never thought of it this way, can Cates be like Coots? The draft pedigree aside, not the craziest thing I ever heard
- wcorvette

Like a 30 goal 70 point player with Selke level defensive ability? I'd say no.

Does a team look at his play last year and think they can provide shelter for him in a 3rd pair role while having him help offensively? Possibly. Not likely to be moved just not impossible.

Flyers probably don't want to trade him anyway.
- hello it's me 2050

In this is the real problem with the Flyers .. admitting they need to rebuild here. Not clean down to the studs, but to trade pieces, free cap space and recognize that they do not have the talent level needed to truly compete.

So, you're amending your previous post?
- MJL

Yes, just for you I will state that EXCEPT for this off-season, the Flyers have been straddling the fence with no clear direction. Are you happy now?

In this is the real problem with the Flyers .. admitting they need to rebuild here. Not clean down to the studs, but to trade pieces, free cap space and recognize that they do not have the talent level needed to truly compete.
- jd250

I do agree that there is a major issue with the mindset and thinking of management. However your belief that the Flyers can move the players you want them to move as easily as you say, is just not reality. The Flyers have themselves in a real jam.

https://phillyhockeynow.c...orvat-new-york-islanders/

terrible, Sam is horrible. Love how they always mention without Ellis. They have always been without Ellis.

It is. However Ristolainen shouldn't be a top 4 guy nor should Sanheim be on the 3rd pair.

It's just what everyone has said: a horrible mix overall
- Pelle31Forever

The Risto of this season absolutely can play in a 2nd pairing and be very effective.

never thought of it this way, can Cates be like Coots? The draft pedigree aside, not the craziest thing I ever heard
- wcorvette

I think Cates is a better choice already as a 3C than Laughton, who is better at wing. I don't think Cates has the offensive upside of Couturier, recall Couts was a scorer in before he was drafted, but I think he has already proven he can be a Mike Richards type of player, but just with a lower offensive upside.

The Risto of this season absolutely can play in a 2nd pairing and be very effective.
- jd250

Ristolainen has been poor overall this season. He is having the worst season of his NHL career, despite the short period of offensive production. He is not a top 4 level NHL defenseman anymore. Not if you want to be a good team.

https://phillyhockeynow.com/2023/02/01/philadelphia-flyers-nhl-daily-san-jose-sharks-timo-meier-available-will-explore-trade-rumors-ivan-provorov-tyson-foerster-morgan-frost-james-van-riemsdyk-chuck-fletcher-bo-horvat-new-york-islanders/

terrible, Sam is horrible. Love how they always mention without Ellis. They have always been without Ellis.
- hello it's me 2050

No wonder Sam is already in Tort's crap house. this opening line says it all!

All signs point to the Philadelphia Flyers being sellers at the trade deadline, but would general manager Chuck Fletcher get daring for one of the few times in his tenure?

Really Sam? The problem with Fletcher is he is not daring enough?

I think Cates is a better choice already as a 3C than Laughton, who is better at wing. I don't think Cates has the offensive upside of Couturier, recall Couts was a scorer in before he was drafted, but I think he has already proven he can be a Mike Richards type of player, but just with a lower offensive upside.
- jd250

Cates belongs on the wing also. He's not a Mike Richards type of player.

Ristolainen has been poor overall this season. He is having the worst season of his NHL career, despite the short period of offensive production. He is not a top 4 level NHL defenseman anymore. Not if you want to be a good team.
- MJL

If you really believe this you are truly blinded by your hate. Risto by the eye-test and the underlying metrics is on his way to having the most complete season of his career.

Geez, looked at Cap Friendly, happen to click on Pens, they are an older team for sure, locked into some contracts well into the 30, Rust stood out. Then you have Jake G(who could be one of the most underrated players) he has 1 year left and will be 29 and due a new contract, wow

Geez, looked at Cap Friendly, happen to click on Pens, they are an older team for sure, locked into some contracts well into the 30, Rust stood out. Then you have Jake G(who could be one of the most underrated players) he has 1 year left and will be 29 and due a new contract, wow
- wcorvette

another failure it seems from one Ronald Hextall. No idea why he was hired there as made zero sense. Cant imagine he isnt fired after the year unless a miraculous run.

If you really believe this you are truly blinded by your hate. Risto by the eye-test and the underlying metrics is on his way to having the most complete season of his career.
- jd250

LOL, he's had several 40 point seasons. Can't make it up.

The Risto of this season absolutely can play in a 2nd pairing and be very effective.
- jd250

He played in a top-4 role this season -- even top-pair.

He wasn't "effective" until they bumped him down to 3rd-pair.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...-gambles-in-horvat-trade/

Boston is also believed to be in the left-defence market. Would not be surprised if they’ve checked in on Jakob Chychrun and Vladislav Gavrikov, among others.

The correct answer is:
Trade TdA

Since Sanheim is primarily an offensive type defender and not very physical but with decent wheels, isn’t this just not utilizing him properly? Isn’t it somewhat of a waste? We have TDA who NEEDS a Slavin-type of player to pair with. That’s a problem when we don’t have that type of player. Will Fletcher continue to double down on this middling roster he constructed or will he ever recognize that he has made monumental mistakes and correct them? So lemme get the straight:

CF overpaid (14th overall pick) and now a massive multi-year co tract for a 3rd pairing RHD in Risto?

CF didn’t know or understand his own roster when acquiring TDA in that he miscalculated that he had a complimentary LHD for Tony?

He handed out Sanheim a significant contract in term and cap $ for a guy who is supposed to be more of a fluid 2-way LHD, who has been relegated to more of a stay-at home LHD who is not very physical?

Not to mention there are the bewildering injuries and lack of information on Ellis, Cam, and Coots (all who have significant cap hits)?

Apparently knowing all of this (and if he didn’t then shame on him) he hires a coach who will and has gotten blood from a stone, placing the Flyers not bad enough for a top pick but not good enough for the playoffs?

So why does this fool have a job running the Flyers now? Hubris is a killer. Good GMs will recognize mistakes and correct them. This guy just doubles down, seems to not be a particular good three-dimensional thinker, and, quite frankly, doesn’t always tell the truth to the fans. This is a huge problem. This is why many of us have not purchased tickets, jerseys, or even hats this year. It’s a killer that this kind of professional approach is still permitted to go on. Pathetic, disheartening and unfortunately seemingly enduring.

Thank you everybody for letting me vent. Please don’t charge me for this therapy session.

Apologies for the typos

Since Sanheim is primarily an offensive type defender and not very physical but with decent wheels, isn’t this just not utilizing him properly? Isn’t it somewhat of a waste? We have TDA who NEEDS a Slavin-type of player to pair with. That’s a problem when we don’t have that type of player. Will Fletcher continue to double down on this middling roster he constructed or will he ever recognize that he has made monumental mistakes and correct them? So lemme get the straight:

CF overpaid (14th overall pick) and now a massive multi-year co tract for a 3rd pairing RHD in Risto?

CF didn’t know or understand his own roster when acquiring TDA in that he miscalculated that he had a complimentary LHD for Tony?

He handed out Sanheim a significant contract in term and cap $ for a guy who is supposed to be more of a fluid 2-way LHD, who has been relegated to more of a stay-at home LHD who is not very physical?

Not to mention there are the bewildering injuries and lack of information on Ellis, Cam, and Coots (all who have significant cap hits)?

Apparently knowing all of this (and if he didn’t then shame on him) he hires a coach who will and has gotten blood from a stone, placing the Flyers not bad enough for a top pick but not good enough for the playoffs?

So why does this fool have a job running the Flyers now? Hubris is a killer. Good GMs will recognize mistakes and correct them. This guy just doubles down, seems to not be a particular good three-dimensional thinker, and, quite frankly, doesn’t always tell the truth to the fans. This is a huge problem. This is why many of us have not purchased tickets, jerseys, or even hats this year. It’s a killer that this kind of professional approach is still permitted to go on. Pathetic, disheartening and unfortunately seemingly enduring.

Thank you everybody for letting me vent. Please don’t charge me for this therapy session.
- mikeyo27

For your well thought out post, no charge!

Since Sanheim is primarily an offensive type defender and not very physical but with decent wheels, isn’t this just not utilizing him properly? Isn’t it somewhat of a waste? We have TDA who NEEDS a Slavin-type of player to pair with. That’s a problem when we don’t have that type of player. Will Fletcher continue to double down on this middling roster he constructed or will he ever recognize that he has made monumental mistakes and correct them? So lemme get the straight:

CF overpaid (14th overall pick) and now a massive multi-year co tract for a 3rd pairing RHD in Risto?

CF didn’t know or understand his own roster when acquiring TDA in that he miscalculated that he had a complimentary LHD for Tony?

He handed out Sanheim a significant contract in term and cap $ for a guy who is supposed to be more of a fluid 2-way LHD, who has been relegated to more of a stay-at home LHD who is not very physical?

Not to mention there are the bewildering injuries and lack of information on Ellis, Cam, and Coots (all who have significant cap hits)?

Apparently knowing all of this (and if he didn’t then shame on him) he hires a coach who will and has gotten blood from a stone, placing the Flyers not bad enough for a top pick but not good enough for the playoffs?

So why does this fool have a job running the Flyers now? Hubris is a killer. Good GMs will recognize mistakes and correct them. This guy just doubles down, seems to not be a particular good three-dimensional thinker, and, quite frankly, doesn’t always tell the truth to the fans. This is a huge problem. This is why many of us have not purchased tickets, jerseys, or even hats this year. It’s a killer that this kind of professional approach is still permitted to go on. Pathetic, disheartening and unfortunately seemingly enduring.

Thank you everybody for letting me vent. Please don’t charge me for this therapy session.
- mikeyo27

Can't disagree with any of this. It's a very well-put summation of where the Flyers are and why they will continue to be in no man's land for the foreseeable future. With each passing game, I get a sinking feeling Fletcher will be overseeing the trade deadline, the draft and free agency. And that gives me no hope for this team at all.

Can't disagree with any of this. It's a very well-put summation of where the Flyers are and why they will continue to be in no man's land for the foreseeable future. With each passing game, I get a sinking feeling Fletcher will be overseeing the trade deadline, the draft and free agency. And that gives me no hope for this team at all.
- TobyFlenderson

what gives you that idea....

https://phillyhockeynow.c...deslauriers-joel-farabee/

Another surprise: The way enforcer Nick Deslauriers, who leads the NHL with nine fights, has created an impact with his aggressive style. The left winger has kept opposing teams on their toes.

above is pure gold. Sam the schlep.

Do all the blocked shots take a toll on Ivan and reduce his effectiveness going forward?

next season, if Ellis is done, Coots and Cam back, SanHeim raise, JVR out, Flyers have about 10 mil in cap? assuming an 83.5 cap?


If so, I hate to say it but CF will move someone. I could see Provy going, I could see them trying to move Farabee. Maybe if he bounces back I could see them moving Cam at the TDL.


Their cap situation doesn't seem that bad going forward, more concerned with what they will do with the space. They really could make some good moves for the cap by the end of next season, and be in pretty good shape. They would also only have 2 years left of Hayes, Cam 1, with Provy and TK only having 1 year left. Add the rumor that the Cap should go up 4 mil at the end of next season.

Just spit balling, tell me what I missed.

PS- I know Coots

Since Sanheim is primarily an offensive type defender and not very physical but with decent wheels, isn’t this just not utilizing him properly? Isn’t it somewhat of a waste? We have TDA who NEEDS a Slavin-type of player to pair with. That’s a problem when we don’t have that type of player. Will Fletcher continue to double down on this middling roster he constructed or will he ever recognize that he has made monumental mistakes and correct them? So lemme get the straight:

CF overpaid (14th overall pick) and now a massive multi-year co tract for a 3rd pairing RHD in Risto?

CF didn’t know or understand his own roster when acquiring TDA in that he miscalculated that he had a complimentary LHD for Tony?

He handed out Sanheim a significant contract in term and cap $ for a guy who is supposed to be more of a fluid 2-way LHD, who has been relegated to more of a stay-at home LHD who is not very physical?

Not to mention there are the bewildering injuries and lack of information on Ellis, Cam, and Coots (all who have significant cap hits)?

Apparently knowing all of this (and if he didn’t then shame on him) he hires a coach who will and has gotten blood from a stone, placing the Flyers not bad enough for a top pick but not good enough for the playoffs?

So why does this fool have a job running the Flyers now? Hubris is a killer. Good GMs will recognize mistakes and correct them. This guy just doubles down, seems to not be a particular good three-dimensional thinker, and, quite frankly, doesn’t always tell the truth to the fans. This is a huge problem. This is why many of us have not purchased tickets, jerseys, or even hats this year. It’s a killer that this kind of professional approach is still permitted to go on. Pathetic, disheartening and unfortunately seemingly enduring.

Thank you everybody for letting me vent. Please don’t charge me for this therapy session.
- mikeyo27