Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings -- Lilja, Paterson, Mr. Hockey

'...poor mobility, no offensive game, difficulty triggering outlet passes and zone clears--but he did bring some positives to the table" well, he does look nice in orange

Lilja is an average 7th defenseman with a reasonable cap hit.

I agree Bill. Lilja is a serviceable 6A/7th defenseman. Regardless, he's not a vital part of this team. He won't win or lose them a Cup.

Lilja served his purpose and as noted has a modest cap hit.

The firing of Paterson was a little weird considering how depleted the Flyers have been the last couple of years. I thought he did a pretty good job keeping the team afloat in the time he was coach. I did a double take when I read it on twitter ....

I agree Bill. Lilja is a serviceable 6A/7th defenseman. Regardless, he's not a vital part of this team. He won't win or lose them a Cup.
- NickTheKid87

the Devils loss falls on his shoulders...dam u Lilja

Looking forward to brieres exam

'...poor mobility, no offensive game, difficulty triggering outlet passes and zone clears--but he did bring some positives to the table" well, he does look nice in orange
- Dkos

Ill be honest.. I ripped on him at the start of the year... But I thought he played pretty damn well from the time he got back into the lineup, on out. He is what he is.. A guy who knows he isnt gonna be getting big important minutes, but when he is on the ice... he plays hard, and can be feisty. I wont mind at all having him as our 7th next season. Good guy to have around the team, it seems.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY_kKwIDhTk

Bill- do you think the firing of Paterson could have been to create a coaching position for Lappy?

Bill- do you think the firing of Paterson could have been to create a coaching position for Lappy?
- jeffherrm

It's possible, but they could have done that without firing Paterson.

Bill- do you think the firing of Paterson could have been to create a coaching position for Lappy?
- jeffherrm

Actually an interesting idea... I know he has worked the mini camps and what not.

Considering what he went through I am sure he wants to get back to hockey.. he had the year off with his family, although moving them again is a big decision...

It's possible, but they could have done that without firing Paterson.
- bmeltzer

Do you think the Paterson firing could have anything to do with Grossmann's knee? It's just one giant web of conspiracies all linking back to Ryan Howard's "setback".

Actually an interesting idea... I know he has worked the mini camps and what not.

Considering what he went through I am sure he wants to get back to hockey.. he had the year off with his family, although moving them again is a big decision...
- jak521

I don't know when but I believe the team will be relocating soon, so with that new twist, it could happen and he would not have to really move his family.

Not sure what the consensus was yesterday, but hearing about all of JVR's injurys, Do most people still believe we should trade him for a top defender, or should we give him another chance to show what he has? Maybe see if there is an amnesty buy-out, and see who get bought out, and go in with the defense we have and maybe see what we can get at the TDL if we still need a d-man?

Carle-Meszaros
Timonen-Gusteffson
Grossmann-Coburn

Lilja-Bourdon-Manning as call ups.

It's not a bad defense as long as it can stay moderately healthy, then we can see what JVR can give us. Plus you never know what contracts might get bought out, Redden is awful for his cap hit, but maybe at 1 million he would be a decent pick up.

Do you think the Paterson firing could have anything to do with Grossmann's knee? It's just one giant web of conspiracies all linking back to Ryan Howard's "setback".
- NickTheKid87

It has more to do with the Utley's knees versus Grossman's knee.

It has more to do with the Utley's knees versus Grossman's knee.
- phi1671

Makes sense. I feel like it all started after the Lindros trade.

I don't know when but I believe the team will be relocating soon, so with that new twist, it could happen and he would not have to really move his family.
- phi1671

Hmmm. I like the sound of the Delaware Destroyers, part owner George Thorogood. Maybe go in 50/50 with the UofD to build a new arena in Newark. I would get season tickets to that

Hmmm. I like the sound of the Delaware Destroyers, part owner George Thorogood. Maybe go in 50/50 with the UofD to build a new arena in Newark. I would get season tickets to that
- RooNosHockey

Its going to Allentown, Pa.


And Delaware Destroyers? Really?

Not sure what the consensus was yesterday, but hearing about all of JVR's injurys, Do most people still believe we should trade him for a top defender, or should we give him another chance to show what he has? Maybe see if there is an amnesty buy-out, and see who get bought out, and go in with the defense we have and maybe see what we can get at the TDL if we still need a d-man?

Carle-Meszaros
Timonen-Gusteffson
Grossmann-Coburn

Lilja-Bourdon-Manning as call ups.

It's not a bad defense as long as it can stay moderately healthy, then we can see what JVR can give us. Plus you never know what contracts might get bought out, Redden is awful for his cap hit, but maybe at 1 million he would be a decent pick up.
- RooNosHockey

The chances of an amnesty buy out are slim. Lilja won't be a call up.

Its going to Allentown, Pa.


And Delaware Destroyers? Really?
- jak521

pretty good name but i think that has been used by an old semi pro football team...but do not consider this fact...it's only an opinion.

Not sure what the consensus was yesterday, but hearing about all of JVR's injurys, Do most people still believe we should trade him for a top defender, or should we give him another chance to show what he has? Maybe see if there is an amnesty buy-out, and see who get bought out, and go in with the defense we have and maybe see what we can get at the TDL if we still need a d-man?

Weber-Meszaros
Timonen-Gusteffson
Grossmann-Coburn

Lilja-Bourdon-Manning as call ups.

It's not a bad defense as long as it can stay moderately healthy, then we can see what JVR can give us. Plus you never know what contracts might get bought out, Redden is awful for his cap hit, but maybe at 1 million he would be a decent pick up.
- RooNosHockey

Fixed.

Makes sense. I feel like it all started after the Lindros trade.
- NickTheKid87

Oh i thought it was all started when they traded (RIP) Zezel away.

Not sure what the consensus was yesterday, but hearing about all of JVR's injurys, Do most people still believe we should trade him for a top defender, or should we give him another chance to show what he has? Maybe see if there is an amnesty buy-out, and see who get bought out, and go in with the defense we have and maybe see what we can get at the TDL if we still need a d-man?

Carle-Meszaros
Timonen-Gusteffson
Grossmann-Coburn

Lilja-Bourdon-Manning as call ups.

It's not a bad defense as long as it can stay moderately healthy, then we can see what JVR can give us. Plus you never know what contracts might get bought out, Redden is awful for his cap hit, but maybe at 1 million he would be a decent pick up.
- RooNosHockey

i like the depth of the defense but if they can upgrade a positon or two go for it. Although I do like the prospect or speculation of getting Parise. Either way, it's NOT 100% the offseason since there are teams still playing. July 1st will be here sooner then you know it.
As for JVR...sit tight and let him grow. He knows this year was a dud. YES, I spoke to him myself. He will work on his conditioning and get better.
How many times have you seen a player just have a snake bitten year? it's reality.

on the other hand the Phillies need to do something....

Its going to Allentown, Pa.


And Delaware Destroyers? Really?
- jak521

Apparently they are not moving now due to a lawsuit. I heard from someone on Twitter that it was in the paper yesterday. Haven't looked into it though.

pretty good name but i think that has been used by an old semi pro football team...but do not consider this fact...it's only an opinion.
- phi1671

Terrible name.. Sounds like WNBA team.