concern but by all reports he started skating towards the tail end of last season and is doing fine. As always though, game action will be the final determiner. I don't think anyone who says they should've traded him is wrong per se.

Another opportunity squandered by the Flyers because of their cap predicament. I am not just talking about Tkachuk either, I'm talking about Huberdeau and Weeger potentially available at the 2023 trade deadline. The Flyers even then will not be a position most likely to trade for those players at the deadline, because they certainly will not have the cap space! Big names are moving all over the place, really good young players, and the Flyers have their hands tied because they preferred instead to resign Risto, trade for DeAngelo and sign a tough guy!



- jd250

Ah the memories. Remember when you argued with me about the Flyers cap situation? Wasn't that long ago. Of course, you will deny and contradict yourself.

Meanwhile I think its clear Captain Comfortable himself, Claude Giroux, took the money and the easy life in Ottawa where there will be no pressure in the world, instead of trying to sign with a contending team. Apparently winning isn't all that important to G afterall!
- jd250

This Giroux false narrative is another that you can add to the list of times that you've embarrassed yourself. First of all, you don't understand hockey in Canada. There is pressure on every Canadian team to win. It's like a religion in Canada. Why shouldn't he take the money? He's earned it. Lastly, Ottawa has a pretty good team and is very up and coming. They have a lot of really good young players and it's really a perfect fit for Giroux. It's a flat cap world out there. This idea that you have that Giroux doesn't want to win is just asinine. Adopting stupid nicknames doesn't do you any favors.

You know what else was a bad move?

Signing a turning 30 year old ex selke winner never to be compared with hall of famer Bergy to 8 year contract. Especially when core “star” player was over 30 and not good enough to win cup especially.
- Stayin alive

Nah, Cliff says you need vets like him to mentor the young players. I mean all the winning that he has been involved with you cant put a price on. He will be instrumental when they turn in around in 5 years.

They funny thing is Chuck probably hasn't given any though at all to move him, Cam, or Laughton.

Now that Laine is back in Columbus (apparently they have no problem signing a player that pushes them way over the cap) I think they are better than the Flyers for sure. I am not sold on NJ, but even so, the Flyers will have a tough time with them also. In the end, there is little hope for the Flyers this year, that is why it would have been much better to just save the cap space, accumulate draft capital, play the kids for a season, draft high in the 2023 draft and have a big offseason after that.

And BTW, for those who want to say I am late to the party here in terms of criticizing Fletcher, I told you all multiple times that if Fletcher did not do what was best for this franchise in this offseason, which IMO was predicated on patience, I would lambaste him, and that is exactly what I am doing now. I had no problem with the Ellis trade, because unlike some, I had no way of foreseeing how bad Ellis's condition was. Kudos to that crack Flyers medical staff for clearing him and thus consummating the trade! Risto was never on my radar but I was willing to be open-minded and give him a chance, but it was clear after watching him that he was not worth the money the Flyers paid to resign him, it was a desperation move from a GM with no plan! The other moves were meant to be depth signings, but Ellis being out completely screwed that up. But after the 2022 trade deadline debacle and this off season, there is just no defending what is clearly and incompetent GM who is just winging it out of desperation!
- jd250

Moving toward criticizing Fletcher this off season is way late to the party. Really it's the equivalent of you showing up to the party and it's already over.

I remember another conversation you and I had. Where you said listen to Fletcher at his press conferences. That he was going to sit back and not give away future assets and he was going to do what was best for the franchise. I told you he wasn't. Another win in the MJL column.

All last season, it was Ristolainen brings an element that the Flyers need. Was the Flyers best defenseman and one of the best in the league. Now he is not worth it.

Here is the reality. None of the above are actual observations that you've made. All you've done is read the tea leaves and see what everyone else pretty much already knew and you determined that you can no longer keep up the charade and decide to fall in line. Be a man of your convictions.

Another opportunity squandered by the Flyers because of their cap predicament. I am not just talking about Tkachuk either, I'm talking about Huberdeau and Weeger potentially available at the 2023 trade deadline. The Flyers even then will not be a position most likely to trade for those players at the deadline, because they certainly will not have the cap space! Big names are moving all over the place, really good young players, and the Flyers have their hands tied because they preferred instead to resign Risto, trade for DeAngelo and sign a tough guy!

Meanwhile I think its clear Captain Comfortable himself, Claude Giroux, took the money and the easy life in Ottawa where there will be no pressure in the world, instead of trying to sign with a contending team. Apparently winning isn't all that important to G afterall!
- jd250

Why would you want the flyers to pursue 2 UFA at the deadline. Were you not screaming for a rebuild a few days ago?

Plus to trade for those guys you need to be in the contending mix. So have you now flipped back to the flyers are a playoff team.

Ah the memories. Remember when you argued with me about the Flyers cap situation? Wasn't that long ago. Of course, you will deny and contradict yourself.




This Giroux false narrative is another that you can add to the list of times that you've embarrassed yourself. First of all, you don't understand hockey in Canada. There is pressure on every Canadian team to win. It's like a religion in Canada. Why shouldn't he take the money? He's earned it. Lastly, Ottawa has a pretty good team and is very up and coming. They have a lot of really good young players and it's really a perfect fit for Giroux. It's a flat cap world out there. This idea that you have that Giroux doesn't want to win is just asinine. Adopting stupid nicknames doesn't do you any favors.
- MJL

Winning isn't a priority for CC. That is an absolute fact Cliff. Ottawa is years away from making any noise.

All those nice things he said about Florida how he wants to stay and win. See through him like cellophane. Fraud Giroux.

Is Kadri really going to get $9mil? Love what he brings but that's a lot of coin. #2 center. Hayes at $7 is a lot.

Moving toward criticizing Fletcher this off season is way late to the party. Really it's the equivalent of you showing up to the party and it's already over.

I remember another conversation you and I had. Where you said listen to Fletcher at his press conferences. That he was going to sit back and not give away future assets and he was going to do what was best for the franchise. I told you he wasn't. Another win in the MJL column.

All last season, it was Ristolainen brings an element that the Flyers need. Was the Flyers best defenseman and one of the best in the league. Now he is not worth it.

Here is the reality. None of the above are actual observations that you've made. All you've done is read the tea leaves and see what everyone else pretty much already knew and you determined that you can no longer keep up the charade and decide to fall in line. Be a man of your convictions.
- MJL

when was the last time you got invited to a party Cliff?

Is Kadri really going to get $9mil? Love what he brings but that's a lot of coin. #2 center. Hayes at $7 is a lot.
- cdearth23

Depends where he goes so yes he very well may. Take Kadri over Hayes for an extra 2 million. Not on a 7 year deal for where they flyers are at.

Agree 100% with the spirit of the first paragraph.

The second is ridiculous. Playing in Canada is NEVER pressure-free. And don't sleep on Ottawa... if they get decent goaltending, they have enough talent to take a big leap forward. They kinda remind me of the post Bill Wirtz 'Hawks the way they're set up right now.
- Tomahawk

Ottawa, like most of the weaker teams in the league, will be competing for a Cup long before the Flyers. Especially if the current regime in Philly sticks around for another year or 2.

I don't have an issue with the contract. Couturier should be a player that can play at a high level deep into his contract. He is a stabilizing player that makes other players around him better and is a quality support player to have around for what should be a young developing team. The back injury gives me some concern but by all reports he started skating towards the tail end of last season and is doing fine. As always though, game action will be the final determiner. I don't think anyone who says they should've traded him is wrong per se.
- MJL

Couts is the one player over the age of 25, 26 they should be hanging on to. It’s the rest of the over 26 club that should have “for sale” signs hung around their necks.

Then again, when Fletcher is the guy making deals, maybe not.

Couts is the one player over the age of 25, 26 they should be hanging on to. It’s the rest of the over 26 club that should have “for sale” signs hung around their necks.

Then again, when Fletcher is the guy making deals, maybe not.
- BiggE

He has no trade value anyway at this point. Couldn't trade him for anything worth while coming back. Couple pick and salary dumps

Now that Laine is back in Columbus (apparently they have no problem signing a player that pushes them way over the cap) I think they are better than the Flyers for sure. I am not sold on NJ, but even so, the Flyers will have a tough time with them also. In the end, there is little hope for the Flyers this year, that is why it would have been much better to just save the cap space, accumulate draft capital, play the kids for a season, draft high in the 2023 draft and have a big offseason after that.

And BTW, for those who want to say I am late to the party here in terms of criticizing Fletcher, I told you all multiple times that if Fletcher did not do what was best for this franchise in this offseason, which IMO was predicated on patience, I would lambaste him, and that is exactly what I am doing now. I had no problem with the Ellis trade, because unlike some, I had no way of foreseeing how bad Ellis's condition was. Kudos to that crack Flyers medical staff for clearing him and thus consummating the trade! Risto was never on my radar but I was willing to be open-minded and give him a chance, but it was clear after watching him that he was not worth the money the Flyers paid to resign him, it was a desperation move from a GM with no plan! The other moves were meant to be depth signings, but Ellis being out completely screwed that up. But after the 2022 trade deadline debacle and this off season, there is just no defending what is clearly and incompetent GM who is just winging it out of desperation!
- jd250

Give it a rest bud! How many times are you gonna contradict yourself and be the laughing stock of the room? Have a big off season, like Fletchers last two?

Give it a rest bud! How many times are you gonna contradict yourself and be the laughing stock of the room? Have a big off season, like Fletchers last two?
- ClaudeFather

He still doesn't understand that the Giroux trade was not a debacle.

He still doesn't understand that the Giroux trade was not a debacle.
- MJL

Haha. The way that he used to talk about Fletcher and the culture change is what really gets me tho

Is Kadri really going to get $9mil? Love what he brings but that's a lot of coin. #2 center. Hayes at $7 is a lot.
- cdearth23

Kadri is a much better player than Hayes. Hayes would be a 3rd line center on a truly competitive team.

Haha. The way that he used to talk about Fletcher and the culture change is what really gets me tho
- ClaudeFather

It was changed instantly in the summer of 2021.

The thread is out of steam, but two cents about not being able to compete with Florida's offer. Zito is looking at future UFA's and their cost to re-sign and their interest. We have Sanheim coming up. Sure that's a valuable asset. But Sanheim and Florida's first rounder would have been a start. Add in Frost or Tippett and Konecny. Would have been competitive.

The thread is out of steam, but two cents about not being able to compete with Florida's offer. Zito is looking at future UFA's and their cost to re-sign and their interest. We have Sanheim coming up. Sure that's a valuable asset. But Sanheim and Florida's first rounder would have been a start. Add in Frost or Tippett and Konecny. Would have been competitive.
- therabbi

Competitive for Florida's offer for Tkachuk? Not even close.


Who is the elite level playmaker the Flyers are including to match Huberdeau?

The thread is out of steam, but two cents about not being able to compete with Florida's offer. Zito is looking at future UFA's and their cost to re-sign and their interest. We have Sanheim coming up. Sure that's a valuable asset. But Sanheim and Florida's first rounder would have been a start. Add in Frost or Tippett and Konecny. Would have been competitive.
- therabbi

lol, good God. Yeah Frost and Tippet are in such high demand. Flyers fans are the best.

Give your head a shake.

So Sanheim, Frost, TK, Florida 1st or what Florida gave up. Damn Calgary missed the boat on this deal.

Shayne Gostisbehere trade will haunt the flyers for the next 5 seasons....couldn't happen to a more deserving franchise
- penguininnevada

They deserve everything that’ll come to them

I don't have an issue with the contract. Couturier should be a player that can play at a high level deep into his contract. He is a stabilizing player that makes other players around him better and is a quality support player to have around for what should be a young developing team. The back injury gives me some concern but by all reports he started skating towards the tail end of last season and is doing fine. As always though, game action will be the final determiner. I don't think anyone who says they should've traded him is wrong per se.
- MJL

1) you can get vet to do same reasons you listed for having no issue with the coots contract for a lot less $ and term. Yes coots does and will bring those qualities. But it’s a horrendous contract.

2) in the new nhl NO ONE entering age 30 should be signed to a 7 or 8 contract. Especially a big money contract.

3) the obvious exception is complete star player and surefire hall of famer. And that doesn’t mean borderline really good might be.

4) philly needs to get ahead like other teams in paying these type players younger for the term instead paying mid range that takes them just past Fa years then getting into position of big deal at age approaching 30.

5) it also has to be noted star players are working deals to maximize at earlier age and giving them option at Fa year. Matthews for example or tkachuck

6) with all that said I have zero faith in Philly to identify these star players. Or their ability to identify players that won’t win them cup yet still overpay well into 30’s hampering their cap flexibility.