I personally don't feel that Suter is a true #1 Defenseman. He's really just a very good #2. It would improve the Flyers by adding a D man who can QB the PP and provide a good shot from the point. But that is really the only area where Suter fits the #1 Defenseman description. In my opinion. So what do we have to pay him? That's the question. If we have to pay him like a #1, I'd pass.
- MJL

Well said.
+1

Kick the tires Homer but only pull the trigger if it makes sense. Since he may potentially be the #1 UFA D man this summer, it is unlikely he will be signing for #2 $$$.

He reminds me of Kimmo Timonen in his prime. Was he a #1 guy? I believe so.

Suter is also a very smart, positionally sound defenseman that's not afraid to throw his body around. He's a true, well-rounded #1 defenseman in my books.
- bradleyc4

I like Suter a lot. People say that he is a product of Weber but I don't buy that. He played well when Weber was out this season. I also seen him play well during the Olympics without Weber. The guy is a very good defenseman and is an instant upgrade over everyone on our roster (defenseman) imo.

He reminds me of Kimmo Timonen in his prime. Was he a #1 guy? I believe so.

Suter is also a very smart, positionally sound defenseman that's not afraid to throw his body around. He's a true, well-rounded #1 defenseman in my books.
- bradleyc4

I don't see Suter being nearly as good as Timonen in his prime. I don't think Suter is anywhere near being a #1 NHL defenseman. True NHL #1 defenseman are Chara, Weber, Lidstrom, etc. He is a smart player who is solid in his own end. But he's not a shutdown defender. And you have to be that to be a true #1 in my book. And Suter is not a physical player. Not that you have to be, look at Lidstrom.

I like Suter a lot. People say that he is a product of Weber but I don't buy that. He played well when Weber was out this season. I also seen him play well during the Olympics without Weber. The guy is a very good defenseman and is an instant upgrade over everyone on our roster (defenseman) imo.
- stveshdy

Yep, and Weber's numbers suffered when Suter was out of the lineup for 10 games in '10-'11.

I like Suter a lot. People say that he is a product of Weber but I don't buy that. He played well when Weber was out this season. I also seen him play well during the Olympics without Weber. The guy is a very good defenseman and is an instant upgrade over everyone on our roster (defenseman) imo.
- stveshdy

Suter isn't a product of Weber. He is a very good player in his own right. But then again, Suter isn't Weber.

I don't see Suter being nearly as good as Timonen in his prime. I don't think Suter is anywhere near being a #1 NHL defenseman. True NHL #1 defenseman are Chara, Weber, Lidstrom, etc. He is a smart player who is solid in his own end. But he's not a shutdown defender. And you have to be that to be a true #1 in my book. And Suter is not a physical player. Not that you have to be, look at Lidstrom.
- MJL

Problem is their aren't many true "#1" defenseman. Suter is 1A imo and those players are hard to get as well. He is going to cost money but does he improve the team greatly. Thats a decision Homer has to make.

Problem is their aren't many true "#1" defenseman. Suter is 1A imo and those players are hard to get as well. He is going to cost money but does he improve the team greatly. Thats a decision Homer has to make.
- stveshdy

I think he most certainly would improve the team. Especially on the PP. But what are the dominoes?

I don't see Suter being nearly as good as Timonen in his prime. I don't think Suter is anywhere near being a #1 NHL defenseman. True NHL #1 defenseman are Chara, Weber, Lidstrom, etc. He is a smart player who is solid in his own end. But he's not a shutdown defender. And you have to be that to be a true #1 in my book. And Suter is not a physical player. Not that you have to be, look at Lidstrom.
- MJL

We have differing opinions on the player....that's fine. I do also think there's a difference between elite players like Lidstrom and Chara, and "#1 defensemen". Not all #1's are elite players.

We have differing opinions on the player....that's fine. I do also think there's a difference between elite players like Lidstrom and Chara, and "#1 defensemen". Not all #1's are elite players.
- bradleyc4

Agree on the difference between all #1's and elite players. But a true #1 has to be a top player in all areas. I think Suter is a very solid player. A good all around player. But I don't view him as a shut down defender. Does he improve the Flyers defense? Absolutely. But what does it cost?

I think he most certainly would improve the team. Especially on the PP. But what are the dominoes?
- MJL

Depends what the Flyers want to do with Carle. If they want to keep Carle and sign Suter than they need to move a forward, Bob and Mez.

Agree on the difference between all #1's and elite players. But a true #1 has to be a top player in all areas. I think Suter is a very solid player. A good all around player. But I don't view him as a shut down defender. Does he improve the Flyers defense? Absolutely. But what does it cost?
- MJL

The Flyers can't add Suter without subtracting someone, so yes, that has to be a factor in the decision and overall effectiveness of such a move.

Depends what the Flyers want to do with Carle. If they want to keep Carle and sign Suter than they need to move a forward, Bob and Mez.
- stveshdy

We'll see what happens.

We'll see what happens.
- MJL

That would have to be the starting point. Would you be okay with them moving those players to keep Carle and sign Suter?

That would have to be the starting point. Would you be okay with them moving those players to keep Carle and sign Suter?
- stveshdy

I'd have to crunch some numbers and see how it works out. Tonight I'll put together some sample rosters and see. I'm open to adding Suter at the right cost. Just not sure what that is.

My one issue right off the bat it that with both Suter and Carle playing big minutes going forward. I see the defense lacking a mean physical edge to it. Especially if one of the results of signing Suter is losing Meszaros.

Depends what the Flyers want to do with Carle. If they want to keep Carle and sign Suter than they need to move a forward, Bob and Mez.
- stveshdy

If there's a bonus cushion, they could make it work by just getting rid of one of the defensemen and Shelley (if Suter is signed to a deal around $6.5 million).

I'd have to crunch some numbers and see how it works out. Tonight I'll put together some sample rosters and see. I'm open to adding Suter at the right cost. Just not sure what that is.

My one issue right off the bat it that with both Suter and Carle playing big minutes going forward. I see the defense lacking a mean physical edge to it. Especially if one of the results of signing Suter is losing Meszaros.
- MJL

I agree, I wouldn't want to lose Meszaros or Coburn.

I think it boils down to Carle vs. Suter.

I'd have to crunch some numbers and see how it works out. Tonight I'll put together some sample rosters and see. I'm open to adding Suter at the right cost. Just not sure what that is.

My one issue right off the bat it that with both Suter and Carle playing big minutes going forward. I see the defense lacking a mean physical edge to it. Especially if one of the results of signing Suter is losing Meszaros.
- MJL

Would you do a $50M 8 yr deal? $6.25M cap hit

Is that enough or would it cost more?

I agree, I wouldn't want to lose Meszaros or Coburn.

I think it boils down to Carle vs. Suter.
- bradleyc4

I agree. The more I think about it, if I was going to sign Suter, I'd walk from Carle. Suter is an upgrade over Carle. But again, how much for that upgrade? Because I don't feel it's a big upgrade.

I agree, I wouldn't want to lose Meszaros or Coburn.

I think it boils down to Carle vs. Suter.
- bradleyc4

Mez is the only player they can trade from the defense if they want to keep Carle and Suter.

They still have Grossmann and Coburn who can play physical.

Gives them Timonen, Carle, Coburn, and Suter who can all move the puck.

Suffer one year with the lack of physical presence until the following year when Timonen comes off the books.

If there's a bonus cushion, they could make it work by just getting rid of one of the defensemen and Shelley (if Suter is signed to a deal around $6.5 million).
- bradleyc4

Suter isn't a #1 d-man, he is 1.5625 IMO.

Flyers d-men not healthy during playoffs - Timmo, Pronger (of course), Grossman, Mezaros, Kubina. How many teams would really do well with those kind of losses?

I hope we can all agree that the team played well considering their injuries / youth.

I am on record that Parise should be the #1 target. Don't buy a a $2,000 suit and wear a clip on tie. Give Giroux a nice silk tie - a US Olypmpian, sniper, playoff leader, elite player. Give Giroux what he deserves - Parise. Damnit.

Would you do a $50M 8 yr deal? $6.25M cap hit

Is that enough or would it cost more?
- stveshdy

I'd be uncomfortable with it. I think Suter is going to want some hefty cash up front.

I'd be uncomfortable with it. I think Suter is going to want some hefty cash up front.
- MJL

Then the Flyers might be better resigning Carle for less money and trading for another solid defenseman.

Suter isn't a #1 d-man, he is 1.5625 IMO.

Flyers d-men not healthy during playoffs - Timmo, Pronger (of course), Grossman, Mezaros, Kubina. How many teams would really do well with those kind of losses?

I hope we can all agree that the team played well considering their injuries / youth.

I am on record that Parise should be the #1 target. Don't buy a a $2,000 suit and wear a clip on tie. Give Giroux a nice silk tie - a US Olypmpian, sniper, playoff leader, elite player. Give Giroux what he deserves - Parise. Damnit.
- Daman

Defense is the first priority. At least it should be.

I agree. The more I think about it, if I was going to sign Suter, I'd walk from Carle. Suter is an upgrade over Carle. But again, how much for that upgrade? Because I don't feel it's a big upgrade.
- MJL

I agree with this. It's Carter or Suter, IMO. That gives you a good top 5. The rookies showed they can play. Wouldn't mind see Lilja, Gus, and MAB battle for 6 and 7th spots.

I think if Coburn continues to get better and more physical, along with a healthy Grossman could provide you with the sand paper you need. With Timonen possibly being out in the beginning of the year, it could make for an interesting offseason. I still think I'd rather keep Carle for cheaper if Suter can't be had reasonably. He seems like a great player, but I don't think he's a "sign at all costs" type of player.

Defense is the first priority. At least it should be.
- MJL

I don't know the answer - but what is the average salary of the highest paid 6 d-men and the average salary of the highest paid 12 forwards?

My gut tells me that D has always been a priority, especially after we traded for Grossmann, Pronger, Timmo, Mezaros, Kubina, Carle, Coburn, etc.

Truth of the matter is that we lack an elite forward for Giroux. Don't give him that clip on tie. Plenty of 1-2 punches (2 elite forwards) through NHL history that have won cups.

Crosby - Malkin
Zetterburg - Datsyuk
Kane - Toews
Gretzy - Messier
Jagr - Lemieux

Let's make history in Philadelphia sports. I agree with getting Weber if at all possible, but otherwise Parise should be the only option.