Bourdon is healthy and ready to play - *updated*

[hf101]

Apparently he has been concussion free and is ready for camp.

“Most of the guys skate only one month this summer, I skated for like five months in a row. I took a double portion this summer of training to make sure I was up to speed. I think it’s gonna be good.” -- Bourdon

Timonen, Streit, Coburn, Schenn, Grossman are givens to make the roster. It will be a battle for the 6th and 7th spots between Meszaros, Gustafsson, Bourdon and Gervais.

most likely Bourdon starts the year in the AHL, however I think he would have to clear waivers.

http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20130818/SPORTS04/308180027/Bourdon-wants-Flyers-defensive-battle?nclick_check=1

Edited August 20, 2013 by hf101
added link

[TarHeelFlyer]

I have no idea what we are going to do with him, but my guess is he WOULD clear waivers as no one knows for sure he is healthy. Unfortunately him getting sent down doesn't help but so much with our current cap situation.

[flyercanuck]

That's one guy I'm afraid for his health. He's barely started his NHL career and already has a concussion history. It must be tough trying to fulfil your dream and having this huge roadblock in the way.

[Bertmega]

When he did play, I like what I saw. I think he will be good if he can stay healthy. However, with the current cap situation and the log jam on D. I think he should play in the A this year and get his game back. Then maybe next year after Timo is off the books the coaching staff can get a better look at him.

[murraycraven]

"in the AHL..." Sorry hf but I was just finishing your header to this post.

I have to be honest and say that I have moved on from MAB . I dont see how he has a shot at making the Flyers this year unless injuries play a large part on defense. I would think he would clear waivers as I am not sure if anyone would want to take a flyer on him and his concussion issues. It would be a nice story if the kid could stay healthy and get into the lineup but I just dont see it.

I hope he is really healthy and not being shady w/ the medical staff like he was previously. I hope everything works out for him but would never count on him due to his history.

Edited August 23, 2013 by murraycraven

[doom88]

I hope he really is healthy. I liked his last opportunity.

[NRH]

He has been skating and training more than the other players, he might come out the gates as a strong player. He might also run out of gas earlier than them as well.

[canoli]

Thanks for the news HF - and the link, that was a good read. He sounds like he's ready and he wants IN, a roster spot on the Flyers. But the story says he's not yet medically cleared...and it's a little worrying to hear him say, "I just need my head to be 100 percent."

But if he can get his head together and be ready for camp it will be interesting to see who gets the last 2 spots.

[peter puck]

He can skate all he wants in the off months with no contact. I hope he can stay healthy but something tells me first good hit and he's toast, French toast.

[NRH]

He can skate all he wants in the off months with no contact. I hope he can stay healthy but something tells me first good hit and he's toast, French toast.

the France Hockey League

[gp926]

I've got to think Mez takes that 6th spot. When he's played he's certainly been good enough for 10-14 min per game. MA Bourdon should get some time in the AHL, which I think is a good thing. I really liked his play two years ago when so many defensemen were hurt. While there isn't a top tier defenseman on this team, I do think they've got a good number of NHL-capable players, and with Gothisbere, Lauridson, Morin, and Hagg about 2-4 years away, I'm cautiously optimistic about their blue line recovering after Timmonen and Streit retire, which will be soon I'm sure.

[hf101]

I've got to think Mez takes that 6th spot. When he's played he's certainly been good enough for 10-14 min per game. MA Bourdon should get some time in the AHL, which I think is a good thing. I really liked his play two years ago when so many defensemen were hurt. While there isn't a top tier defenseman on this team, I do think they've got a good number of NHL-capable players, and with Gothisbere, Lauridson, Morin, and Hagg about 2-4 years away, I'm cautiously optimistic about their blue line recovering after Timmonen and Streit retire, which will be soon I'm sure.

Welcome!

I agree. They will use a few players that they develop while mixing that with a couple of vets moving forward.

[NRH]

I've got to think Mez takes that 6th spot. When he's played he's certainly been good enough for 10-14 min per game. MA Bourdon should get some time in the AHL, which I think is a good thing. I really liked his play two years ago when so many defensemen were hurt. While there isn't a top tier defenseman on this team, I do think they've got a good number of NHL-capable players, and with Gothisbere, Lauridson, Morin, and Hagg about 2-4 years away, I'm cautiously optimistic about their blue line recovering after Timmonen and Streit retire, which will be soon I'm sure.

 

That is if they keep them for 2-4 years.

[brelic]

According to an article on philly.com this morning, Bourdon is not cleared for play.

Marc-Andre Bourdon is a defenseman who has yet to be cleared. He suffered a concussion while playing with the AHL's Phantoms last November and is still experiencing symptoms. "I still have some ups and downs," Bourdon said. "It's taking longer than I thought. I'm hoping [to be back soon]. I'm praying on it." Said Holmgren about Bourdon: "It's going in the right direction and I anticipate him being fine."

It almost sounds like his NHL career will be over before it starts. I feel for the guy.

[Leach27]

According to an article on philly.com this morning, Bourdon is not cleared for play.

It almost sounds like his NHL career will be over before it starts. I feel for the guy.

They expect he will be ok.

"Marc-Andre Bourdon is a defenseman who has yet to be cleared. He suffered a concussion while playing with the AHL's Phantoms last November and is still experiencing symptoms. "I still have some ups and downs," Bourdon said. "It's taking longer than I thought. I'm hoping [to be back soon]. I'm praying on it." Said Holmgren about Bourdon: "It's going in the right direction and I anticipate him being fine."

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20130906_Laughton_will_get_his_shot_at_Flyers_camp.html

Edited September 6, 2013 by Leach27

[canoli]

yeah despite the "right direction" and "anticipate him being fine" rhetoric from Homer it does not sound good. MAB's last concussion occurred last November and he's still having "ups and downs." Yikes...going on a year.

 

What a shame I really liked what I saw from him...seemed to have a healthy combination of skating ability, fearlessness and brains. I was really hoping he'd become one of our better defensemen.

[hf101]

@brelic

 

 

According to the Flyers website:  

 

 

“Marc just needs to play,” Holmgren said. “He looks fine. We’ll see how it goes. It’s encouraging how it’s gone for him because it’s gone in the right direction. We’ll see in the next few days here but I anticipate he’ll be fine too.”

Bourdon has been skating like the devil for five months now, and as such is probably in the best shape of his career. He looks fast and sharp. It’s just a matter of getting past that final hurdle, which for guys coming off a concussion is often the hardest one of all. But, at least it’s the final hurdle.

[jammer2]

  This is really unfortunate. I had really high hopes for this kid. No matter what, this will be hanging over his career like a black cloud. If he goes 2-3 years without symptoms, I'll feel a lot better, but for now, I'm not really counting on him much. In my mind, he's a project until he can prove otherwise. I really liked the fierce nature of his game, his shot from the point was hard and accurate. I just don't know if somebody that plays his "type of game" can come back from this. I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worse kinda thing.