Yeah but where did they find this Rutted Wood goober? I was hoping Gritty would beat the crap out of him and throw him into the lake.
- Bendecko

Also had to google that guy and all I could think* is 1) he's a new hire or 2) he's an auto-racing guy so maybe the league is trying to expand it's audience in that direction.

*The extent of my research was the first page of a google search and his instagram. Not IRB-approved, lol.

I would look to add a playoff rental on an expiring contract for the right price that would not effect the future expansion draft.

You have to be insane to give up what you want to for Eckholm and then on top of that the effect and more cost added due to the expansion draft.

I'll repeat again, Ekholm is a good player but he is not a legit top pairing defenseman. He is a really good two way 2nd pair defenseman. You can play him on a top pair but in a vacuum, he is not a top pair NHL defenseman. He would not elevate the team to legit contender status.
- MJL

What playoff rental do you have in mind? Give some names.

I think this isnt the year to make those moves watching this team play. Summer of 2021 is when the GM needs to step up. He needs to turn this team into a legit cup contender. If that means trading picks, prospects, or fan favorites so be it. No more Richarding around.

I don't like how Provorov played that 1st 2-on-1, he effectively screened Hart on the McAvoy goal, and he coughed up the puck badly on the hat trick clincher. If your top-pair guy isn't on his game, there's really not much your team can do in the face of a far superior opponent. Niskanen wouldn't have made much of a difference last night.

But overall, the d-corps isn't playing badly. Ghost and Myers have stepped up for the most part. Prov and Sanheim have been mostly OK. The 3rd-pair has been a weak spot, but nothing that would cause the team to continually be outshot 2:1.

Their team game is just still too inconsistent. The forwards carry just as much blame for that as the D.
- Tomahawk

Mark Howe in his prime wouldn't have made a difference last night. My observation is for the season thus far. We seemed to have tightened up defensively last season and now, without Nisky, we are a poop-show again. Yes, the forwards have been bad and the overall team D has suffered but Nisky is the only missing piece from last year. Gus and Ghost in the same line-up is bad. But overall I think our D corps has been okay. I'd place the blame thus far on overall team D which starts with the forwards.

I also remember thinking last year that Nisky's presence must have been calming for Provy. He didn't have to try and do too much. Maybe he is feeling pressed again without Nisky.

Did anyone else catch the shot of Gritty in the woods hiding behind the tree after the Vegas/Avs game? The guy is insane. I'd love to spend some time with the guy in the costume to get inside his brain. So freaking funny.

Mark Howe in his prime wouldn't have made a difference last night. My observation is for the season thus far. We seemed to have tightened up defensively last season and now, without Nisky, we are a poop-show again. Yes, the forwards have been bad and the overall team D has suffered but Nisky is the only missing piece from last year. Gus and Ghost in the same line-up is bad. But overall I think our D corps has been okay. I'd place the blame thus far on overall team D which starts with the forwards.

I also remember thinking last year that Nisky's presence must have been calming for Provy. He didn't have to try and do too much. Maybe he is feeling pressed again without Nisky.
- cdearth23

I think your second para is spot on. Team d has to be better, but I've noticed Provy playing differently when paired with guys that are a d liability like Gus.

Did anyone else catch the shot of Gritty in the woods hiding behind the tree after the Vegas/Avs game? The guy is insane. I'd love to spend some time with the guy in the costume to get inside his brain. So freaking funny.
- cdearth23

Do they have a guy put the suit on to snow board, was it CGI, or is it the same cat?
If it's all the same guy, I noticed he can skate really well and he was snowboarding like a champ as well. What an athlete along with being certifiably insane

What playoff rental do you have in mind? Give some names.

I think this isnt the year to make those moves watching this team play. Summer of 2021 is when the GM needs to step up. He needs to turn this team into a legit cup contender. If that means trading picks, prospects, or fan favorites so be it. No more Richarding around.
- login

I know we hate talking about patience and letting our players develop for long term success.

But I think between the covid debacle and the upcoming expansion draft you almost have no choice but to hold on.

We were 1 win away from the conference finals last season despite being outplayed. This season we are 8-4-3 despite playing not all that great for the most part.

Does that tell you we are a good team who can win despite not hitting on all cylinders?

I think it actually does. Yes the defense has taken a step back losing Niskanen but I think its a short term setback.

No one in here realistically thinks this team could win the cup this season regardless of what (realistic) moves they make. And we will have a much clearer picture of everything after the expansion draft and hopefully the world gets back to a semblance of normal where people don't think just because they get a disease its an automatic death sentence with the requisite over reactions.

Despite what some in here say I DO believe players can improve their on ice performance after the age of 22.

Sure, we can start trading assets to win now, but in the end I think that not only wont we win NOW, the window for us to win consistently over a long period will be shortened with every move we make.

Just my opinion.

Ok tell us what your plan is to improve this team now? Do we stand pat and waste another season, just hoping our "young players" develop or "get their game back"? Do you make trades and if so who do you target and who do you give up? Its very easy to sit back and criticize someone else's suggestions, when you rarely if ever have a tangible suggestion of your own!
- jd250

I'll take a shot at it. I'll start by saying expansion and really Covid stops a lot of the lets go for it talk. With only 56 games, with the Covid stoppage it is just risky to say go for it. If they were Tampa, sure go for it but honestly next year is the go for it year.

If I did...

make ghost part of it, then add assets, it would take extra assets to have Ghost involved. I could see the Preds wanting a roster player, 1st, 2nd and some sugar for them to take Ghost.

Lets be honest Duchene and Johansen are anchors for the Preds. I think they will try to attach those two to any deal, 4 years 8 million. If they eat 1/2, took Ghost along with a 1st and a conditional 3rd and maybe Patrick. Would I want too, probably not but would they entertain, maybe. Then you will need another asset or 1st to protect someone in expansion.

With Forsberg with only next year on his contract will he want to resign a long term deal with a rebuilding Preds team?

Maybe go bigger, a deal for Forsberg and Ekholm. That would involve TK, Patrick, Zamula, York and a 1st and 2nd. It would have to include Ghost.

Bottom line is there is no way to make this trade without giving up significant assets and taking a lot of risk. You will have to blow up the roster a little and hope the depth in the system can step up.

I know we hate talking about patience and letting our players develop for long term success.

But I think between the covid debacle and the upcoming expansion draft you almost have no choice but to hold on.

We were 1 win away from the conference finals last season despite being outplayed. This season we are 8-4-3 despite playing not all that great for the most part.

Does that tell you we are a good team who can win despite not hitting on all cylinders?

I think it actually does. Yes the defense has taken a step back losing Niskanen but I think its a short term setback.

No one in here realistically thinks this team could win the cup this season regardless of what (realistic) moves they make. And we will have a much clearer picture of everything after the expansion draft and hopefully the world gets back to a semblance of normal where people don't think just because they get a disease its an automatic death sentence with the requisite over reactions.

Despite what some in here say I DO believe players can improve their on ice performance after the age of 22.

Sure, we can start trading assets to win now, but in the end I think that not only wont we win NOW, the window for us to win consistently over a long period will be shortened with every move we make.

Just my opinion.
- MBFlyerfan

Smart opinion.. haha. Of note, I think Most players can improve past 22. Think of Hart. Do you think he's peaked? I'd like everyone to take a look at the peaks and valleys his idol Price had with the Habs. He may not hit full stride until between 25-30 and that's the case with a lot of goalies. For forwards and D, it can also take longer depending. I am loathe to give up on guys like Patrick until we see more.

The directive from upper management was to increase revenues due to playoff appearance. Mission accomplished. The Flyers are going to make the playoffs again this year. I don't think Fletcher has any other mandates to get the team over the hump this season at a prohibitive cost.

All this talk of adding someone beyond a reasonable rental cost is asinine. Stay the course. Improve from within. Etc.

Mark Howe in his prime wouldn't have made a difference last night. My observation is for the season thus far. We seemed to have tightened up defensively last season and now, without Nisky, we are a poop-show again. Yes, the forwards have been bad and the overall team D has suffered but Nisky is the only missing piece from last year. Gus and Ghost in the same line-up is bad. But overall I think our D corps has been okay. I'd place the blame thus far on overall team D which starts with the forwards.

I also remember thinking last year that Nisky's presence must have been calming for Provy. He didn't have to try and do too much. Maybe he is feeling pressed again without Nisky.
- cdearth23

These same issues were present before Niskanen left, tho.

At this point, the way people talk about Niskanen is more akin to myth/legend than reality. Guy had his up and downs here, too... and he really ended on a downer.

Smart opinion.. haha. Of note, I think Most players can improve past 22. Think of Hart. Do you think he's peaked? I'd like everyone to take a look at the peaks and valleys his idol Price had with the Habs. He may not hit full stride until between 25-30 and that's the case with a lot of goalies. For forwards and D, it can also take longer depending. I am loathe to give up on guys like Patrick until we see more.
- Hextall271

I think only a few actually believe that young players don't develop at staggered paces, some quicker than others. Especially players under 25.

I've just seen the opinion on here that some say our young players have reached their potential and wont get any better. If that is the case there would never be any point in drafting and developing players. Whether they get better or not, to say they wont get any better at that young age strikes me as silly. Will all of them get better? Of course not. But we have already seen Farabee taking a big step.

EVERY team needs to bank on their young players getting better, otherwise there is no point in having them.

It sucks we have to play through this but the fact is, this is why we have a taxi squad. If the NHL was going to reschedule games which they are having issues with because of the # of games postponed already there wouldnt be a need for a taxi squad.

We are missing 6 guys and unfortunately they are really important members of the team give or take Braun. The rest of the team is confirmed to be COVID free so we play.

Hopefully in the next few days we can see a few names come off the protocol

Is G off Covid protocol?

Is G off Covid protocol?
- wcorvette

Wont know until after 5pm when they release the list

Bread man taking leave of absence from the Rags . He’s accused of assaulting a girl 9 years ago. Most calling it a political hit job due to the fact he’s extremely publicly critical of Putin. Rangers are standing with him.
This was all on Barstool Sports report.

Also had to google that guy and all I could think* is 1) he's a new hire or 2) he's an auto-racing guy so maybe the league is trying to expand it's audience in that direction.

*The extent of my research was the first page of a google search and his instagram. Not IRB-approved, lol.
- countreeman28

That was my guess. I didn't, and still don't, care enough to do the research to find the answer thought. lol

I know we hate talking about patience and letting our players develop for long term success.

But I think between the covid debacle and the upcoming expansion draft you almost have no choice but to hold on.

We were 1 win away from the conference finals last season despite being outplayed. This season we are 8-4-3 despite playing not all that great for the most part.

Does that tell you we are a good team who can win despite not hitting on all cylinders?

I think it actually does. Yes the defense has taken a step back losing Niskanen but I think its a short term setback.

No one in here realistically thinks this team could win the cup this season regardless of what (realistic) moves they make. And we will have a much clearer picture of everything after the expansion draft and hopefully the world gets back to a semblance of normal where people don't think just because they get a disease its an automatic death sentence with the requisite over reactions.

Despite what some in here say I DO believe players can improve their on ice performance after the age of 22.

Sure, we can start trading assets to win now, but in the end I think that not only wont we win NOW, the window for us to win consistently over a long period will be shortened with every move we make.

Just my opinion.
- MBFlyerfan

This summer is when the moves need to be made imo. Not now. Cant keep waiting though. Then again maybe this team isn't as good as flyers fans think.

Clode and Selke are free agents in 2022. If money is equal I would look at other options if I was Couturier; assuming he wants to win. Just see the same middling cycle.

I would look to add a playoff rental on an expiring contract for the right price that would not effect the future expansion draft.

You have to be insane to give up what you want to for Eckholm and then on top of that the effect and more cost added due to the expansion draft.

I'll repeat again, Ekholm is a good player but he is not a legit top pairing defenseman. He is a really good two way 2nd pair defenseman. You can play him on a top pair but in a vacuum, he is not a top pair NHL defenseman. He would not elevate the team to legit contender status.
- MJL

Do you have a playoff rental in mind that you think might be available? What would you be willing to give up for him? Regarding Ekholm, I think if you paired Ekholm with Provorov that would be a legitimate top pair, and it would maybe help Provorov tidy up his game as well. I agree Ekholm in a vacuum does not make sense, but Ekholm with Provorov makes sense for the Flyers, even though they are both left shot defensemen.

I know we hate talking about patience and letting our players develop for long term success.

But I think between the covid debacle and the upcoming expansion draft you almost have no choice but to hold on.

We were 1 win away from the conference finals last season despite being outplayed. This season we are 8-4-3 despite playing not all that great for the most part.

Does that tell you we are a good team who can win despite not hitting on all cylinders?

I think it actually does. Yes the defense has taken a step back losing Niskanen but I think its a short term setback.

No one in here realistically thinks this team could win the cup this season regardless of what (realistic) moves they make. And we will have a much clearer picture of everything after the expansion draft and hopefully the world gets back to a semblance of normal where people don't think just because they get a disease its an automatic death sentence with the requisite over reactions.

Despite what some in here say I DO believe players can improve their on ice performance after the age of 22.

Sure, we can start trading assets to win now, but in the end I think that not only wont we win NOW, the window for us to win consistently over a long period will be shortened with every move we make.

Just my opinion.
- MBFlyerfan

Seems reasonable to me.

Do you have a playoff rental in mind that you think might be available? What would you be willing to give up for him? Regarding Ekholm, I think if you paired Ekholm with Provorov that would be a legitimate top pair, and it would maybe help Provorov tidy up his game as well. I agree Ekholm in a vacuum does not make sense, but Ekholm with Provorov makes sense for the Flyers, even though they are both left shot defensemen.
- jd250

He wont name anyone. Rarely if ever does.

The directive from upper management was to increase revenues due to playoff appearance. Mission accomplished. The Flyers are going to make the playoffs again this year. I don't think Fletcher has any other mandates to get the team over the hump this season at a prohibitive cost.

All this talk of adding someone beyond a reasonable rental cost is asinine. Stay the course. Improve from within. Etc.
- StepfordSam

I think the Flyers will struggle to make the playoffs this year, its not a given IMO. And without significant changes there is no way I can see this Flyers team coming out of the East division, so playoff revenues will be marginal at best.

This summer is when the moves need to be made imo. Not now. Cant keep waiting though. Then again maybe this team isn't as good as flyers fans think.

Clode and Selke are free agents in 2022. If money is equal I would look at other options if I was Couturier; assuming he wants to win. Just see the same middling cycle.
- login

July 21st is the expansion draft. So yes, after that is when we should expect to see the next level moves Fletch should make to get this team to the next level.

But in my opinion he needs to keep his eye on the long term success model for this team.

As for Clode and Coots, I see them theoretically switching cap hits. Not exactly mind you, but in that theme anyway.

July 21st is the expansion draft. So yes, after that is when we should expect to see the next level moves Fletch should make to get this team to the next level.

But in my opinion he needs to keep his eye on the long term success model for this team.

As for Clode and Coots, I see them theoretically switching cap hits. Not exactly mind you, but in that theme anyway.
- MBFlyerfan

No such thing anymore for long term success model; to an extent anyway. What's long term success? 3-5 years? The window isn't as open as one may think imo. Wasted players primes. Wasting players ELC and bridge deals right now.

I hope they dont pay Giroux over 4 though I agree the will. Let him walk. Team needs a culture shift and will never get it with him and jake still around. I see Couturier getting 9 million per.

I think only a few actually believe that young players don't develop at staggered paces, some quicker than others. Especially players under 25.

I've just seen the opinion on here that some say our young players have reached their potential and wont get any better. If that is the case there would never be any point in drafting and developing players. Whether they get better or not, to say they wont get any better at that young age strikes me as silly. Will all of them get better? Of course not. But we have already seen Farabee taking a big step.

EVERY team needs to bank on their young players getting better, otherwise there is no point in having them.
- MBFlyerfan

I have been one of the posters that have eluded to this so let me clarify. I DO believe players can get better, especially under 25. However, where I was going with my initial comment about this way back when is I am not a fan of Ron Hextall and I believe his drafts were completely overrated. I do think the Flyers drafted many good young players that has given their organization depth. These players will improve over time, there is no doubt about that as long as they stay healthy. However IMO Hextall didn't draft any elite players; and when I say "elite players" I'm talking about players like Braydon Point, David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, etc., not generational players like Connor MacDavid or Nathan McKinnon. Given the number of picks Hextall made over 6 drafts, I would have expected him to at least get lucky and stumble upon such a player, but I don't see it. Even with the number 2 pick in the draft Hextall drafted the worst player available in the top 5! I believe the young players we have are solid and some can become good, but none will become elite from what I can see so far.

All I am saying is, don't fall in love with your young players, if a deal can be made to more rapidly improve this team I have no problem trading these players away for a proven player with a lot of miles left.