Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Bourdon On Comeback Trail Again

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Bourdon On Comeback Trail Again
- bmeltzer

While I respect his determination and wish him only the best, I think the Flyers need to just turn the page on Bourdon. At this point, the kid really needs to start thinking about a future without hockey. Concussions are serious, and it's just not worth risking future and possibly permanent brain injury.

On another topic, how is Wellwood doing with his rehab, any chance he will be able to play? He seems like just the kind of low cost guy the Flyers could use on their 4th line.

Bill,
Nice summary of a painful situation. Unlike Wellwood, Bourdon's injury has quality of life ramifications.

It would be great if Bourdon was able to give it one more go...for his sake to at least get some closure ... his situation makes even trying potentially dangerous.

Bourdon was a nice prospect who had he be been healthy could/would have been on the blueline for the last few seasons. He showed he belonged at the NHL level. What is more important for his sake is can be live a life free of symptoms? how high a priority does he place quality of life over playing hockey?

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Bourdon On Comeback Trail Again
- bmeltzer

I like MAB, too. I hope they get an AHL deal worked out. He adds great depth when healthy. And he was certainly capable when called up in 2012. And now with Gus' departure, we could use that extra body...especially if Kimmo hangs it up. That said, it would be nice if Goat or Hagg could make the big club (if and only if ) they are ready).

I wish the kid would retire and save himself. Have Pronger,Lindros and Primeau, that had careers ended with concussions, talk to him. If they decide to sign him, sign him too an AHL and have him sit for the whole year and go from there, If you think he's a potentially good payer. I really think his family should advise him to reitre, or take a couple years off.

Bill,
Nice summary of a painful situation. Unlike Wellwood, Bourdon's injury has quality of life ramifications.

It would be great if Bourdon was able to give it one more go...for his sake to at least get some closure ... his situation makes even trying potentially dangerous.

Bourdon was a nice prospect who had he be been healthy could/would have been on the blueline for the last few seasons. He showed he belonged at the NHL level. What is more important for his sake is can be live a life free of symptoms? how high a priority does he place quality of life over playing hockey?
- wbon22

Perhaps he should have a talk with Keith Primeau.

Perhaps he should have a talk with Keith Primeau.
- section32

Perhaps he should have a talk with Keith Primeau.
- section32

Easy to say....but the kid is still very young...hockey is all he knows....I'm sure he still wants to see if there's a chance he can full fill his dreams......I wish him luck and good health..

Let's just hope that our luck with promising defensemen getting injured changes a little bit.

*knocks on wood*
*crosses fingers*
*throws salt over shoulder*

Easy for me to say because I'm not the one chasing the dream, but at this point he really needs to think long and hard about the future. It's a shame because he could be on the Flyers now and that has to be what is making him keep pushing forward.

The Flyers need to sit MAB down and give him a hearty hug of thanks for all he's done and tried to do to in his effort to make a comeback.

They should perhaps give him a position in the organization to help his transition into the work force if he has no other options at this point, maybe even pay his way through college so he could get his degree.

But he has to accept the lousy cards he was dealt and begin to move on with his life away from hockey for the sake of his family and himself.

Crosby managed to comeback and play a full season after dealing with concussion symptoms for two years. It seems like they're being pretty cautious with him. I don't see anything wrong with giving it another year.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Bourdon On Comeback Trail Again
- bmeltzer

As a fellow concussion sufferer, I feel for Bourdon. I had a serious concussion at the start of 2013 and I still deal with mild symptoms-and I'm not trying to play a rough sport like professional hockey.

As much as I feel for Bourdon and understand his desire to achieve his dream, the Flyers simply can not utilize a contract slot on him at this juncture. An AHL only deal, similar to the one that Eric Wellwood received is the best route for the Flyers.

Bourdon was an encouraging prospect, who could have been a solid 3rd pair guy. Given his history and best case scenario, I just can't see risking a slot and LTIR slot on him. They can find a similar prospect without too much trouble or effort.

While that sounds callous, I really do feel for Bourdon. Not knowing the full medical report, I would be really concerned about his potential for future injury. As was mentioned by others, Bourdon also faces quality of life issues in the future, as concussions can linger for years.

Keith Primeau took 8-10 years to finally declare himself symptom free. Pronger is still dealing with mild symptoms 2 or 3 years after his concussion. Marc Savard still battles his PCS almost 5 years after he was injured. Not to mention the numerous NFL players that ended up with serious issues or committed suicide after dealing with the long term effects of concussive injuries. That has to be a concern for Bourdon at this point, given the amount of time and number of injuries he has dealt with already.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Bourdon On Comeback Trail Again
- bmeltzer

Do they have any interest in Guillaume Gélinas even though he's undersized

briere:

"The refs are trying to do their best, but [Vigneault] should look at his own team: [the Rangers] got away with a lot of stuff too. Ryan McDonagh's a great defenseman, but I haven't seen anyone slash as much as he has since Chris Pronger.

ha

Do they have any interest in Guillaume Gélinas even though he's undersized
- ob18

Nope.

Nope.
- Jsaquella

Only big & slow D right?

Only big & slow D right?
- ob18

I'm not sure how many slots they will have in Allentown. Figure Hagg, Gostisbehere & maybe Alt filling 3 spots. Lamarche might take a 4th.

I'm not sure how many slots they will have in Allentown. Figure Hagg, Gostisbehere & maybe Alt filling 3 spots. Lamarche might take a 4th.
- Jsaquella

Was just tossing a name out there, no big deal.

Was just tossing a name out there, no big deal.
- ob18

I just really, really, really want to avoid having NHL contract slots playing 3rd pair D in the ECHL

I just really, really, really want to avoid having NHL contract slots playing 3rd pair D in the ECHL
- Jsaquella

Yeah, no more Hostetters and Lamarches please.

I just really, really, really want to avoid having NHL contract slots playing 3rd pair D in the ECHL
- Jsaquella

True, just never know is why I tossed it out there

True, just never know is why I tossed it out there
- ob18

Maybe sign him to AHL PTO?

Maybe they sign him to an AHL PTO?
- Tomahawk

Maybe a 1 year AHL deal to see how it goes, not sure if he has any offers to turn something like it down.

Maybe a 1 year AHL deal to see how it goes, not sure if he has any offers to turn something like it down.
- ob18

Smells like a rookie camp invite.