Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Offseason Defense Planning, Defensemen in 2013 Draft

howdy Bill...going to be a boring couple months

Bill is it true that Nichushkin said he would like to play for the Flyers???

If he says he does, that really changes my opinion of him for me. When a player himself says he wants to play for us... thats huge.

I would welcome him with open arms if he personally said he wants to be a Flyer lol

Bill is it true that Nichushkin said he would like to play for the Flyers???

If he says he does, that really changes my opinion of him for me. When a player himself says he wants to play for us... thats huge.

I would welcome him with open arms if he personally said he wants to be a Flyer lol
- FLYERSROCK!

Supposedly, he said in a Russian interview that his most preferred NHL destinations would be the Rangers or Flyers.

Good review of situation. I think the Flyers have a shot of returning to the Weber file. But, it would be pricey and require several very good players going back to Nashville.

Couldn't agree with you more on Byfuglien Bill! Would rather go with what we have the to give up assets to acquire Byfuglien.

Supposedly, he said in a Russian interview that his most preferred NHL destinations would be the Rangers or Flyers.
- bmeltzer

Wow. Thats actually huge.
Also heard a report that the deal with Russia didnt go as planned and he may depart to NA?
NHLexpertpicks.com‏@NHLexpertpicks27 Apr
Russian media reporting promising 18 year old prospect Valeri Nichushkin has had a falling out with #KHL and may depart to North America.

If he personally said he wants to play with us... thats huge. Thing is I dont know if he'd still be around at #11. We'd have to trade up to Carolina with the #5 spot...

Good review of situation. I think the Flyers have a shot of returning to the Weber file. But, it would be pricey and require several very good players going back to Nashville.
- spatso

I think the Flyers should get Nashville to retain some salary in the deal also. And of course, wait until after July 1 and that big bonus is paid, to make the deal!

Wow. Thats actually huge.
Also heard a report that the deal with Russia didnt go as planned and he may depart to NA?
NHLexpertpicks.com‏@NHLexpertpicks27 Apr
Russian media reporting promising 18 year old prospect Valeri Nichushkin has had a falling out with #KHL and may depart to North America.

If he personally said he wants to play with us... thats huge. Thing is I dont know if he'd still be around at #11. We'd have to trade up to Carolina with the #5 spot...
- FLYERSROCK!

Why is it huge that he wants to play for the Flyers?

Why is it huge that he wants to play for the Flyers?
- MJL

When a player personally says himself that he wants to play for your team... i cant see how thats not huge.
Nichushkin has talent no doubt... never doubted that. the only thing that worried me was him committing to the KHL, and now reports say deal of KHL has fallen through and he might depart to NA.
Why must you argue over everything? When a KHL player who was likely to stay in the KHL for 2-3 years says he wants to play for your organization... thats big

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Offseason Defense Planning, Defensemen in 2013 Draft
- bmeltzer

has everyone come out the other side yet? good. let's not do that again.

When a player personally says himself that he wants to play for your team... i cant see how thats not huge.
Nichushkin has talent no doubt... never doubted that. the only thing that worried me was him committing to the KHL, and now reports say deal of KHL has fallen through and he might depart to NA.
Why must you argue over everything? When a KHL player who was likely to stay in the KHL for 2-3 years says he wants to play for your organization... thats big
- FLYERSROCK!

How exactly am I arguing by asking a question on why you think it's huge, that he wants to play for the Flyers? I'm sure every kid in the Draft has his dream team that he grew up following, and wants to play for. Drafting a young player that stays in the KHL for a few years, is no different then a player who goes back to Juniors or to the AHL for a few years. As long as he doesn't stay over there permanently.

I think the Flyers should get Nashville to retain some salary in the deal also. And of course, wait until after July 1 and that big bonus is paid, to make the deal!
- MJL

Is that sarcasm sir?

Yep, Big Buff is a no go. Unless it is for pennies on the dollar and I mean pennies no thank you. Do you hear us Homer!

Pulock!!!

Great to see your thoughts on Zadorav Bill. I know some are big on him here and you didn't paint a sparkling picture. I know the Flyers don't trade down much but if Moni is truly of interest they should or hope he is still available with their 2nd rounder. Perhaps the late season run is actually more of consequence for their 2nd rounder then their 1st?

Clitsome is someone that I was hoping they would target going back to his BlueJacket days. Shown steady improvement and has maintained level of play as TOI and responsibility increases.

has everyone come out the other side yet? good. let's not do that again.
- wilsonecho91

i just squeaked through. need to go back and really read it again. i'm ensconced in brand new goalie gear and it's hard to operate a keyboard and mouse while wearing a glove and blocker. i wish they could could make it have that new car smell.

When a player personally says himself that he wants to play for your team... i cant see how thats not huge.
Nichushkin has talent no doubt... never doubted that. the only thing that worried me was him committing to the KHL, and now reports say deal of KHL has fallen through and he might depart to NA.
Why must you argue over everything? When a KHL player who was likely to stay in the KHL for 2-3 years says he wants to play for your organization... thats big
- FLYERSROCK!

What do you think it would cost to trade up to get him? I'm not sure I am that excited about it, he also said the Rangers

But talk me into it. That might be fun.

Clitsome is someone that I was hoping they would target going back to his BlueJacket days. Shown steady improvement and has maintained level of play as TOI and responsibility increases.
- Comeback Rico

maybe they'll become our new swapping partner, replacing carolina and tampa. we can be called the philadelphia orange jackets.

i just squeaked through. need to go back and really read it again. i'm ensconced in brand new goalie gear and it's hard to operate a keyboard and mouse while wearing a glove and blocker. i wish they could could make it have that new car smell.
- hammarby31

Bill be sure to put together a list of your best available players in order for draft day. I'd love to keep your list at hand as the teams choose.
I'd give me a good idea of what the hell is going on
And thank you for doing all this research!

Another awesome blob Bill. Your statement about patience is spot-on, but it begs the question: are there any #1 D-men available in free agency NEXT offseason that they should target?

Agree on giving Gusty the keys to the #2 PP unit to see how he does.

the only thing that worried me was him committing to the KHL, and now reports say deal of KHL has fallen through and he might depart to NA.
- FLYERSROCK!

He recently reiterated his plans to play out his current contract:
http://en.rsport.ru/hockey/20130501/659962228.html

Lets draft all of the 6'6" and over d this year and cross our fingers one of them turns into chara/pronger.

Bill, great write up and I fully agree. (need to make an emote for this, it happens so much)

There is no obviously good or great move to improve our D. And as I do see this past year as a aberration rather than the norm, I fully expect Coburn & Meszaros to bounce back at least to their previous form which has resulted in numerous past playoff runs. I really like what I've seen from Gus this year (especially his second stint) and I do not see any real improvement for a #6 defensemen, especially not at the cap hit he'd command. His upside is as good or better than most of the UFA's for the 6th spot, and we have him signed as an RFA. Barring a total collapse in Camp next year, he should be cemented on our bottom pairing and given 2nd unit PP duties, barring a big Yandle style trade (only way we'd get anyone better than we currently have)

I also agree about Ryan Pulock. After reading your last blog about him I started doing research and I think you are right. He keeps jumping out at me with his offensive prowess and general good standing in other areas. Aside from Jones, Pulock is the only top ranked D who seems to have made his rep from Scoring. Everyone else is listed as a shutdown D or at most a 2-way guy. While I do believe getting the best player is paramount, if I had to pick a player with skills this team desperately needs, it would be Pulock.

Deep PO thoughts with John Candy:

How about that STL victory! Made the Kings look a step behind all night.

I hate PIT even more now!

TOR needs a different goalie.

Harding was one shot away from a fairy tale.

"Should we play 9 holes or the whole course today boyz?"

i just squeaked through. need to go back and really read it again. i'm ensconced in brand new goalie gear and it's hard to operate a keyboard and mouse while wearing a glove and blocker. i wish they could could make it have that new car smell.
- hammarby31