Can't argue with the money he'd get over there.
- BulliesPhan87

I wouldn't be opposed to the Flyers signing him to a two year deal max, they might need the offense, with Jagr, and JVR gone, the depth has taken a hit.

A couple injuries and you have Wellwood playing in the top 9.

Not that Weber can "demand" anything, but not signing long term with Nashville could basically pave the way for them to trade him, as mentioned here before. Given the proposed CBA changes, it clearly looks like these long term contracts are a priority, not that theyll necessarily be limited to 5 years for sure, but you'd think Weber would want an opportunity to cash in.

The flip side would be signing a big deal with Weber and then having the cap ceiling dropping to a number whered we have to dump salary.

Despite my rambling, anyone think a Weber deal is more likely before a new CBA, or does that not have an impact? Just curious
- aosplayo

As for the Weber issue, I think a trade will come down if he doesn't sign long term.

But the league doesn't have to limit the number of years on a contract. Just have any contract that reaches into a players 35th b-day will be considered an over 35 deal from day 1. Teams wont give out those long deals anymore to pay someone until they are 40. You can still give your 21 year old guys a 10 year contact.... but if your guy is 26.... better not touch the age of 35 in his contract or the contract is now an over 35 deal..... That would fix everything.

Those were all 1-year gambles. Semin wants a multi-year contract.
- bradleyc4

That's true but Semin is more proven than Zherdev, not a journeyman goalie with attitude issues or a 39 year old that hasn't played in the NHL for a few years. Maybe a multi-year deal isn't as bad as we think.

I wouldn't be opposed to the Flyers signing him to a two year deal max, they might need the offense, with Jagr, and JVR gone, the depth has taken a hit.
- PLindbergh31

Agreed, considering it'd cost nothing but dollars on the cap I'd say he's worth a couple years.

I don't think of the "Family Ties" players will be signed, at least not now. All will go back to their collegiate or junior teams. Down the line after another season or two? Who knows.
- bmeltzer

Thanks Bill. It must be weird for some of the younger brothers to see there bros getting picked in the 1st round and playing in the NHL while they go undrafted and what not.

Hey Bill,

Nice write-up. Do you think Michael Parks has an NHL future? If so, do you think has the offensive potential of Matt Read or more like Eric Wellwood?
- psuhockey

To be a pro, Parks would need another collegiate season or two of strong development, coming just as far from his current point as he came in the last year from where he was after finished up in the USHL. That will be tough, but not impossible. I'd say he's one of the guys who advanced the most from a year ago until now.

Could he be like Read? Hard to say right now. Read was a late bloomer and Parks is still only 20 with 3 years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

That would be quite an amazing turn of events in Nashville, I couldn't imagine being a Predator fan and losing both those guys in the same offseason. Now theyll get great value for Weber, but still that's the face of the franchise. Im sure there will be a buttload of offers out there.
- aosplayo

Not sure if it is true or not, but I am merely repeating what Ek was tweeting either late last night or early morning, depending on your perspective.

There are only two sources I trust with items such as this - Ek and Eskin. Both have the pedigree and track record.

That being said, Ek DID NOT opine that a long term deal would follow. That is merely my speculation. But I can't imagine Nashville would give Weber away, and I can't imagine a team would give a ton without the assurance of a LT deal.

-Jersey Gent

That's true but Semin is more proven than Zherdev, not a journeyman goalie with attitude issues or a 39 year old that hasn't played in the NHL for a few years. Maybe a multi-year deal isn't as bad as we think.
- NickTheKid87

It's certainly a lot less risky than giving up some great assets for a similar player in Bobby Ryan.

Not sure if it is true or not, but I am merely repeating what Ek was tweeting either late last night or early morning, depending on your perspective.

There are only two sources I trust with items such as this - Ek and Eskin. Both have the pedigree and track record.

That being said, Ek DID NOT opine that a long term deal would follow. That is merely my speculation. But I can't imagine Nashville would give Weber away, and I can't imagine a team would give a ton without the assurance of a LT deal.
- Daman

Yea I doubt someone would pay that price without some sort of idea that he'd resign. Nashville could go either way here in terms of allowing teams to talk to Webers agent about the possibility of signing long term. Personally I think that Nashville would be better fitted to be accommodating to Weber and the potential suitors. I think they're more likely to get a huge return as opposed to the hardball method thats being deployed in Columbus.

Just call it what it is, Weber wants out, he likely wants to sign a deal under the current CBA, dont make it an ugly PR thing and get the best return you can

Alex Semin is still unsigned.
- bradleyc4

It's certainly a lot less risky than giving up some great assets for a similar player in Bobby Ryan.
- bradleyc4

Bingo. I'd much prefer Semin to Ryan. Like I said last week, I also think Semin is more talented than Ryan and for those who fantasize about Giroux and Ryan, I think Giroux and Semin could do more damage.

Yea I doubt someone would pay that price without some sort of idea that he'd resign. Nashville could go either way here in terms of allowing teams to talk to Webers agent about the possibility of signing long term. Personally I think that Nashville would be better fitted to be accommodating to Weber and the potential suitors. I think they're more likely to get a huge return as opposed to the hardball method thats being deployed in Columbus.

Just call it what it is, Weber wants out, he likely wants to sign a deal under the current CBA, dont make it an ugly PR thing and get the best return you can
- aosplayo

I think the Flyers have a lot to offer for Ryan, Nash or Weber. However, I think it is easier for the Rangers to put together a package - meaning they can offer more without impacting their team.

The term around here is "dominos". There may be some truth to that - with maybe 5 - 8 teams circling the Ryan, Nash and Weber deals.

-Jersey Gent

Not that Weber can "demand" anything, but not signing long term with Nashville could basically pave the way for them to trade him, as mentioned here before. Given the proposed CBA changes, it clearly looks like these long term contracts are a priority, not that theyll necessarily be limited to 5 years for sure, but you'd think Weber would want an opportunity to cash in.

The flip side would be signing a big deal with Weber and then having the cap ceiling dropping to a number whered we have to dump salary.

Despite my rambling, anyone think a Weber deal is more likely before a new CBA, or does that not have an impact? Just curious
- aosplayo

the owners will try to get a roll back. having the cap drop to the reported 50 mil would mean a 22% roll back.

Yea I doubt someone would pay that price without some sort of idea that he'd resign. Nashville could go either way here in terms of allowing teams to talk to Webers agent about the possibility of signing long term. Personally I think that Nashville would be better fitted to be accommodating to Weber and the potential suitors. I think they're more likely to get a huge return as opposed to the hardball method thats being deployed in Columbus.

Just call it what it is, Weber wants out, he likely wants to sign a deal under the current CBA, dont make it an ugly PR thing and get the best return you can
- aosplayo

The Flyers might be in the best position to get Weber if Nashville begins to shop him. Nashville can still remain competitive and we have great young assets that have NHL experience.

If the Flyers are going to make a play for Ryan, the best time would be now, before Doan signs and Before Nash is traded. The reason? Because the runner ups for Nash and Doan are going to be all over Ryan and will drive up the price big time. I say either get Ryan before the ball drops, or don't do anything at all.
- RooNosHockey

the flip side to that is if you are Anaheim, you wait. they don't have to trade Ryan

The Flyers might be in the best position to get Weber if Nashville begins to shop him. Nashville can still remain competitive and we have great young assets that have NHL experience.
- NickTheKid87

I'll pretend I'm a Toronto fan.

Voracek, Mezaros, and two firsts.

-Jersey Gent

Agreed, considering it'd cost nothing but dollars on the cap I'd say he's worth a couple years.
- BulliesPhan87

I don't think it will happen though. Barring the unforeseen, I think this is pretty much the team the Flyers will take to camp. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm glad Holmgren didn't gut the core again, it's essential to let this group build some chemistry and cohesion.

A few tweaks around the trade deadline with the cap space the Flyers have available and they can improve the team in season.

The Flyers might be in the best position to get Weber if Nashville begins to shop him. Nashville can still remain competitive and we have great young assets that have NHL experience.
- NickTheKid87

I think theyll be players, but teams like edmonton and chicago could build some strong packages around Hall or Kane. I fear Coots would be the big piece of ours, as he probably should be

I'll pretend I'm a Toronto fan.

Voracek, Mezaros, and two firsts.

-Jersey Gent
- Daman

Toronto already has the next Weber in Jake Gardiner!!!

Gotta love the optimism of Leafs Nation.

I think theyll be players, but teams like edmonton and chicago could build some strong packages around Hall or Kane. I fear Coots would be the big piece of ours, as he probably should be
- aosplayo

I'd gladly move Couts in a package for Weber. Good point about Edmonton and Chicago. Edmonton has SO MANY young assets. That's the benefit of sucking for the better part of a decade.

The Flyers might be in the best position to get Weber if Nashville begins to shop him. Nashville can still remain competitive and we have great young assets that have NHL experience.
- NickTheKid87

I think a package around the Schenn brothers would be the best Nashville could get, simply because they would be more likely to keep the both of them long term. I doubt the two would want to play on separate teams now that they are together.

the flip side to that is if you are Anaheim, you wait. they don't have to trade Ryan
- nastyflyergirl

I understand that, but at the same time the Flyers dont have to trade for Ryan. That is why I said now or never. If the reports are true and the Flyers are offering Voracek, Read, Bourdon, and a pick for Ryan then Anaheim has to decide if they can get more value later, or if this over-payment now will be the best deal out there. If the Flyers withdraw their offer then Anaheim might not see another offer quite as good. It's negotiations 101. Walk away with a final offer, and watch them stop you and buy.

I understand that, but at the same time the Flyers dont have to trade for Ryan. That is why I said now or never. If the reports are true and the Flyers are offering Voracek, Read, Bourdon, and a pick for Ryan then Anaheim has to decide if they can get more value later, or if this over-payment now will be the best deal out there. If the Flyers withdraw their offer then Anaheim might not see another offer quite as good. It's negotiations 101. Walk away with a final offer, and watch them stop you and buy.
- RooNosHockey

If Anaheim wants more than Voracek, Read, Bourdon and a pick than screw them. That's too much for my taste as is.

I don't think it will happen though. Barring the unforeseen, I think this is pretty much the team the Flyers will take to camp. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm glad Holmgren didn't gut the core again, it's essential to let this group build some chemistry and cohesion.

A few tweaks around the trade deadline with the cap space the Flyers have available and they can improve the team in season.
- PLindbergh31

Definitely. Rather than force a deal now, we can benefit from the players we have growing and improving. When an advantageous deal does come along (or, say, a legitimate shot at Shea Weber), we'll be better positioned to make it.

I understand that, but at the same time the Flyers dont have to trade for Ryan. That is why I said now or never. If the reports are true and the Flyers are offering Voracek, Read, Bourdon, and a pick for Ryan then Anaheim has to decide if they can get more value later, or if this over-payment now will be the best deal out there. If the Flyers withdraw their offer then Anaheim might not see another offer quite as good. It's negotiations 101. Walk away with a final offer, and watch them stop you and buy.
- RooNosHockey

by reports do you mean from rumor fabricators?