Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Cleary's Knees, Talbot's Role, Raffl's Ticket to AHL

Nice read

Unfort. I think all of the slide rule players get sent back to their respective Junior Clubs, this year is just not their year because of offseason signings....

I also think Mez gets traded for a bag of peanuts....maybe a late pick or the all impressive "future considerations" at that point Pronger might have to go on LTIR.

Working on your birthday!

Happy Birthday Bill!

I haven't seen a whole lot of Cleary but I liked what I saw from this year's post season. That being said I still would of liked to of signed Gagne but we all have no idea what Gags' asking price was. Overall, I'm pumped to see what Cooter will do with actual wingers this season. I'm expecting big things offensively from him if he plays with good wingers most of the year.

I still would like to avoid trading Mezzy. I'd rather deal Grossmann if anything. Grossmann's injuries scare me more than Mez's. I also feel as though Mez will be a better fit.

Moving Max Talbot is not something I'd like to see.

And I hope if the Flyers DO sign Cleary and he passes his physical, that "Cleary's Knees" doesn't become the sister punchline to "Foppa's Feet".

Unfort. I think all of the slide rule players get sent back to their respective Junior Clubs, this year is just not their year because of offseason signings....

I also think Mez gets traded for a bag of peanuts....maybe a late pick or the all impressive "future considerations" at that point Pronger might have to go on LTIR.
- Pyzik

Trading either Mez or Grossmann is fine at this point if that's what they must do.

I like Mez's skill set when healthy, but I'm not terribly sure if he's that good of a gamble at this point.

I'd prefer they trade no one right now, use the slide rules on all CHL players, make the temporary demotions to get under the cap until they LTIR Pronger, and have the best 20 players start the season without any regard to salary or past history.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Cleary's Knees, Talbot's Role, Raffl's Ticket to AHL
- bmeltzer

Happy Birthday, Bill!

The problem I have with the Cleary signing is that it seems to show they are in a win now type of mode. Cleary is a guy you acquire because he has that warrior like ability that is desperately needed in the playoffs. If they were being patient, they could have one of the younger guys come up and take that spot and get some much needed work at the NHL level.

I dont mind Cleary (i think he is a decent player who has a ton of heart), but 3 years at 2.75 (carrying him until he is 37) is kind of puzzling to me.

I am so pumped for this season, cannot wait.

On a different note, thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the tragedy that occurred 12 years ago today. I can't believe it's been 12 years. I still remember walking through the courtyard sophomore year of high school to chemistry class when I overheard 2 teachers talking about something that happened in NYC. Then when I got to class the principal came over the loudspeaker and made the announcement. Never forget.

Happy birthday, Mr. Meltzer!

The problem I have with the Cleary signing is that it seems to show they are in a win now type of mode. Cleary is a guy you acquire because he has that warrior like ability that is desperately needed in the playoffs. If they were being patient, they could have one of the younger guys come up and take that spot and get some much needed work at the NHL level.

I dont mind Cleary (i think he is a decent player who has a ton of heart), but 3 years at 2.75 (carrying him until he is 37) is kind of puzzling to me.
- jak521

If he gets hurt or cant play anymore he can retire or at least be LTIR'd. I dont like the term but its not the end of the world since it is not an over 35 deal.

1) Happy birthday, Bill! Great month to be born in.

2) I am thankful that Cleary's knees will overshadow Meszaros' death watch.

3) I'm puzzled how Max Talbot's leg injury and being over a year and a half older than Meszaros does not put him in the "Oh noes damaged goods!" talk. No one's concerned about Talbot losing foot speed or his PK ability being affected? I thought this is Worrydelphia?

4) SQUIRREL! *runs into a brick wall*

The problem I have with the Cleary signing is that it seems to show they are in a win now type of mode. Cleary is a guy you acquire because he has that warrior like ability that is desperately needed in the playoffs. If they were being patient, they could have one of the younger guys come up and take that spot and get some much needed work at the NHL level.

I dont mind Cleary (i think he is a decent player who has a ton of heart), but 3 years at 2.75 (carrying him until he is 37) is kind of puzzling to me.
- jak521

I echo the same thoughts. They have enough veterans. They added a 33 year old Lecavalier, and 35 year old Mark Streit. I'd rather they play Talbot on the 3rd line, and use a 4th line spot to develop a younger player, such as Laughon or McGinn. That way, in a year or two, that young player has more experience and NHL time. And has gone through a lot of the growing pains that is normal for a young player. And are in a better position to contribute at a higher level at that point.

I echo the same thoughts. They have enough veterans. They added a 33 year old Lecavalier, and 35 year old Mark Streit. I'd rather they play Talbot on the 3rd line, and use a 4th line spot to develop a younger player, such as Laughon or McGinn. That way, in a year or two, that young player has more experience and NHL time. And has gone through a lot of the growing pains that is normal for a young player. And are in a better position to contribute at a higher level at that point.
- MJL

Thats pretty much where I am at. Now I am not angry about the decision, I think fans will love Cleary (i personally believe you can never have enough heart), but it seems like a move a team like Boston would make, a team that is a cup contender and is looking to improve the bottom 6 with a character guy.

1) Happy birthday, Bill! Great month to be born in.

2) I am thankful that Cleary's knees will overshadow Meszaros' death watch.

3) I'm puzzled how Max Talbot's leg injury and being over a year and a half older than Meszaros does not put him in the "Oh noes damaged goods!" talk. No one's concerned about Talbot losing foot speed or his PK ability being affected? I thought this is Worrydelphia?

4) SQUIRREL! *runs into a brick wall*
- Flyskippy

#3- The good news is that about 95% of the time, broken bones heal and have next to no lasting effect. He broke it between joints as well so that makes his case even better.

Thats pretty much where I am at. Now I am not angry about the decision. I think fans will love Cleary (i personally believe you can never have enough heart), but it seems like a move a team like Boston would make, a team that is a cup contender and is looking to improve the bottom 6 with a character guy.
- jak521

I agree.

If he gets hurt or cant play anymore he can retire or at least be LTIR'd. I dont like the term but its not the end of the world since it is not an over 35 deal.
- MBFlyerfan

Thats the silver lining that I keep focusing on. As for the cap space, we moved Danny Briere, and for virtually his same cap hit added Vinny and Cleary. Not a bad trade

I am so pumped for this season, cannot wait.
- five4fighting10

I was too, until Holmgren reverted to type with this Cleary signing.

#3- The good news is that about 95% of the time, broken bones heal and have next to no lasting effect. He broke it between joints as well so that makes his case even better.
- jak521

Isn't Meszaros injury recurring as well? I think that's a factor.

Thats pretty much where I am at. Now I am not angry about the decision, I think fans will love Cleary (i personally believe you can never have enough heart), but it seems like a move a team like Boston would make, a team that is a cup contender and is looking to improve the bottom 6 with a character guy.
- jak521

Very fair points. But as we have seen numerous times, once a team gets in the tournament, anything can happen.

Working on your birthday!

Happy Birthday Bill!
- MBFlyerfan

Thank you!

1) Happy birthday, Bill! Great month to be born in.

2) I am thankful that Cleary's knees will overshadow Meszaros' death watch.

3) I'm puzzled how Max Talbot's leg injury and being over a year and a half older than Meszaros does not put him in the "Oh noes damaged goods!" talk. No one's concerned about Talbot losing foot speed or his PK ability being affected? I thought this is Worrydelphia?

4) SQUIRREL! *runs into a brick wall*
- Flyskippy

Thanks! Good point re: Talbot. I will say that he seemed to be skating just fine at the session on Monday, but it's the only one I've seen with the vets to date.

1) Happy birthday, Bill! Great month to be born in.

2) I am thankful that Cleary's knees will overshadow Meszaros' death watch.

3) I'm puzzled how Max Talbot's leg injury and being over a year and a half older than Meszaros does not put him in the "Oh noes damaged goods!" talk. No one's concerned about Talbot losing foot speed or his PK ability being affected? I thought this is Worrydelphia?

4) SQUIRREL! *runs into a brick wall*
- Flyskippy

Ah I see... You listen and learn.

And #2 cracks me up. Couldn't be more true!

EDIT: Happy Birthday Bill! That event is a much more upbeat reason to remember the day