I understand the excitement that the team is performing well and is exceeding expectations by a lot, but the current mindset of the fans is troubling. When Hextall was building through the draft, or at least trying to, a couple of years into it, fans got antsy..things got excelerated, JVR and Hayes ended up being signed and we are here now. It had such potential to be patient, and build a proper foundation, with cap control and picks. It felt like we were doing things properly, instead of rushing and then the pressure and impatience came. I fear we are going to head down that path. I like Drysdale and the dimension he adds, but loosing what we thought we had in Guathier, the position he was expected to fill will hurt. I am enjoying them playing well, and I never hope they lose. I have never supported the tanking idea. But the focus has to stay long term, and not getting caught up in the moment.
I just hope DB, KJ and Torts are true to their word, and that bodies are moving out for future assets. The rebuild doesn't have to be 7-10 years long, but it does require patience, and now a new approach due to getting a top d, but losing a huge piece for the future forward plans.
- TheFreak

My main concern is they fall into the Pitttsburgh/Washington trap and keep throwing poop against the wall to keep it going for Crosby/Malkin/Ovechkin. I feel they will say we owe it to the guys we signed long term esp. Couturier. This would be a major mistake.

The Phantoms seem to be the only AHL team that cannot find adequate AHL goaltending. Bot Peterson and Sandstrom are flat out awful. Regarding defense I think that is more of a coaching issue. Maybe if they had a real coach, they would fare better.
- mr4tno

This is important to note when we look at getting rid of Hart. if there is no one in the system that can be a viable backup to Ersson then you should keep him unless it’s an overpay. Ersson has been great but he can’t play all 82 games a year and god forbid he gets hurt or regresses.

This is important to note when we look at getting rid of Hart. if there is no one in the system that can be a viable backup to Ersson then you should keep him unless it’s an overpay. Ersson has been great but he can’t play all 82 games a year and god forbid he gets hurt or regresses.
- Hextall271

There are always veteran backups that can be obtained short term cheaply. The Flyers are supposedly rebuilding. Getting into a situation where Ersson gets hurt or regresses is better then a situation with overpaying for goalies in the Flyers current position.

It's not just here..on Reddit the fans are totally in buy mode, sign Hart, TK, Walker, Seeler..etc, etc. It is more level headed here believe it or not..lol.


I don't think anyone saw us sitting in second this far into the season, and I am enjoying it, but the upcoming TDL could be disasterous or a great step. A lot of my fears is the unknown..Danny and co have no experience at this, and while we have done ok, I still think we should have gotten a bit more in the Provy trade considering we took on a long term salary dump. I also have a bit of trust issues, as former GM's have said one thing, and done another. Briere has already admitted lying to the fan base, so that, to me is not a good way to start. We will see.
- TheFreak

At the end of the day, could they even afford to sign Hart (next contract adds about 3 mil), TK (+5mil), Walker (+2 mil), Seeler (+2 mil), Tippet (+6 mil). That is 18 mil over the next 2 years less 5 for Atkinson. If the cap goes up 4-5 mil per year, they are still short 2-3 mil. Of course there are other expiring contracts that will help, but you can see it will still be a tightrope

There are always veteran backups that can be obtained short term cheaply. The Flyers are supposedly rebuilding. Getting into a situation where Ersson gets hurt or regresses is better then a situation with overpaying for goalies in the Flyers current position.
- MJL

Poor goaltending can sink a young team that is looking to progress and build confidence for your young players. If you’re purposefully looking to tank, sure. Then you could look at trading both tenders and just call up Sandström to fill the void. I think the flyers are rebuilding but I don’t think they are feeling it’s a 5 to 7 yr rebuild but maybe more of a 3 yr.

Currently, the goaltending provided has served as the backbone of this team.

This is important to note when we look at getting rid of Hart. if there is no one in the system that can be a viable backup to Ersson then you should keep him unless it’s an overpay. Ersson has been great but he can’t play all 82 games a year and god forbid he gets hurt or regresses.
- Hextall271

I think in today's NHL you need exactly what the Flyers have (two good goalies). Trading Hart is not anywhere near the top of my priority right now.

Another sign the Flyers are gaining notoriety around the league? The NHL Network has what they call showcase games on weekend days. The Flyguys are featured in both this weekend. They aren't sneaking up on anyone anymore.

Where I will disagree is the part about rolling the dice. I don't think this team should see itself in that mindset. The guy is shaping up to look like he will have chronic shoulder issues. at 7.9 aav that is a LOT of dice IMO.
- MBFlyerfan

The other issue wit this is you are going paying Couturier <8, farabee 6, sanheim 6, will be paying TK 10-11 and Tippet ?. There are only so many large contracts a team can support, which is why you trade RR and SL for picks/very young prospects..

It's still buying. It's still risk taking with Norris injury history. It's still trying to escalate the process. The Flyers always think they can buy and wheel and deal their way there. Until that way of thinking changes, they won't go anywhere.
- MJL

escalate or add to the process cliff?

Poor goaltending can sink a young team that is looking to progress and build confidence for your young players. If you’re purposefully looking to tank, sure. Then you could look at trading both tenders and just call up Sandström to fill the void. I think the flyers are rebuilding but I don’t think they are feeling it’s a 5 to 7 yr rebuild but maybe more of a 3 yr.

Currently, the goaltending provided has served as the backbone of this team.
- Hextall271

It could set them back for sure. That is still better than getting into a long term deal with a goalie for a cap hit that is not worth it. Look at Ottawa, they have a bunch of good young players and are having a bad year. They're looking at a potential top5 pick in the draft. For a team that is not yet a contender, what's better? Getting capped out or getting a high draft pick? It would be a mistake to sign Hart to a 5-6M AAV deal for 4-7 years or whatever term it would be.

The other issue wit this is you are going paying Couturier <8, farabee 6, sanheim 6, will be paying TK 10-11 and Tippet ?. There are only so many large contracts a team can support, which is why you trade RR and SL for picks/very young prospects..
- mr4tno

Good luck trading Ristolainen for picks and very young prospects.

Another sign the Flyers are gaining notoriety around the league? The NHL Network has what they call showcase games on weekend days. The Flyguys are featured in both this weekend. They aren't sneaking up on anyone anymore.
- Phillywhiteout

A Cup win is imminent now.

Good luck trading Ristolainen for picks and very young prospects.
- MJL

I’d be fine to have someone take him for nothing but I think you’d need to send out a pick and maybe retain. Bad contract.

Not for a player like Norris with his injury history. Otherwise without it, it's another trade that is to good to be true. What could go wrong. Ask yourself why would Ottawa make that deal?
- MJL

it was a blogger saying it cliff. no real rumblings about it happening.

There my be several reason why they want to move norris. Shake up their core. Perhaps the new GM wants to go in a new direction and norris doesn't fit that direction. So there is 2 cliff. Just because a team may want to move a player doesn't mean there is something wrong with said player.

It's not a no brainer with Norris injury history. You and I both know that if Ottawa was willing to make that trade, that would be the reason why. Just roll the dice. What could happen? Nothing bad right?
- MJL

false and pure speculation cliff. though you only deal in facts?

nothing like a booths corner run. honeuy siracha wings, rack of ribs, pretzel dogs, deviled eggs, bee hive cake. This dog gonna eat good today with a full slate of college bball

I understand the excitement that the team is performing well and is exceeding expectations by a lot, but the current mindset of the fans is troubling. When Hextall was building through the draft, or at least trying to, a couple of years into it, fans got antsy..things got excelerated, JVR and Hayes ended up being signed and we are here now. It had such potential to be patient, and build a proper foundation, with cap control and picks. It felt like we were doing things properly, instead of rushing and then the pressure and impatience came. I fear we are going to head down that path. I like Drysdale and the dimension he adds, but loosing what we thought we had in Guathier, the position he was expected to fill will hurt. I am enjoying them playing well, and I never hope they lose. I have never supported the tanking idea. But the focus has to stay long term, and not getting caught up in the moment.
I just hope DB, KJ and Torts are true to their word, and that bodies are moving out for future assets. The rebuild doesn't have to be 7-10 years long, but it does require patience, and now a new approach due to getting a top d, but losing a huge piece for the future forward plans.
- TheFreak

You lost me at the signings of JvR and Hayes. JvR and Hayes were signed by two different GM’s with two different mindsets. The Flyers traded away Brayden Schenn who saw a lot of LW, this left a hole and they pushed Giroux to LW. Our next best LW was Oskar Lindblom. How did that workout? Hayes was massively overpaid.

My main concern is they fall into the Pitttsburgh/Washington trap and keep throwing poop against the wall to keep it going for Crosby/Malkin/Ovechkin. I feel they will say we owe it to the guys we signed long term esp. Couturier. This would be a major mistake.
- mr4tno

didn't they already say that or something to that effect?

A Cup win is imminent now.
- MJL

No, it just means that they aren't sneaking up on anyone as you surmised yesterday.

Good luck trading Ristolainen for picks and very young prospects.
- MJL

And not retaining salary. I'd rather keep Risto as 3rd paid RHD instead of having 2.5 against the cap and not having what he brings.

I assume that one of Staal, Walker, Seeler is moved. Walker might bring best return. That would mean Risto or Zamula bumps up to 2nd pair.

No, it just means that they aren't sneaking up on anyone as you surmised yesterday.
- Phillywhiteout

Yea, I'm quite sure that NHL players and coaches are looking at the NHL network and seeing who is in the spotlight games. That's completely irrelevant to that situation.

And not retaining salary. I'd rather keep Risto as 3rd paid RHD instead of having 2.5 against the cap and not having what he brings.

I assume that one of Staal, Walker, Seeler is moved. Walker might bring best return. That would mean Risto or Zamula bumps up to 2nd pair.
- cdearth23

Yes, the retaining salary sh!t has to stop. I hate retaining salary for a player that is no longer here. In fact, it pisses me off!

Good luck trading Ristolainen for picks and very young prospects.
- MJL

I never said it would be possible. Just if you were going to do it that is what it would have to be for. Nashville traded Ellis so anything is possible especially if Fletcher gets another job.

Yea, I'm quite sure that NHL players and coaches are looking at the NHL network and seeing who is in the spotlight games. That's completely irrelevant to that situation.
- MJL

You really are a funny guy. You will NEVER come off of any of your existing agendas and will NEVER admit to being wrong. That's why I am begging for the Flyers to make the dance and for Torts to win the JA!!

I never said it would be possible. Just if you were going to do it that is what it would have to be for. Nashville traded Ellis so anything is possible especially if Fletcher gets another job.
- mr4tno

At this point, I would give Ristolainen away if another team would just take the contract in full.