Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits and Musings: McGroarty, Tortorella

I’m guessing there’s no need to buy my kid a Mcgroarty Flyers jersey.

Replacing Torts at the end of this season is necessary. A lame duck season in the midst of a rebuild makes absolutely no sense. Besides, with Tortorella's style of play being replaced, Michkov hopefully will fulfill his potential with a new Coach who allows offensive creativity.

Bill, I believe there is a small but very important clarification that needs to be made regarding the Gauther and Rutger McGroarty situations. In both cases, its not that the Fyers or the Jets were unwilling to sign the player to an ELC after their first college season, but that both teams would not guarantee an NHL roster spot to either player. This makes perfect sense to me. NHL roster spots should be earned, not given out like candy. If Rutger McGroarty wants to be in the NHL, sign an ELC and beat out a player already on the roster. Otherwise he can develop in the AHL and then be called up when ready. I think the NHL needs to step in and start fining these players before this gets out of hand. In both cases, I don't think the Flyers or the Jets did anything wrong, yet both teams will have paid a cost; the Jets will hardly get equal value in a trade now that this is out there.

I’m guessing there’s no need to buy my kid a Mcgroarty Flyers jersey.
- landros 2

I would think not, it would be very hypocritical for the Flyers to get McGroarty. I feel bad for the Jets because they will probably have to cave to the player versus trading him for pennies on the dollar.

Replacing Torts at the end of this season is necessary. A lame duck season in the midst of a rebuild makes absolutely no sense. Besides, with Tortorella's style of play being replaced, Michkov hopefully will fulfill his potential with a new Coach who allows offensive creativity.
- VinnyP

There is zero evidence that Torts in any way stifles offensive creativity. TK's two best offensive years have come under Torts. Tyson Foerster scored 20 goals in his first full season. Even the OK Farabee had his best offensive season this past year. There is a big difference between stifling offense and asking players to be responsible defensively.

Bill, I believe there is a small but very important clarification that needs to be made regarding the Gauther and Rutger McGroarty situations. In both cases, its not that the Fyers or the Jets were unwilling to sign the player to an ELC after their first college season, but that both teams would not guarantee an NHL roster spot to either player. This makes perfect sense to me. NHL roster spots should be earned, not given out like candy. If Rutger McGroarty wants to be in the NHL, sign an ELC and beat out a player already on the roster. Otherwise he can develop in the AHL and then be called up when ready. I think the NHL needs to step in and start fining these players before this gets out of hand. In both cases, I don't think the Flyers or the Jets did anything wrong, yet both teams will have paid a cost; the Jets will hardly get equal value in a trade now that this is out there.
- jd250

As usual, you badly miss the boat. It is very simple for a team like the Flyers, not a contender and not in the playoffs. To sign the player and tell him he will be in the NHL lineup for the remainder of the NHL season when Gauthier's NCAA season concluded in 23. Once he is under contract for following years. You then have control. You're wrong in stating that the Flyers didn't do anything wrong. They royally screwed up. How can the NHL fine a player who is one, not under contract, and secondly. Didn't do anything outside of his rights as a player? What would they be fining them for? Your comment are not well thought out.

I would think not, it would be very hypocritical for the Flyers to get McGroarty. I feel bad for the Jets because they will probably have to cave to the player versus trading him for pennies on the dollar.
- jd250

How could it possibly be hypocritical for the Flyers?

There is zero evidence that Torts in any way stifles offensive creativity. TK's two best offensive years have come under Torts. Tyson Foerster scored 20 goals in his first full season. Even the OK Farabee had his best offensive season this past year. There is a big difference between stifling offense and asking players to be responsible defensively.
- jd250

There is literally tons of evidence that Tortorella's style of play stifles offensive creativity over the course of his playing career. He literally has no idea on how to coach offense. Self admittedly.

I would think not, it would be very hypocritical for the Flyers to get McGroarty. I feel bad for the Jets because they will probably have to cave to the player versus trading him for pennies on the dollar.
- jd250

I dont think Flyers have to worry about being hypocritical. If CG is one of his best friends there is no way he would even consider the Flyers

Bill, I believe there is a small but very important clarification that needs to be made regarding the Gauther and Rutger McGroarty situations. In both cases, its not that the Fyers or the Jets were unwilling to sign the player to an ELC after their first college season, but that both teams would not guarantee an NHL roster spot to either player. This makes perfect sense to me. NHL roster spots should be earned, not given out like candy. If Rutger McGroarty wants to be in the NHL, sign an ELC and beat out a player already on the roster. Otherwise he can develop in the AHL and then be called up when ready. I think the NHL needs to step in and start fining these players before this gets out of hand. In both cases, I don't think the Flyers or the Jets did anything wrong, yet both teams will have paid a cost; the Jets will hardly get equal value in a trade now that this is out there.
- jd250

Sorry disagree..dumb on Flyers that they didnt sign him to the ELC and play him those few games after his freshman season. What did they have to lose. Doubt they make that mistake again. That move really hurt the Flyers in a big way.

If these thoughts are true that some of these players won’t join a team simply because they are not promised a roster spot or they disagree with the teams assessment of wha they need to work on and how long it may take, then really who want them? At least for now, sports are still merit based and all players must earn their spot, position, and playing time.

That being said, it is standard practice for non playoff teams to sign these guys out of college, burn a year and let them play a few games in the NHL. However, we really don’t 100% know what the Quitter situation actually was. People have priced it together and had to draw some conclusions, but it is still conjecture as to what exactly happened.

There is zero evidence that Torts in any way stifles offensive creativity. TK's two best offensive years have come under Torts. Tyson Foerster scored 20 goals in his first full season. Even the OK Farabee had his best offensive season this past year. There is a big difference between stifling offense and asking players to be responsible defensively.
- jd250

I think there’s plenty of evidence to support the proposition that Frost played reluctantly so as to not make a mistake. That stifles his creativity and growth. A good coach allows players to learn from their mistakes as professionals and helps them work through it instead of chastising them like children. That’s a Torts problem and a coach who is out of step with the times and his players.

Bill, I believe there is a small but very important clarification that needs to be made regarding the Gauther and Rutger McGroarty situations. In both cases, its not that the Fyers or the Jets were unwilling to sign the player to an ELC after their first college season, but that both teams would not guarantee an NHL roster spot to either player. This makes perfect sense to me. NHL roster spots should be earned, not given out like candy. If Rutger McGroarty wants to be in the NHL, sign an ELC and beat out a player already on the roster. Otherwise he can develop in the AHL and then be called up when ready. I think the NHL needs to step in and start fining these players before this gets out of hand. In both cases, I don't think the Flyers or the Jets did anything wrong, yet both teams will have paid a cost; the Jets will hardly get equal value in a trade now that this is out there.
- jd250

It was all about money and not wanting to burn a year of ELC. Nothing to do with playing ability. Flyers will pay millions they don't have to for 4th liners or 3 pairing defensemen because they value the locker room and playing the right way over skill and talent.

I would think not, it would be very hypocritical for the Flyers to get McGroarty. I feel bad for the Jets because they will probably have to cave to the player versus trading him for pennies on the dollar.
- jd250

I wouldn’t say it’s hypocritical. But I would say there are a lot of good prospects out there. Ones that aren’t having these issue even before entering the League. If I’m the Flyers I focus on them. We’ll see what McGroarty brings in…..I don’t think he’s on the level of Quitter, but the Pennie’s on the $ thing might see Winnipeg wait him out.

I wouldn’t say it’s hypocritical. But I would say here are a lot of good prospects out there. Ones that aren’t having these issue even before entering the League. If I’m the Flyers I focus on them. We’ll see what McGroarty brings in…..I don’t think he’s on the level of Quitter, but the Pennie’s on the $ thing might see Winnipeg wait him out.
- landros 2

Make the kid sweat, leave him in college.

Make the kid sweat, leave him in college.
- ClaudeFather

If the Flyers have an opportunity to poach a young talent. They need to explore that opportunity. Regardless of the situation.

If the Flyers have an opportunity to poach a young talent. They need to explore that situation. Regardless of the situation.
- MJL

No crap bozo, wasn’t talking from a Flyers perspective

If the Flyers have an opportunity to poach a young talent. They need to explore that situation. Regardless of the situation.
- MJL

McGrotey or whatever the hell his name is was a 14th overall. Risto cost the Flyers a 14th overall. Problem solved. Just swap! 😂🤣😂🤣😂

No crap bozo, wasn’t talking from a Flyers perspective
- ClaudeFather

You should review the post you responded to. The very first sentence is "from the Flyers view" That's the context.

You should review the post you responded to. The very first sentence is "from the Flyers view" That's the context.
- MJL

How would the flyers keep him in college when they don’t have his rights ? And if they traded for him, why would they keep him in college? Context can change bud, get off your high horse.

How would the flyers keep him in college when they don’t have his rights ? And if they traded for him, why would they keep him in college? Context can change bud, get off your high horse.
- ClaudeFather

That's fine if you want to change the context but don't act like the ignorant ass that you are when someone replies to you with a valid point in context. You're the guy with the issue.

Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits and Musings: McGroarty, Tortorella
- bmeltzer

It is funny that the media are still following orders and calling this a rebuild

Make the kid sweat, leave him in college.
- ClaudeFather

And get nothing for him. Less than brilliant decision

And get nothing for him. Less than brilliant decision
- hfc355

Yea, because you could never trade him if you don’t this summer. Another brilliant bozo who can’t think a second ahead