Chara vs. Pronger -- yes, Chara obviously has the advantage. He's a couple of years younger, coming off of a fabulous season and is apparently healthy. But he's 34 years old now. The downturn of his career is likely to begin soon.

And even without Pronger, the Flyers defense isn't that far behind the Bruins, IMO. With a healthy Pronger, they're better.

Even though the Flyers grossly overpaid Bryzgalov, he's an immediate upgrade at the position and hopefully gives both the blueliners and forwards a little more peace of mind that he can be relied upon. I couldn't care less about his playoff track record. I don't think it's a good measure for future success/failure, too many other factors in play.

Let's remember, like you said, this is all on paper. So much is yet to happen that will change perceptions, favorites and underdogs.
- bradleyc4

Just bring up the same points in November and we'll see.

Gotta believe that the Flyers think they have that guy in Brayden Schenn. Obviously will be a learning curve this season and next, but he's got the skillset to be that guy.
- bradleyc4

I think from what I hear about the players, Couturier is more likely to be that player, while Schenn is more of an offensive player. But I really don't know. I hope both develop into strong 2 way players. But we can be pretty sure that neither player is going to be ready to play that role in the near future.

I think from what I hear about the players, Couturier is more likely to be that player, while Schenn is more of an offensive player. But I really don't know. I hope both develop into strong 2 way players. But we can be pretty sure that neither player is going to be ready to play that role in the near future.
- MJL

So in your opinion who is going to play that role of shutdown center for the Philadelphia Flyers next season?

I think from what I hear about the players, Couturier is more likely to be that player, while Schenn is more of an offensive player. But I really don't know. I hope both develop into strong 2 way players. But we can be pretty sure that neither player is going to be ready to play that role in the near future.
- MJL

I think (basing off of scouting reports and guys who know their stuff) that Couturier has the potential to be better offensively than Bergy. With that said, I can only hope that he develops to Bergys total skill set.

So in your opinion who is going to play that role of shutdown center for the Philadelphia Flyers next season?
- stveshdy

Claude Giroux

Claude Giroux
- jak521

Curious question.
If you have to pick one player on the current Flyers roster to underachieve this season who would it be and why?

I think from what I hear about the players, Couturier is more likely to be that player, while Schenn is more of an offensive player. But I really don't know. I hope both develop into strong 2 way players. But we can be pretty sure that neither player is going to be ready to play that role in the near future.
- MJL

They both have the potential to be top 2-way players, but in different ways.

Schenn is more of the gritty, hard-nosed backchecker like Richards.

Couturier is the more heady, does the little things right, always seem to be in the right place at the right time/good positioning guy, like Carter.

Curious question.
If you have to pick one player on the current Flyers roster to underachieve this season who would it be and why?
- stveshdy

I think it could be Meszaros. I just have a feeling he isnt gonna play the same way he did last year. For a solid portion of the season he had the ability to play in the 3rd pairing, against the (at times i realize this wasnt the case) other teams third best line. This year, especially with a lot swirling over Pronger, i think he may be expected to do to much...

Forward, Ill go with Danny. I think he is either gonna be really good, or he is gonna have an off year. Call it a gut instinct.

They both have the potential to be top 2-way players, but in different ways.

Schenn is more of the gritty, hard-nosed backchecker like Richards.

Couturier is the more heady, does the little things right, always seem to be in the right place at the right time/good positioning guy, like Carter.
- bradleyc4

I see the likeness with Schenn, but not with Couturier... He is more of a Jordan Staal from what I have heard. I get that both Carter and Couturier are not known for their rough and tumble physical play, but i think Couturier will be more dominant in his own end... just my tew sense

I think it could be Meszaros. I just have a feeling he isnt gonna play the same way he did last year. For a solid portion of the season he had the ability to play in the 3rd pairing, against the (at times i realize this wasnt the case) other teams third best line. This year, especially with a lot swirling over Pronger, i think he may be expected to do to much...

Forward, Ill go with Danny. I think he is either gonna be really good, or he is gonna have an off year. Call it a gut instinct.
- jak521

Its funny you said that. I was thinking the same exact thing. For the Flyers sake I hope it doesnt happen cause they really need him to step up even more this season.

I think it could be Meszaros. I just have a feeling he isnt gonna play the same way he did last year. For a solid portion of the season he had the ability to play in the 3rd pairing, against the (at times i realize this wasnt the case) other teams third best line. This year, especially with a lot swirling over Pronger, i think he may be expected to do to much...

Forward, Ill go with Danny. I think he is either gonna be really good, or he is gonna have an off year. Call it a gut instinct.
- jak521

I think Meszaros is a good guess. He was sheltered for a good portion of the season, and even though he played well after given more minutes, I think a lot of it had to do with built-up confidence from playing well vs. other teams lesser lines.

If thrown into the top-4 to start the season, if he struggles at first, it could be a long season of rebuilding his confidence to last year's level.

Gotta believe that the Flyers think they have that guy in Brayden Schenn. Obviously will be a learning curve this season and next, but he's got the skillset to be that guy.
- bradleyc4

Giroux has most, if not all of those qualities too, along with more offensive upside.

I see the likeness with Schenn, but not with Couturier... He is more of a Jordan Staal from what I have heard. I get that both Carter and Couturier are not known for their rough and tumble physical play, but i think Couturier will be more dominant in his own end... just my tew sense
- jak521

I think Carter was fairly dominant in the defensive zone, he just did it more subtly. I was just giving recent Flyers as examples, not saying they're exactly alike.

Giroux has most, if not all of those qualities too, along with more offensive upside.
- BringBack25

I agree and I think he'll be that guy this year. I do worry about his size in that role, though. It could take a huge toll on him. The third line center position is going to be very intriguing this year.

I think Carter was fairly dominant in the defensive zone, he just did it more subtly. I was just giving recent Flyers as examples, not saying they're exactly alike.
- bradleyc4

I like Carter as a player but imo I think he really lacked physicality with his size and strength. I know injuries killed his playoff performance but it seemed like when the talent level on the other side was legit (playoff caliber) he would disappear at times. I said this before if I could keep one of the two that were traded it would of been Carter.

I think Carter was fairly dominant in the defensive zone, he just did it more subtly. I was just giving recent Flyers as examples, not saying they're exactly alike.
- bradleyc4

I can understand and appreciate the likeness from a physical standpoint. They are both bigger players, neither a true physical force or specimen. Id agree with you, that when it comes to recent forwards, he and Carter are probably the most alike.

IF he fully develops to what is anticipated, the sky could be the limit for him...

Here is an interesting read:

The Good: Just about every tool of Sean's is above-average at the least with several touching plus level. Sean has well above-average puck skills for a big man with the kind of hand-eye coordination that helps him do things out of the ordinary. He is very good at deflecting shots and getting his stick on loose pucks, and while he isn't the kind of guy who will try to deke through several defenders at a time, he does has solid maneuvering ability with the puck and does on occasion make a one-on-one move that draws the rink's attention. His greatest asset though has to be his head and how he thinks the game. He consistently executes on passes and the speed at which he makes good decisions with the puck will translate seamlessly to the NHL game. He does so many little things right and at a quality level, be it on the forecheck, positioning, play in front of the net and on defense that's it's hard to imagine him needing a significant amount of coaching at the technical level when he goes pro. His shooting ability and projections as a goal-scorer are also notable. Couturier has solid mechanics on his shot, be it on his weight distribution when he's moving towards the net or by leaning into his shot from a standstill. The velocity on his wrister is plus and while he can score from a distance, he regularly goes to the net and the high percentage areas for a lot of his goals. He can do that because he's a pretty big guy. At 6'4" and still growing into his body, Couturier has the physical projection to be well above-average to plus at the NHL level, which when combined with his skill set makes you understand his desirable potential.

The Bad: The only thing that will hold Couturier back is his skating tool, because as it stands now it grades as fringe to below-average. Mind you, Sean has made strides to improve in that area and it's far ahead of where it was 1-2 years ago, but it's still not at pro-level. When he gets going in full stride, he can approach fringe-average level and with how the stride looks mechanics-wise now, there is chance for improvement if he continues to put development work in that area.

Projection: An above-average first line center who safely projects as a below-average first line center.

A player like Bergeron is also a huge hole in the Flyers lineup. A player that plays a solid checking game, very good on faceoffs, and does all the little things that go a long way to helping a team win. Many couldn't understand why Bergeron made Team Canada. I knew why.
- MJL

A guy like Bergeron is the biggest difference between the Aug 2011 Flyers and the August 2010 Bruins.

I agree and I think he'll be that guy this year. I do worry about his size in that role, though. It could take a huge toll on him. The third line center position is going to be very intriguing this year.
- bradleyc4

Yeah, size could be an issue for Giroux. Hopefully in the case of a bad matchup Schenn can assume some of that duty.

With Danny and Roo as our top two centers we're not exactly livin' large down the middle these days.

I think it could be Meszaros. I just have a feeling he isnt gonna play the same way he did last year. For a solid portion of the season he had the ability to play in the 3rd pairing, against the (at times i realize this wasnt the case) other teams third best line. This year, especially with a lot swirling over Pronger, i think he may be expected to do to much...

Forward, Ill go with Danny. I think he is either gonna be really good, or he is gonna have an off year. Call it a gut instinct.
- jak521

I think Meszaros is a good guess. He was sheltered for a good portion of the season, and even though he played well after given more minutes, I think a lot of it had to do with built-up confidence from playing well vs. other teams lesser lines.

If thrown into the top-4 to start the season, if he struggles at first, it could be a long season of rebuilding his confidence to last year's level.
- bradleyc4

Its funny you said that. I was thinking the same exact thing. For the Flyers sake I hope it doesnt happen cause they really need him to step up even more this season.
- stveshdy

I made the exact same guess a few nights ago but the person I was discussing this with feels 100% sure that Meszaros will only get better and better. While I can't completely disagree, I think his play could go either way. Meszaros was great for Ottawa but not that great in Tampa. I understand that Pronger was hurt for a little under half the season but I feel everyone picked up the slack when Pronger was out. I also feel Meszaros will end up next to Lilja, who in my opinion is a slight step back to O'Donnell.

Curious question.
If you have to pick one player on the current Flyers roster to underachieve this season who would it be and why?
- stveshdy

Depends on the expectations. If Schenn has 12 goals and 25 assists, there will be some who feel that he underachieved. If JvR doesn't score 34 goals, there will be some who feel he didn't meet expectations.

In my own expectations, I think Meszaros could be the guy that doesn't achieve what I hope he does.

Yeah, size could be an issue for Giroux. Hopefully in the case of a bad matchup Schenn can assume some of that duty.

With Danny and Roo as our top two centers we're not exactly livin' large down the middle these days.
- BringBack25

No doubt, but i think the fact that we got so much bigger on the wings will more than help offset that problem.

I can understand and appreciate the likeness from a physical standpoint. They are both bigger players, neither a true physical force or specimen. Id agree with you, that when it comes to recent forwards, he and Carter are probably the most alike.

IF he fully develops to what is anticipated, the sky could be the limit for him...

Here is an interesting read:

The Good: Just about every tool of Sean's is above-average at the least with several touching plus level. Sean has well above-average puck skills for a big man with the kind of hand-eye coordination that helps him do things out of the ordinary. He is very good at deflecting shots and getting his stick on loose pucks, and while he isn't the kind of guy who will try to deke through several defenders at a time, he does has solid maneuvering ability with the puck and does on occasion make a one-on-one move that draws the rink's attention. His greatest asset though has to be his head and how he thinks the game. He consistently executes on passes and the speed at which he makes good decisions with the puck will translate seamlessly to the NHL game. He does so many little things right and at a quality level, be it on the forecheck, positioning, play in front of the net and on defense that's it's hard to imagine him needing a significant amount of coaching at the technical level when he goes pro. His shooting ability and projections as a goal-scorer are also notable. Couturier has solid mechanics on his shot, be it on his weight distribution when he's moving towards the net or by leaning into his shot from a standstill. The velocity on his wrister is plus and while he can score from a distance, he regularly goes to the net and the high percentage areas for a lot of his goals. He can do that because he's a pretty big guy. At 6'4" and still growing into his body, Couturier has the physical projection to be well above-average to plus at the NHL level, which when combined with his skill set makes you understand his desirable potential.

The Bad: The only thing that will hold Couturier back is his skating tool, because as it stands now it grades as fringe to below-average. Mind you, Sean has made strides to improve in that area and it's far ahead of where it was 1-2 years ago, but it's still not at pro-level. When he gets going in full stride, he can approach fringe-average level and with how the stride looks mechanics-wise now, there is chance for improvement if he continues to put development work in that area.

Projection: An above-average first line center who safely projects as a below-average first line center.
- jak521

Yeah, I read that from Hockey Prospectus, too. Definitely a glowing review from that guy -- along with Schenn's review.

I made the exact same guess a few nights ago but the person I was discussing this with feels 100% sure that Meszaros will only get better and better. While I can't completely disagree, I think his play could go either way. Meszaros was great for Ottawa but not that great in Tampa. I understand that Pronger was hurt for a little under half the season but I feel everyone picked up the slack when Pronger was out. I also feel Meszaros will end up next to Lilja, who in my opinion is a slight step back to O'Donnell.
- Schenn2shine

Truth be told, I'm hopeful that Gustafsson can make this team out of camp, even if Pronger is deemed ready.

He's got the offensive skills to QB a PP, isn't going to kill you on defense, isn't 36 years old and hasn't been charged with attempted rape.

So in your opinion who is going to play that role of shutdown center for the Philadelphia Flyers next season?
- stveshdy

Do we want Giroux playing against the league's best full time? This could seriously take away from his offense if this is the case. I think this team is going to have to give a shut down by everyone every night. Signing a guy like Handzus would have been huge for us but I suppose we could also ask Talbot to try.

Yeah, I read that from Hockey Prospectus, too. Definitely a glowing review from that guy -- along with Schenn's review.
- bradleyc4

I have read probably 5-6 different articles where the writer says they were blown away that he didnt go top 5. The fact that he fell to 8 is appalling. He has arguably the highest long term potential in the draft, but is already capable of competing for an NHL spot.


I have heard NOTHING but good reviews.