Bill Meltzer: Young Forwards Are Key to Replacing Schenn Next Season

Is lehtera known for the pk at all? Despite the desire to rebuild that unit losing bellemare vdv read etc from it does make a difference. Who coming in can take some of those roles ? I know nolan is considered 2 way but would that be a lot to ask ? What about lindblom?

Raffl should do PK again like he did when Craig Berube was coach

I find it funny that the beats were all about bringing the youth along last year now they are questioning where the production to replace Schenn is going to come from.

I think Lehtera will not start the season on the PK. That looks to be some combo of Coots, Simmer, G and Raffl at least to start with Filpula and maybe Weise added unless Read gets a fourth line spot every day.

Re: PK minutes

Simmonds really excelled in a PK role last year so I think he'll be back on it. If Laughton is here I think he's on it too. Raffl would be my other guess. And Coots is always around if need be. I'm sure Hak will get some rookies a look there too to at least see if they can handle it.

I find it funny that the beats were all about bringing the youth along last year now they are questioning where the production to replace Schenn is going to come from.

I think Lehtera will not start the season on the PK. That looks to be some combo of Coots, Simmer, G and Raffl at least to start with Filpula and maybe Weise added unless Read gets a fourth line spot every day.
- dragonoffrost

They are never happy. If we ever win a cup again than I'll argue about how it was luck and we won't do it again cause of a flawed team.

I wasn't sure if lehtera had experience running the pk which would make him an obvious choice to slot in. Yeah you can have g coots Simmonds run pp 5v5 and pk but id rather not. Raffl could be an addition. But I feel like one of our kids is going to have to step up into that role. Lindblom I thought might he an option and than nolan runs pp than as season progresses maybe they both add the other specialty.

There are lots of areas where the team can improve 5 on 5 scoring starting with the captain. The issue is instead of those young players being added to the lineup to add to the scoring, now they need to make up for the loss of Schenn. It's a step back offensively for sure.

There are lots of areas where the team can improve 5 on 5 scoring starting with the captain. The issue is instead of those young players being added to the lineup to add to the scoring, now they need to make up for the loss of Schenn. It's a step back offensively for sure.
- MJL

Schenn isn't the only player getting replaced

Schenn isn't the only player getting replaced
- YuenglingJagr

Obviously covered by my point of young players being added to the lineup. Schenn is the clear loss of significant offensive production out of the players who won't be back.

I think Konecny with bigger minutes, the #2 pick in the draft, and the SHL MVP will be able to pick up the slack, I'm not worried. Also, expecting a bounce back year from G and Jake.

I find it funny that the beats were all about bringing the youth along last year now they are questioning where the production to replace Schenn is going to come from.

I think Lehtera will not start the season on the PK. That looks to be some combo of Coots, Simmer, G and Raffl at least to start with Filpula and maybe Weise added unless Read gets a fourth line spot every day.
- dragonoffrost

Jori Lehtera averaged a whopping 26 seconds of PK time per game for the Blues last season, so just penciling him in on the PK doesn't seem wise.

Obviously covered by my point of young players being added to the lineup. Schenn is the clear loss of significant offensive production out of the players who won't be back.
- MJL

I really don't think it'll be all that difficult to replace Schenn's contributions.

Obviously covered by my point of young players being added to the lineup. Schenn is the clear loss of significant offensive production out of the players who won't be back.
- MJL

I am just wondering how in the world they'll be able to replace the production from 76 and 78

I really don't think it'll be all that difficult to replace Schenn's contributions.
- Scoob

25 goal, 50 point players are not easy to replace. Schenn's production is being underrated.

There are lots of areas where the team can improve 5 on 5 scoring starting with the captain. The issue is instead of those young players being added to the lineup to add to the scoring, now they need to make up for the loss of Schenn. It's a step back offensively for sure.
- MJL

hopefully, a more skilled 4th line can also create more 5 on 5 chances\scoring.

xx

25 goal, 50 point players are not easy to replace. Schenn's production is being underrated.
- MJL

I agree.

The one issue I had with the trade would be the timing, he and Cooter seemed to finally click and were forming a respectable line. Schenn had been out of place linemates wise pretty much his entire career here and then when it seemed like he started to find a home next to #14 he gets shipped out.

25 goal, 50 point players are not easy to replace. Schenn's production is being underrated.
- MJL

While you are correct, I think it can be argued that Schenn's 17 (?) PP goals were benefit of system / players, especially when looking at his 5V5 production. I mean how many goals (when looking back) were "skilled" shots or difficult goals? I feel most of his goals came around the net via deflection, rebound, and getting in the dirty areas. With the new assistant coach and him having a highly successful PP, I don't think it will be as difficult to replace Schenn as you're making it out to be. On top of that, I expect our 2nd PP unit to improve which should also contribute some solid production (between new coach + better players) unlike previous seasons.

Elliot Friedman reporting McDavid deal could be close. 8 years, $13.25M AAV

I think Konecny with bigger minutes, the #2 pick in the draft, and the SHL MVP will be able to pick up the slack, I'm not worried. Also, expecting a bounce back year from G and Jake.
- ClaudeFather

There was appox. a 30 game stretch last year where this team averaged well below 2 goals a game. Scoring goals is going to be a big issue this season.

Elliot Friedman reporting McDavid deal could be close. 8 years, $13.25M AAV
- PhillySportsGuy

25 goal, 50 point players are not easy to replace. Schenn's production is being underrated.
- MJL

Schenn is an interesting case...I agree that 25 goal players are nothing to sneeze at and I have been been a supporter of his since he got to Philly. On the other hand, his lack of production at even-strength is a handicap of his that can't be discounted. His reliance on production on special teams means that he'll be prone to cold streaks when the PP inevitably goes cold throughout the course of a season. His production won't necessarily be easy to replace, but not impossible either and the opportunity to gain a couple of firsts for him, seemed to be a move of the GM selling high on him. I can't dislike the move all things considered.

Bill,

Do you believe that to have a legitimate chance of a cup a team needs at least one superstar player if not two? I've heard the McGuire's and Bowman's of the world verbalize this theory.
Assuming they're correct it would seem the Flyers are inherently flawed. While they are paying two players superstar money, they clearly are not superstars. Seems to me that trading Giroux and Voracek now, even at reduced value is, almost necessary. If/when they find a true star player the money for them will be going to two guys who are undeserving.
I realize the Flyers Faithful will scream blasphemy but as a casual fan I think I can see the situation clearly and without bias.
Thoughts?

Elliot Friedman reporting McDavid deal could be close. 8 years, $13.25M AAV
- PhillySportsGuy