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Forums :: Blog World :: Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Wheels Fall off in 2nd Period of 7-3 Loss
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Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 08.21.2020

Feb 22 @ 3:05 PM ET
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! So that is all I was saying, that the young players we have are solid and some can become good, but none will become elite from what I can see so far.
- jd250

Don't think that is the case 100%. We all l hope they do; doesn't mean they will. some will, some will stay static, some will regress.

Flyers never seem to have that generational player. Had to trade for the last one.
jd250
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 01.12.2018

Feb 22 @ 3:09 PM ET
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.

- login

I would think the plan is to give Giroux's money to Couturier when their current contracts expire. I would also like to move on from Giroux and Jake, the Flyers need a culture change big time!
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Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 08.21.2020

Feb 22 @ 3:12 PM ET
I would think the plan is to give Giroux's money to Couturier when their current contracts expire. I would also like to move on from Giroux and Jake, the Flyers need a culture change big time!
- jd250

If I am Couturier I explore all my options.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 22 @ 3:20 PM ET
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


Based on my knowledge, I don't think Ekholm would play with Provorov but I could be wrong about that.
Too expensive when paired with the impact on the expansion draft. Doesn't move the needle enough.
No I don't have anyone in mind.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 22 @ 3:23 PM ET
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.

- jd250


Brad Marchand didn't become "elite" until he was around 28 years old.

Your problem is that you don't know how to recognize what that move is. You fall in love with players like Ekholm.
KINGKENZO
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: OMAR COMIN'..Head or Gut?.....Watching regular white people
Joined: 01.10.2008

Feb 22 @ 3:33 PM ET
It depends on what Nashville's plan is, but assuming they are in rebuild mode I would be willing to part with York, two good (but maybe not top) forward prospects and even a player like Haag or Bunnaman if Nashville had interest.
- jd250

yeesh
cdearth23
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Joined: 08.06.2015

Feb 22 @ 3:37 PM ET
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

- Hextall271


The dude hasn't missed since he was introduced. Flips and stunts are spot on. Even throwing that giant hat on the ice for the hat tricks. Just makes it look easy.

It took me awhile, but I've come around to enjoy Gritty.
MBFlyerfan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Be nice from now on, NJ
Joined: 03.17.2006

Feb 22 @ 4:01 PM ET
Don't think that is the case 100%. We all l hope they do; doesn't mean they will. some will, some will stay static, some will regress.

Flyers never seem to have that generational player. Had to trade for the last one.

- login



For whom they traded a generational player....
Bob Habib
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 08.01.2020

Feb 22 @ 4:29 PM ET
Damn we have a couple hardcore team negatives today

Flyers suck. Blow it up. Trade everyone! Hart is a bust
NoPa is a bust. TK is dead. Nisky was a god and savior while here.

Did I forget anything?

MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 22 @ 4:33 PM ET
Damn we have a couple hardcore team negatives today

Flyers suck. Blow it up. Trade everyone! Hart is a bust
NoPa is a bust. TK is dead. Nisky was a god and savior while here.

Did I forget anything?

- Bob Habib


Yes, load up the boat to add Ekholm. He's the key to the Flyers season.
login
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 08.21.2020

Feb 22 @ 4:36 PM ET
For whom they traded a generational player....
- MBFlyerfan


Wasn't at the time considered one.

My prediction is GM acquires Eric Gundbranson (sp) from ottawa
Hextall271
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Hart-Land, NB
Joined: 01.18.2007

Feb 22 @ 4:38 PM ET
Yes, load up the boat to add Ekholm. He's the key to the Flyers season.
- MJL


If he’s a reliable too 4 d, flyers have to look at him. Not sure what the right price would be however.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 22 @ 4:40 PM ET
If he’s a reliable too 4 d, flyers have to look at him. Not sure what the right price would be however.
- Hextall271


Do you then protect him in the expansion draft? If yes then who are we not going to protect.
ClaudeFather
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: west haven, CT
Joined: 08.14.2015

Feb 22 @ 4:46 PM ET
For whom they traded a generational player....
- MBFlyerfan

Lindros?
ClaudeFather
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: west haven, CT
Joined: 08.14.2015

Feb 22 @ 4:46 PM ET
If he’s a reliable too 4 d, flyers have to look at him. Not sure what the right price would be however.
- Hextall271

The flyers have to look at him, for what, a season and a half ?
Landsbergfan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Gävle, Sweden
Joined: 07.15.2014

Feb 22 @ 4:50 PM ET
I would think the plan is to give Giroux's money to Couturier when their current contracts expire. I would also like to move on from Giroux and Jake, the Flyers need a culture change big time!
- jd250

Yea, to many halfgood players to win a SC.
Hextall271
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Hart-Land, NB
Joined: 01.18.2007

Feb 22 @ 4:50 PM ET
Do you then protect him in the expansion draft? If yes then who are we not going to protect.
- MJL


There are complicating factors, but if he can be had at a reasonable price, they should look. I see that he’s left handed and I expect plays left d. Unless you plan to move Myers up permanently, maybe he’s not a fit.
THE EVIL WITHIN
Location: NJ
Joined: 11.20.2017

Feb 22 @ 4:59 PM ET
Blow it up! To many mediocre players to get over the SC hump! Hart is no Hasek! AV is no Bowman! Fletcher must be senile or catatonic!
- MBFlyerfan


Relax! Hyperbole! 2-3 years away what you say 2-3 years away hey!
Scoob
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: love is love
Joined: 06.29.2006

Feb 22 @ 5:09 PM ET
Yes, load up the boat to add Ekholm. He's the key to the Flyers season.
- MJL


Also fire the coach - did you see those ice times!?!?!?!?
MBFlyerfan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Be nice from now on, NJ
Joined: 03.17.2006

Feb 22 @ 5:22 PM ET
Lindros?
- ClaudeFather



I was referring to Forsberg, for Lindros
missingmike
Joined: 07.08.2011

Feb 22 @ 5:32 PM ET
I'm not ready to panic over Hart's play, and I know he's not solely responsible for every goal, but he has really had more than his share of huge stinkers in his young career.
- Dkos

I do not understand people who are ready to crusify him for a bad game , when the team had not seen the ice/ practiced for a while due to covid, when the team had to play in not typical condition (outside, sun glare, elevation) without an opportunity to practice; when your best D plays like a rookie on the first GA.
Yeh, let’s run 22 year old kid out of town for that. 😑
KINGKENZO
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: OMAR COMIN'..Head or Gut?.....Watching regular white people
Joined: 01.10.2008

Feb 22 @ 5:48 PM ET
Hypothetical package for Eichel with tht added benefit that it helps alleviate the worry of the expansion draft....GO
funmaster18
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz and I'm fine.
Joined: 03.15.2009

Feb 22 @ 5:55 PM ET
Hypothetical package for Eichel with tht added benefit that it helps alleviates the worry of the expansion draft....GO
- KINGKENZO

Dkos
Season Ticket Holder
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Gritty, PA
Joined: 01.15.2007

Feb 22 @ 6:00 PM ET
The dude hasn't missed since he was introduced. Flips and stunts are spot on. Even throwing that giant hat on the ice for the hat tricks. Just makes it look easy.

It took me awhile, but I've come around to enjoy Gritty.

- cdearth23


Might be the best athlete on the team. Who says the Flyers don’t have a generational talent?
black_francis
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Bumfuck, NJ
Joined: 01.10.2015

Feb 22 @ 6:01 PM ET
Can you tell me what team has consistently shut down the perfection line?

All of your posts drastically overrate Ekholm. He is not what you think he is.

- MJL


Bill corrected your idiotic take that Hart has been a disappointment. So shut up.
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