Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Worlds, Leier, Phantoms, Q Finals, Alumni Golf

I probably would've given Leier a longer leash, but at the same time, I am definitely not going to sit here and pretend that he moves the needle either way as far as what I think he could be at the NHL level.

If he can't crack the lineup consistently, I do hope he gets claimed, like Mark Alt did. I never mind guys getting opportunities in other organizations; you want each player who gets games in the league to have an opportunity to try to stick, if not with you then somewhere

Predatory

Predatory
- YuenglingJagr

That's the ticket!

Been thinking an unhealthy amount about No. 14 and 19 in the draft.

Today -- and I'll probably change my mind 20 times before the draft -- I think they should stay put and make both selections, preferably one of whom is a scoring forward with serious skating ability and hockey sense.

Like many of us watching the playoffs, we all realize the truth: While the Flyers aren't slow, there is another gear in play with maybe six of the final eight teams. I wouldn't mind if the Flyers added another first-round talent to their forward corps -- hopefully soon -- who can match the pace that we're seeing

predatory

Been thinking an unhealthy amount about No. 14 and 19 in the draft.

Today -- and I'll probably change my mind 20 times before the draft -- I think they should stay put and make both selections, preferably one of whom is a scoring forward with serious skating ability and hockey sense.

Like many of us watching the playoffs, we all realize the truth: While the Flyers aren't slow, there is another gear in play with maybe six of the final eight teams. I wouldn't mind if the Flyers added another first-round talent to their forward corps -- hopefully soon -- who can match the pace that we're seeing
- AllInForFlyers

While the Flyers top 2 lines are in line with most other teams, its the 3rd and 4th lines where you see that extra gear in those six teams. And that is where the Flyers get beat come playoff time.

I give props to Leier for his attitude and work ethic, but I when I look at him I just don't see a guy who will ever be more than an NHL/AHL tweener. He's seriously undersized, and while he's a good skater, he's not a dynamic or elite skater that can use his speed to overcome his lack of size. He has average hockey sense for an NHL player and again when compared to NHL players, below average skills. He's not much of a playmaker nor has he shown much offensive creativity in his game and his shot is nothing special either.

Nodl isn't a bad comparison but he was a 6'2 and around 195 or so pounds, and a bit better and more explosive skater than Leier. GMs will give a guy with that kind of size and speed more opportunities than will for a guy like Leier.

Certainly they'll bring him to camp, but I doubt he either makes the NHL roster or is even claimed on waivers which is fine. When injuries inevitably occur he'll be a guy with NHL experience you can call up plug into a 4th line role for a few games if needed. It may not be NHL stardom, but he can still make a nice living and have a nice career as an NHL/AHL tweener.

Predatory
- YuenglingJagr

While the Flyers top 2 lines are in line with most other teams, its the 3rd and 4th lines where you see that extra gear in those six teams. And that is where the Flyers get beat come playoff time.
- MBFlyerfan

Absolutely, it's where they really need to fill holes in order to take the next step, especially at the 3C spot.

While the Flyers top 2 lines are in line with most other teams, its the 3rd and 4th lines where you see that extra gear in those six teams. And that is where the Flyers get beat come playoff time.
- MBFlyerfan

Yes. I don't think it's hyperbole to state that there is room for improvement and that it will need to be addressed before they get where we all want them to go

Been thinking an unhealthy amount about No. 14 and 19 in the draft.

Today -- and I'll probably change my mind 20 times before the draft -- I think they should stay put and make both selections, preferably one of whom is a scoring forward with serious skating ability and hockey sense.

Like many of us watching the playoffs, we all realize the truth: While the Flyers aren't slow, there is another gear in play with maybe six of the final eight teams. I wouldn't mind if the Flyers added another first-round talent to their forward corps -- hopefully soon -- who can match the pace that we're seeing
- AllInForFlyers

I am thinking you make a selection at 14 and use 19 to get a youngish NHL vet like Sam Bennett if possible, who could slot into your 3rd line center role.

I am thinking you make a selection at 14 and use 19 to get a youngish NHL vet like Sam Bennett if possible, who could slot into your 3rd line center role.
- J35Bacher

I'd be fine with that plan.

I'd be fine with that plan.
- BiggE

I just don't see the need for all these prospects if i can get a youngish NHL player who can still grow but can help out next year.

I fully expect this team to be a playoff team next year.

I'd be fine with that plan.
- BiggE

God’s Plan?

God’s Plan?
- Nucker101

God’s Plan?
- Nucker101

He has a plan? News to me. When I look around the world, I sometimes wonder if the God or Gods who designed this place are the Garth Snows or Chiarellis of the immortal realm.

I'd be fine with that plan.
- BiggE

I would be against that plan

He has a plan? News to me. When I look around the world, I sometimes wonder if the God or Gods who designed this place are the Garth Snows or Chiarellis of the immortal realm.
- BiggE

Only a mortal would trade Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson

God’s Plan?
- Nucker101

Is this some sort of new cult?

Only a mortal would trade Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson
- YuenglingJagr

😆

He has a plan? News to me. When I look around the world, I sometimes wonder if the God or Gods who designed this place are the Garth Snows or Chiarellis of the immortal realm.
- BiggE

I'm certain the Don Cherry of the ethereal plane is calling shots for me.

I'm certain the Don Cherry of the ethereal plane is calling shots for me.
- johndewar

predation