Bill Meltzer: Flyers Preseason Game Day: 10/2/14 @ WAS, Phantoms, Prospects and More

The New York Rangers are at the maximum 50 contracts, with Anthony Duclair making a push for the roster. Because of his age (19) and when he signed (Jan. 2, 2014), his entry-level contact will not “slide” this season. So, he will burn the first year of that three-year deal in 2014-15 whether or not he plays in the NHL. Can’t pin down who, but there is no doubt the Rangers are trying to move at least one body so there is room if necessary.

New York took Duclair with its third third-round pick (80th overall) in 2013. There were teams who shied away, wondering why Colorado — picking 63rd — did not take him, since he played for Patrick Roy with the Quebec Remparts. Whatever the reason, the Rangers’ decision looks intelligent.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Preseason Game Day: 10/2/14 @ WAS, Phantoms, Prospects and More
- bmeltzer

Frank Seravalli wrote about cutting Ghost this AM. His contention was that he was markedly better than most of the veterans during camp. Morin has played well also and for now is still with the big club. I'm disappointed with the level of play of the regulars. They were supposed to come to camp ready to play this year. Perhaps Hextall should have said the best 6 will play rather than "we aren't going to rush our prospects". The vets have been lack luster and both Ghost and Morin have shown ability and desire.

Frank Seravalli wrote about cutting Ghost this AM. His contention was that he was markedly better than most of the veterans during camp. Morin has played well also and for now is still with the big club. I'm disappointed with the level of play of the regulars. They were supposed to come to camp ready to play this year. Perhaps Hextall should have said the best 6 will play rather than "we aren't going to rush our prospects". The vets have been lack luster and both Ghost and Morin have shown ability and desire.
- section32

As much as I can't stand Fat Frank, he has a valid point. Ghost looked very good, especially on the offensive side of the puck, and Morin has played well too. With this being a "last shot" for Del Zotto, he hasn't done much to show he's the same player that he was with the Rangers. Schultz has looked terrible as well and let's just say that MacDonald hasn't inspired any confidence on the back end either.

Frank Seravalli wrote about cutting Ghost this AM. His contention was that he was markedly better than most of the veterans during camp. Morin has played well also and for now is still with the big club. I'm disappointed with the level of play of the regulars. They were supposed to come to camp ready to play this year. Perhaps Hextall should have said the best 6 will play rather than "we aren't going to rush our prospects". The vets have been lack luster and both Ghost and Morin have shown ability and desire.
- section32

Obviously, none among Coburn, MacDonald or Streit should have been in any danger job-wise regardless of how they played in the preseason. With Grossmann, the main question was how he'd recovered from the ankle tendon repair surgery and he was otherwise set to rejoin the lineup. Luke Schenn's job wasn't in jeopardy but his ice time and pairing role could fluctuate.

That leaves Del Zotto and Schultz. Both have semi-secure roster spots based partially on their salaries not being able to be fully buried in the NHL. However, Del Zotto needed to solidify a top six spot and Schultz needed at minimum to show he could be a reliable seven when there are injuries, slumps, etc. Neither have accomplished that goal.

Gostisbehere and Morin absolutely outplayed those two guys (as well as several whose jobs were not at stake).

Frank Seravalli wrote about cutting Ghost this AM. His contention was that he was markedly better than most of the veterans during camp. Morin has played well also and for now is still with the big club. I'm disappointed with the level of play of the regulars. They were supposed to come to camp ready to play this year. Perhaps Hextall should have said the best 6 will play rather than "we aren't going to rush our prospects". The vets have been lack luster and both Ghost and Morin have shown ability and desire.
- section32

My view is, even if Gostisbehere, Morin or Hagg looked better than some of the veterans, I'd still stick with the plan of them playing in the AHL or junior.

While they might be marginally better right now, I want to avoid having them learn bad habits now and struggling down the road. As well as they play, I don't think Morin or Ghost is fully ready & both could benefit from more time in the system on juniors.

The goal has to be the long term of these guys, not being a little better this season. Give Morin 9 games, sure. And if the vets are struggling in December and Ghost is kicking ass, great, then make the switch.

Obviously, none among Coburn, MacDonald or Streit should have been in any danger job-wise regardless of how they played in the preseason. With Grossmann, the main question was how he'd recovered from the ankle tendon repair surgery and he was otherwise set to rejoin the lineup. Luke Schenn's job wasn't in jeopardy but his ice time and pairing role could fluctuate.

That leaves Del Zotto and Schultz. Both have semi-secure roster spots based partially on their salaries not being able to be fully buried in the NHL. However, Del Zotto needed to solidify a top six spot and Schultz needed at minimum to show he could be a reliable seven when there are injuries, slumps, etc. Neither have accomplished that goal.

Gostisbehere and Morin absolutely outplayed those two guys (as well as several whose jobs were not at stake).
- bmeltzer

As usual Bill, your assessment is spot on! I thought part of the issue with last year's camp was how "complacent" players were because Lavy had been here a few seasons and they felt their spots on the team were secure. Yes the players may have come to camp in better shape, but from I have seen, many don't seem ready to play

My view is, even if Gostisbehere, Morin or Hagg looked better than some of the veterans, I'd still stick with the plan of them playing in the AHL or junior.

While they might be marginally better right now, I want to avoid having them learn bad habits now and struggling down the road. As well as they play, I don't think Morin or Ghost is fully ready & both could benefit from more time in the system on juniors.

The goal has to be the long term of these guys, not being a little better this season. Give Morin 9 games, sure. And if the vets are struggling in December and Ghost is kicking ass, great, then make the switch.
- Jsaquella

We might need Morin for those 9 games. That's a tough October

We might need Morin for those 9 games. That's a tough October

- Streit2ThePoint

That's exactly why I have an issue with them sending players down who have outplayed veterans. Scratch the vets and let the kids play at least for a little bit...it'll give the young guys some experience and maybe send a message to the vets not to be complacent!

Frank Seravalli wrote about cutting Ghost this AM. His contention was that he was markedly better than most of the veterans during camp. Morin has played well also and for now is still with the big club. I'm disappointed with the level of play of the regulars. They were supposed to come to camp ready to play this year. Perhaps Hextall should have said the best 6 will play rather than "we aren't going to rush our prospects". The vets have been lack luster and both Ghost and Morin have shown ability and desire.
- section32

This is depressing and should be embarrassing for these veterans.

We might need Morin for those 9 games. That's a tough October

- Streit2ThePoint

Got to remember, playing good in a pre season gameagainst the Hartford Whale, dressed up like the Rangers isn't exactly the same as playing good against the Rangers in a game that counts.

The Flyers have to weigh the long term future of their team & the prospects than being slightly better now. The Flyers have a prime example of rushing a young d-man who impressed early and has had an inconsistent career-Luke Schenn

Got to remember, playing good in a pre season gameagainst the Hartford Whale, dressed up like the Rangers isn't exactly the same as playing good against the Rangers in a game that counts.

The Flyers have to weigh the long term future of their team & the prospects than being slightly better now. The Flyers have a prime example of rushing a young d-man who impressed early and has had an inconsistent career-Luke Schenn
- Jsaquella

You got a point there. It's not like the Flyers are winning the cup this year anyways. No matter what they do.

Got to remember, playing good in a pre season gameagainst the Hartford Whale, dressed up like the Rangers isn't exactly the same as playing good against the Rangers in a game that counts.

The Flyers have to weigh the long term future of their team & the prospects than being slightly better now. The Flyers have a prime example of rushing a young d-man who impressed early and has had an inconsistent career-Luke Schenn
- Jsaquella

Agreed

However, unless MDZ shows a little more tonight, I have no prob with Morin taking his spot for a couple of games.

My view is, even if Gostisbehere, Morin or Hagg looked better than some of the veterans, I'd still stick with the plan of them playing in the AHL or junior.

While they might be marginally better right now, I want to avoid having them learn bad habits now and struggling down the road. As well as they play, I don't think Morin or Ghost is fully ready & both could benefit from more time in the system on juniors.

The goal has to be the long term of these guys, not being a little better this season. Give Morin 9 games, sure. And if the vets are struggling in December and Ghost is kicking ass, great, then make the switch.
- Jsaquella

Agree on sending them down. Not sure if giving him the 9 games is a great idea. I think it is fine for Morin, but I do worry about the impact on MDZ. If the point is that with a change of scenery he can get back to the MDZ of his rookie year, then I don't think starting him off in the doghouse is a great idea.

Plus, what are the implications for the Flyers cap situation? Can they even have Morin on the roster day 1? I thought they're over by the exact amount of the Pronger exception, excluding Morin. Does this mean sending someone else down for a day? What about long term implications on injury replacements?

Agreed

However, unless MDZ shows a little more tonight, I have no prob with Morin taking his spot for a couple of games.
- BiggE

Nor do I. They have to juggle a bit to keep Morin, but it's doable. I just don't want to see these kids end up like Schenn or MDZ because the Flyers were not patient

My view is, even if Gostisbehere, Morin or Hagg looked better than some of the veterans, I'd still stick with the plan of them playing in the AHL or junior.

While they might be marginally better right now, I want to avoid having them learn bad habits now and struggling down the road. As well as they play, I don't think Morin or Ghost is fully ready & both could benefit from more time in the system on juniors.

The goal has to be the long term of these guys, not being a little better this season. Give Morin 9 games, sure. And if the vets are struggling in December and Ghost is kicking ass, great, then make the switch.
- Jsaquella

Makes perfect sense. I guess the other side of the coin is, since the Flyers aren't legit contenders, and since Ghost and Morin outplayed everyone this pre- season, you could let them play and gain valuable experience, while actually improving the current team albeit it marginally.

We might need Morin for those 9 games. That's a tough October

- Streit2ThePoint

I would be happy with 5 wins in their first 10 games. The schedule is very tough.

Is Ghost better than MDZ at this point? The preseason seemed like that was the case. I would like MDZ to find his game again and i am guessing he will a small window of opportunity to do that or else we will see Ghost a lot sooner than later, especially if they don't have a decent record within the first 10 games

Agree on sending them down. Not sure if giving him the 9 games is a great idea. I think it is fine for Morin, but I do worry about the impact on MDZ. If the point is that with a change of scenery he can get back to the MDZ of his rookie year, then I don't think starting him off in the doghouse is a great idea.

Plus, what are the implications for the Flyers cap situation? Can they even have Morin on the roster day 1? I thought they're over by the exact amount of the Pronger exception, excluding Morin. Does this mean sending someone else down for a day? What about long term implications on injury replacements?
- TheGreat28

Easiest way to do it is to LTIR Pronger & White before season, waive Schultz & assign him to Phantoms, keep Morin. Gives them about $10k of cap room. Season starts, LTIR Kimmo and you have the ability to recall Schultz and get maximum LTIR exemption for Pronger. Of course you might face issues when White returns or if Timonen comes back, but that's a bridge to cross later

Nor do I. They have to juggle a bit to keep Morin, but it's doable. I just don't want to see these kids end up like Schenn or MDZ because the Flyers were not patient
- Jsaquella

Just because a rookie plays with the big club in his first year as a pro doesn't automatically indicate it will hurt their development. As a recent Flyers example, Couturier played well his rookie season and first as a pro and it sure didn't seem to stunt his growth as a player.

The front offices belief in the current defense is probably pretty fragile. Like one of you said earlier. If MDZ doesnt pan out... count on Ghost getting the call. Morin is being held up just in case we see a disaster like last seasons start. At that point, expect sweeping changes on the blue line over the course of the season. Just speculation.

Makes perfect sense. I guess the other side of the coin is, since the Flyers aren't legit contenders, and since Ghost and Morin outplayed everyone this pre- season, you could let them play and gain valuable experience, while actually improving the current team albeit it marginally.
- PLindbergh31

I still worry about the impact that will have. Real easy for young guys to learn bad habits, especially on teams that aren't good and don't have a strong veteran presence.

If they had a guy like Timonen, I'd be more open to keeping one of them , because he'd provide mentorship and solid play. Not sure they have that on this roster, with apologies to Streit.

The front offices belief in the current defense is probably pretty fragile. Like one of you said earlier. If MDZ doesnt pan out... count on Ghost getting the call. Morin is being held up just in case we see a disaster like last seasons start. At that point, expect sweeping changes on the blue line over the course of the season. Just speculation.
- GOA88

They shot themselves in the foot with some of the D signings/extensions. I'm sorry but AMac and Grossmann are not worth their cap hits...

Just because a rookie plays with the big club in his first year as a pro doesn't automatically indicate it will hurt their development. As a recent Flyers example, Couturier played well his rookie season and first as a pro and it sure didn't seem to stunt his growth as a player.
- aantny88

I agree. If the player can hold his own in the big leagues, you are not hurting their development. Playing Laughton 8-10 min on the 4th line hurts development. Playing Morin (assuming he is capable) with Coburn will help groom his abilities.

Just because a rookie plays with the big club in his first year as a pro doesn't automatically indicate it will hurt their development. As a recent Flyers example, Couturier played well his rookie season and first as a pro and it sure didn't seem to stunt his growth as a player.
- aantny88

Big difference between a forward playing in a defensive role and a defenseman. Also, Couturier has been frank that he tends to focus first and foremost on defense because that is what he was asked to do and that is what he is good at. Maybe another year in juniors centering a top line would have meant a different path for him.

They shot themselves in the foot with some of the D signings/extensions. I'm sorry but AMac and Grossmann are not worth their cap hits...
- aantny88

Well, I disagree there. I think just about everyone of our defenders are worth their current cap hit. Its market value. They just arent very good as a group. AMac is debatable.