The Flyers would either have to deal Versteeg or elect not to resign Leino but then, yes, they could pay just as much as the other clubs.
- bmeltzer

If the Flyers get Richards or Stamkos (big IF), does that make them legit Cup contenders again?

I hated the trades yesterday, and still feel the Flyers are a worse team now then they were before the trades.

If Schenn becomes the player he is projected to, then OK, it should be fine.

But I have to say I am very impressed with what Homer did. He took a huge risk to try and improve the team, and it could very well backfire and cost him his job.

He had the ability to look at both long term deals he gave to the twin pillars of the team, and realize he made a mistake, and took a real gamble to reverse what he thought was a wrong move. I respect that tremendously.

It is very easy to stand by your guns and not admit the mistake. He changed the face of the franchise in one day, and some would point out that he is taking an inconsistent approach and maybe a lack of overall plan. I see him realize that what he had done with the long term deals wasn't working, and respect that he is trying to fix things and make them better. It must have been a horrible day for him yesterday.

Two words: Dan. Boyle.
- Tomahawk

Just because things are a certain way now does not mean that they will be that way in several years' time when these draftees are hitting their prime.

No guarantees either way - just take the best available player. If you can address an immediate need, great.

YMMV.

Two words: Dan. Boyle.
- Tomahawk

You can find the exception to every rule. But if you look at the top 100 dmen in the League, you can probably count on one hand the guys under 6 feet tall.

You can find the exception to every rule. But if you look at the top 100 dmen in the League, you can probably count on one hand the guys under 6 feet tall.
- PLindbergh31

Mostly because your hand screens the puny ones.

I see he is listed at 5'10" 166. What is he more around? And shouldnt he fill out a bit?
- tjp2033

He's a mighty mite, but that's why he should be available at number 8. Very high upside as an offensive D. You can have one severely undersized D in your defense corps, don't know if it's good to have two. But by the time Murphy emerges as a viable NHL starter, Timonen would likely be retired.

I hated the trades yesterday, and still feel the Flyers are a worse team now then they were before the trades.

If Schenn becomes the player he is projected to, then OK, it should be fine.

But I have to say I am very impressed with what Homer did. He took a huge risk to try and improve the team, and it could very well backfire and cost him his job.

He had the ability to look at both long term deals he gave to the twin pillars of the team, and realize he made a mistake, and took a real gamble to reverse what he thought was a wrong move. I respect that tremendously.

It is very easy to stand by your guns and not admit the mistake. He changed the face of the franchise in one day, and some would point out that he is taking an inconsistent approach and maybe a lack of overall plan. I see him realize that what he had done with the long term deals wasn't working, and respect that he is trying to fix things and make them better. It must have been a horrible day for him yesterday.
- Marc D

it wont cost him his job, Snider and Lukko made the decision also

You can find the exception to every rule. But if you look at the top 100 dmen in the League, you can probably count on one hand the guys under 6 feet tall.
- PLindbergh31

But he would have the great Kimmo Timonen to tutor him in the art of surviving.

Kimmo is only 5'10 himself

I see he is listed at 5'10" 166. What is he more around? And shouldnt he fill out a bit?
- tjp2033

He is listed in several articles as 5'11'' 180lbs. He has also drawn comparisions to Brian Raflaski and more defensively stable Mike Green. He should still be able to grow a bit... maybe half an inch and 10-15 lbs of muscle. 6 foot 190 isnt small.

Don Cherry loves the kid (not that it means anything).

A very good detail and depth analysis about the pluses and minuses of Jake Voracek in his three years there, by a Columbus fan. A very good read for those that want more info on him.

http://www.jacketscannon....-2011-the-problem-of-jake

He's a mighty mite, but that's why he should be available at number 8. Very high upside as an offensive D. You can have one severely undersized D in your defense corps, don't know if it's good to have two. But by the time Murphy emerges as a viable NHL starter, Timonen would likely be retired.
- bmeltzer

It would be nice to have that big point producer on the blue line. Pronger does a bit still and Kimmo and Carle get a bunch of assists but Id like that Mike Green type guy for us.

But he would have the great Kimmo Timonen to tutor him in the art of surviving.

Kimmo is only 5'10 himself
- tjp2033

So is Mark Streit

Looks like Max Talbot is out in pitt hitting the market

So is Mark Streit
- Pat MaGroin

Enstrom as well

it wont cost him his job, Snider and Lukko made the decision also
- vejim

You never know.

Worse case scenario if nothing pans out that they traded for?
Someone will take the blame.

I think things actually are going to be fine, and I just admire Homer and the rest of the management for having the balls to do what they did.

what about Dougie Hamilton? This guys is supposed to be cant miss. Say the Flyers can only move up to #4 is this the guy they would take (barring Landeskog and Larsson are gone)

And why is Larsson a better prospect than Hamilton?

You can find the exception to every rule. But if you look at the top 100 dmen in the League, you can probably count on one hand the guys under 6 feet tall.
- PLindbergh31

In recent years, you need only look at Timonen, Rafalski, Boyle, Enstrom and others. If a guy can play, he can play. You just don't want too many undersized D on the same roster.

You can find the exception to every rule. But if you look at the top 100 dmen in the League, you can probably count on one hand the guys under 6 feet tall.
- PLindbergh31

Sure, but if we're talking about pure offensive defensemen, size isn't really that much of an impediment if they're supremely skilled and have the hockey sense to overcome. Rafalski, Boyle, Visnovsky, Enstrom... those are pretty small guys that put up huge numbers.

Murphy and Grimaldi are going to be passed up because of their size and hindsight isn't going to be kind to the clubs that did the passing up.

I think Isaiah might have mentioned it earlier, but if Leino doesn't sign with the team, Voracek might be a good player for Briere's wing. He sounds like he brings very good play making and ability to control the puck and be a set up man, just like Ville.

what about Dougie Hamilton? This guys is supposed to be cant miss. Say the Flyers can only move up to #4 is this the guy they would take (barring Landeskog and Larsson are gone)

And why is Larsson a better prospect than Hamilton?
- tjp2033

Bill would have to answer that. But from the little I have seen of Hamilton I love.

6'4" 200 pound puck moving dman, who also happens to be a right handed shot.

I mean come on, what's not to like?

And why is Larsson a better prospect than Hamilton?
- tjp2033

He's huge and physical, but is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. Offensive upside, too, but more likely to be a shutdown 1st-pairing player as he matures.

what about Dougie Hamilton? This guys is supposed to be cant miss. Say the Flyers can only move up to #4 is this the guy they would take (barring Landeskog and Larsson are gone)

And why is Larsson a better prospect than Hamilton?
- tjp2033

Hamilton is a terrific prospect, too. Larsson is already playing in a pro league, though, and doing very well.

Sure, but if we're talking about pure offensive defensemen, size isn't really that much of an impediment if they're supremely skilled and have the hockey sense to overcome. Rafalski, Boyle, Visnovsky, Enstrom... those are pretty small guys that put up huge numbers.

Murphy and Grimaldi are going to be passed up because of their size and hindsight isn't going to be kind to the clubs that did the passing up.
- Tomahawk

After watching the Flyers playing against those two small forwards on Buffalo and the post season that Marchand had, I'd give Grimaldi a shot.

He's huge and physical, but is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. Offensive upside, too, but more likely to be a shutdown 1st-pairing player as he matures.
- bmeltzer

There's conflicting reports on Larsson's skating... some accounts have him as being a pretty awkward skater, a "clunky" stride, not a lot of top-end speed. Others say he's got a smooth stride... hard to know what to really believe. He definitely has agility and quick feet, that much is evident.

He's huge and physical, but is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. Offensive upside, too, but more likely to be a shutdown 1st-pairing player as he matures.
- bmeltzer

I see he is 6'3 220. That is a monster. And you say he skates like the wind.

Who in the game would he be most comparable to?