Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 4/29/22 vs. OTT; Flyers Award Predictions

Let the aggressive retool commence!

Both the goalies deserve an honorable mention. Having Yandle in front of them couldnt have been easy this year.

Sadly i cannot think of 1 forward who deserves any award.

Agree on Sanheim, at the start of the season i was hoping we would trade him for some assets, but now i wouldnt mind seeing provorov go.

I see the left side defense,
sanheim
york
zamula

right side is a crap shoot atm

Both the goalies deserve an honorable mention. Having Yandle in front of them couldnt have been easy this year.

Sadly i cannot think of 1 forward who deserves any award.

Agree on Sanheim, at the start of the season i was hoping we would trade him for some assets, but now i wouldnt mind seeing provorov go.

I see the left side defense,
sanheim
york
zamula

right side is a crap shoot atm
- Flyerloon

A big part of the reason they re-signed Ristolainen (trading off a small cap hit decrease for a longer-term contract and comparable total contract value) was the combined ongoing uncertainty of Ellis' situation, the fact that Braun was going to be moved on at the deadline or otherwise walk via UFA status, the fact that the Yandle stopgap signing was a failure on the ice, that Sanheim is currently one year away from UFA status barring an extension before next season and that Provorov's careeer is at a bit of a crossroads.

I'd be very careful about trading Provorov, BTW. I don't think he's untouchable any longer but he's still a top-pair caliber player with the right partner and is very capable having his best seasons still ahead even if he never does break into the Norris-caliber echelon of NHL defensemen.

That said, I do think it's possible that Provorov gets dealt this summer in a "hockey trade" IF they are confident about locking up Sanheim in an extension. If not, this summer -- NOT the deadlline next year -- would be the time to move Sanheim. If you trade Sanheim, you do NOT trade Provorov.

Glad I'm not the one who has to sort all that out.

Both the goalies deserve an honorable mention. Having Yandle in front of them couldnt have been easy this year.

Sadly i cannot think of 1 forward who deserves any award.
- Flyerloon

When Atkinson was reasonably healthy -- which he was NOT for the last quarter of the season, even before the injury that took him out of the lineup, although he hadn't previously sat out any games -- he was leading the team in scoring by a healthy margin. Also the fact that he was a guy who clearly wanted to be here, gave his all every single game and was generally effective until late in the season made him my choice for the Clarke Trophy.

When you vote, you have to list your top 3 in order. My 2nd and 3rd players were Sanheim and Hart FWIW.

A big part of the reason they re-signed Ristolainen (trading off a small cap hit decrease for a longer-term contract and comparable total contract value) was the combined ongoing uncertainty of Ellis' situation, the fact that Braun was going to be moved on at the deadline or otherwise walk via UFA status, the fact that the Yandle stopgap signing was a failure on the ice, that Sanheim is currently one year away from UFA status barring an extension before next season and that Provorov's careeer is at a bit of a crossroads.

I'd be very careful about trading Provorov, BTW. I don't think he's untouchable any longer but he's still a top-pair caliber player with the right partner and is very capable having his best seasons still ahead even if he never does break into the Norris-caliber echelon of NHL defensemen.

That said, I do think it's possible that Provorov gets dealt this summer in a "hockey trade" IF they are confident about locking up Sanheim in an extension. If not, this summer -- NOT the deadlline next year -- would be the time to move Sanheim. If you trade Sanheim, you do NOT trade Provorov.

Glad I'm not the one who has to sort all that out.
- bmeltzer

They painted themselves into the corner with Ellis and Ristolainen. It was a move of fear by Fletcher to re-sign Ristolainen. Either than or pure incompetence. Neither is good. I'm not sure when or if ever the Flyers will learn what happens when you put yourself in a position of having to make moves. Rather than being smart and patient and making the right moves at the right times.

The Gene Hart Memorial (Heart, dedication, work ethic): Zack MacEwen. In other words the perfect Flyer. He sucks but he has those attributes going for him. No disrespect intended towards the legendary Gene Hart.

From yesterday:

I legit see Tyson Barrie and a pick for Oscar.
- hello it's me 2050


The Oilers already traded for Foegle who is their 3LW. He’s the same age as Lindblom but has more goals, is cheaper and under contract for 2 more years.

Why would they trade a 39 point D man “and a pick” for a 26 point forward to play on their 4th line? Don’t see that one happening.

/*******************************************************/

They want to get out form under his contract. They save on the cap and acquire a solid player who can help their depth. No secret they want to move Barrie. How many teams will take on that cap hit without something going back? They can also sell Oscars "pace" after the coaching change!!!!

Bill you mentioned yesterday you can see them bringing back Zac in a top 12 role.

So much for the analytical dept having a say. So much for the pro scouts who watch the games; doesn't say a lot about their evaluation skills. He does zero to help the team. He drags down his line.

Though you are 100% correct they will re-sign him to a 2/3 year deal.

A big part of the reason they re-signed Ristolainen (trading off a small cap hit decrease for a longer-term contract and comparable total contract value) was the combined ongoing uncertainty of Ellis' situation, the fact that Braun was going to be moved on at the deadline or otherwise walk via UFA status, the fact that the Yandle stopgap signing was a failure on the ice, that Sanheim is currently one year away from UFA status barring an extension before next season and that Provorov's careeer is at a bit of a crossroads.

I'd be very careful about trading Provorov, BTW. I don't think he's untouchable any longer but he's still a top-pair caliber player with the right partner and is very capable having his best seasons still ahead even if he never does break into the Norris-caliber echelon of NHL defensemen.

That said, I do think it's possible that Provorov gets dealt this summer in a "hockey trade" IF they are confident about locking up Sanheim in an extension. If not, this summer -- NOT the deadlline next year -- would be the time to move Sanheim. If you trade Sanheim, you do NOT trade Provorov.

Glad I'm not the one who has to sort all that out.
- bmeltzer

The fact that the Flyers would rather sign RR to a contract extension then turn around and trade Provy tells us all we need to know about the mentality of this management team.

No one, and I mean no one, would want to keep RR over Provy.

This team is a disaster from top to bottom.

A big part of the reason they re-signed Ristolainen (trading off a small cap hit decrease for a longer-term contract and comparable total contract value) was the combined ongoing uncertainty of Ellis' situation, the fact that Braun was going to be moved on at the deadline or otherwise walk via UFA status, the fact that the Yandle stopgap signing was a failure on the ice, that Sanheim is currently one year away from UFA status barring an extension before next season and that Provorov's careeer is at a bit of a crossroads.

I'd be very careful about trading Provorov, BTW. I don't think he's untouchable any longer but he's still a top-pair caliber player with the right partner and is very capable having his best seasons still ahead even if he never does break into the Norris-caliber echelon of NHL defensemen.

That said, I do think it's possible that Provorov gets dealt this summer in a "hockey trade" IF they are confident about locking up Sanheim in an extension. If not, this summer -- NOT the deadlline next year -- would be the time to move Sanheim. If you trade Sanheim, you do NOT trade Provorov.

Glad I'm not the one who has to sort all that out.
-Bill Meltzer

I think Ellis is the key to all this, if the Flyers feel he is not coming back or will never be 100% again, I think you have to keep Provorov and extend Sanheim. York can surely step in and maybe Zamula as well next season, but I think Attard might need some time on the Phantoms.

A big part of the reason they re-signed Ristolainen (trading off a small cap hit decrease for a longer-term contract and comparable total contract value) was the combined ongoing uncertainty of Ellis' situation, the fact that Braun was going to be moved on at the deadline or otherwise walk via UFA status, the fact that the Yandle stopgap signing was a failure on the ice, that Sanheim is currently one year away from UFA status barring an extension before next season and that Provorov's careeer is at a bit of a crossroads.

I'd be very careful about trading Provorov, BTW. I don't think he's untouchable any longer but he's still a top-pair caliber player with the right partner and is very capable having his best seasons still ahead even if he never does break into the Norris-caliber echelon of NHL defensemen.

That said, I do think it's possible that Provorov gets dealt this summer in a "hockey trade" IF they are confident about locking up Sanheim in an extension. If not, this summer -- NOT the deadlline next year -- would be the time to move Sanheim. If you trade Sanheim, you do NOT trade Provorov.

Glad I'm not the one who has to sort all that out.
- bmeltzer

I know you are a RR fan. Fact is Chuck screwed the pooch on the ext. Sign of a good GM is to admit mistakes. Fact he doesn't thing RR was a mistake is comical. You do not give out 5.1 per for 5 years to that caliber of player.

Bill do you see Ivan requesting a trade at all?

I think they move both Sanheim and Ivan. Wont be shocked at all. Both Hextall guys so no attachment.

I think Ellis is the key to all this, if the Flyers feel he is not coming back or will never be 100% again, I think you have to keep Provorov and extend Sanheim. York can surely step in and maybe Zamula as well next season, but I think Attard might need some time on the Phantoms.
- jd250

Maybe Sanheim doesnt want an ext and wants to test free agency. He he will get more than RR. By how much is the question.

Let the aggressive retool commence!
- MBFlyerfan

The annual porking of the ping-pong balls will happen on May 10th. The Flyers are locked into that 4th spot which unfortunately, but then again why would we expect anything else with our luck, is a prime spot to get porked since you have a 65% chance of dropping 1 or 2 spots. Regardless of where the Flyers end up, I want Fletcher to be aggressive and trade up if there is a player he and his staff feel they really want.

The Gene Hart Memorial (Heart, dedication, work ethic): Zack MacEwen. In other words the perfect Flyer. He sucks but he has those attributes going for him. No disrespect intended towards the legendary Gene Hart.
- MJL

followed by a 3 year ext. Zac is only 25 and has grown into a good player. He bleeds orange and black. He is a throwback type of energy guy who the guys in the locker room respect. They know they job he does and feel he is a bug part of the team.

something like that will be the press release !!!

When Atkinson was reasonably healthy -- which he was NOT for the last quarter of the season, even before the injury that took him out of the lineup, although he hadn't previously sat out any games -- he was leading the team in scoring by a healthy margin. Also the fact that he was a guy who clearly wanted to be here, gave his all every single game and was generally effective until late in the season made him my choice for the Clarke Trophy.

When you vote, you have to list your top 3 in order. My 2nd and 3rd players were Sanheim and Hart FWIW.
- bmeltzer

Then why not sit him to get him healthy. Why take the risk of further injury? Makes no sense to me

followed by a 3 year ext. Zac is only 25 and has grown into a good player. He bleeds orange and black. He is a throwback type of energy guy who the guys in the locker room respect. They know they job he does and feel he is a bug part of the team.

something like that will be the press release !!!
- hello it's me 2050

I'm starting to think that most fans do not have any faith in Fletcher to turn this around ...

When do the optics become too much for the Flyers and they decide to clean house regardless of their personal feelings about Fletcher?

I'm starting to think that most fans do not have any faith in Fletcher to turn this around ...

When do the optics become too much for the Flyers and they decide to clean house regardless of their personal feelings about Fletcher?
- jd250

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

They publicly contradict the mere suggestion that the organization isn’t on the verge of contention

The annual porking of the ping-pong balls will happen on May 10th. The Flyers are locked into that 4th spot which unfortunately, but then again why would we expect anything else with our luck, is a prime spot to get porked since you have a 65% chance of dropping 1 or 2 spots. Regardless of where the Flyers end up, I want Fletcher to be aggressive and trade up if there is a player he and his staff feel they really want.
- jd250

Are you kidding me! The Flyers are extremely lucky to be getting the 4th overall pick depending on the lottery. What are you talking about? The injuries temporarily saved them from their incompetence. Otherwise they'd likely be picking middle of the pack.

Based on those awards I'm guessing Atkinson will be the next captain of this team. What the hell happened to York? It's like he was kidnapped or something. Another young dude on the Flyers that is injury prone. Yippee!! Cole Caufield says HI. Thanks!

Based on those awards I'm guessing Atkinson will be the next captain of this team. What the hell happened to York? It's like he was kidnapped or something. Another young dude on the Flyers that is injury prone. Yippee!! Cole Caufield says HI. Thanks!
- Phillywhiteout

Those awards have zero to do with who is going to be the next captain in my opinion.

Ahhh yes the team awards. Aka the tallest midget contest.

Maybe when you have a 60 point season don’t hand out awards.

Pretty remarkable that Sanheim is a +10 for a team that is -85 in goal differential.

Those awards have zero to do with who is going to be the next captain in my opinion.
- MJL

Not sure how you can say it has ZERO to do with it? If a guy wins an award named after the best captain in team history and also the class guy award(meaning he deals well with the media and such) I would think that would mean he would at least be on a list of the top 3 candidates. Probably give it to the introvert Couturier know on this team.

Not sure how you can say it has ZERO to do with it? If a guy wins an award named after the best captain in team history and also the class guy award(meaning he deals well with the media and such) I would think that would mean he would at least be on a list of the top 3 candidates. Probably give it to the introvert Couturier know on this team.
- Phillywhiteout

In a terrible season where there is no clear cut winner, why would it? Why doesn't the best defenseman award winner get named captain? I don't think there is any doubt that Couturier will be the next captain. You calling him an introvert is absurd.