July 1

[King Knut]

In Flyertown and around the league, this day is always interesting and usually exciting.

I expect to see VLC gone later in the week after Hexy's on the hook for the bonus, so I'm not sure we'll be seeing a ton of action -but who knows?

My only question is if there's a paddle or an orange and black cricket bat that Hexy gets to whack Homer with every day.

[murraycraven]

I dont see much of anything happening.  Maybe VLC gets moved and we add a winger (Mueller type?)...  But again I think the Flyers are going to have to eat about 2M a year on the VLC deal.  With the cap situation I really dont see much going in terms of any big signings.   They have to find a backup goalie as well but again I cant see any big moves.  They simply dont have the space to much.

[brelic]

Yeah I also think it will be quiet for the Flyers. Backup goalie and maybe a guy like Mason Raymond as top line winger.

 

EDIT: Meltzer and Seravalli also saying that Hextall is in the market for a 7th defenseman - he wants a vet, not a youngster per their quotes.

[murraycraven]

Yeah I also think it will be quiet for the Flyers. Backup goalie and maybe a guy like Mason Raymond as top line winger.

 

me too Brel...   I think Raymond or Mueller would be a decent add.   Mueller has the skill but has been hurt for so long w/ concussions.   I think w the addition of a backupo winger and possibly a winger the Team is set - excluding any trades that may happen.

[brelic]

me too Brel...   I think Raymond or Mueller would be a decent add.   Mueller has the skill but has been hurt for so long w/ concussions.   I think w the addition of a backupo winger and possibly a winger the Team is set - excluding any trades that may happen.

 

Yes, the team is close to set. I like the forward group, but the defense group is basically the same as last year.

 

I've always like Mueller and thought he got a bum deal when he kept having setbacks. Is he still in the NHL? I see he played 40+ games in the Swiss league last year, and 40 games for the Panthers.

 

I'd take a chance on him for one year. Plus we might get to watch someone wear #88 again for the O&B (assuming it's not retired yet).

[murraycraven]

Yes, the team is close to set. I like the forward group, but the defense group is basically the same as last year.

 

 

I know... and that scares the hell out of me... maybe there is a trade opp that comes up for Hextall.   I am still in the "wait and see mode" about Umberger honestly.   Still not really all that high on him but willing to see what happens.

[brelic]

 I am still in the "wait and see mode" about Umberger honestly.   Still not really all that high on him but willing to see what happens.

 

Umberger can do a number of things for this team:

 

1. If he's 2nd line winger, he can stabilize Schenn and Simmonds with his veteran presence, something that VLC was never able to do.

2. If he's 3rd line winger, he brings that experience to the table for Coots and Read. I really liked Raffl on this line, but he might be a better fit on the 2nd line.

3. If a center goes down for any length of time (or when they get thrown out of the faceoff circle), he can step in and help out.

4. He kills penalties, something which neither Downie nor VLC do. It just gives us more options.

5. He's a fitness freak (at least he was) and Berube is all about the conditioning. He might not be fast, but he's in shape.

 

Just trying to see the positive side of things

[murraycraven]

Umberger can do a number of things for this team:

 

1. If he's 2nd line winger, he can stabilize Schenn and Simmonds with his veteran presence, something that VLC was never able to do.

2. If he's 3rd line winger, he brings that experience to the table for Coots and Read. I really liked Raffl on this line, but he might be a better fit on the 2nd line.

3. If a center goes down for any length of time (or when they get thrown out of the faceoff circle), he can step in and help out.

4. He kills penalties, something which neither Downie nor VLC do. It just gives us more options.

5. He's a fitness freak (at least he was) and Berube is all about the conditioning. He might not be fast, but he's in shape.

 

Just trying to see the positive side of things

 

 

Believe me.... I understand the trade but still not sure if it makes us a better Team.  I *think* it might but I am a little nervous this guy was a healthy scratch and the most critical junture of the CBJ season.  I understand it could have been injuries and I like the flexibility and PK that he brings.   I feel better about it now than I did a few days ago but still have some hesitation.  

 

Let me ask this - say the Flyers add a winger do you think this Team is a playoff Team as it stands now?

[brelic]

Let me ask this - say the Flyers add a winger do you think this Team is a playoff Team as it stands now?

 

I guess it depends which winger. We're basically the same squad - Downie, Hall, and Hartnell are out. Umberger is in. Who fills the other two spots? Laughton? Akeson? UFA pickup? 

 

Let's say we added a guy like Mueller or Raymond, I think we can expect the same kind of output from our forwards. Plus, I would also expect evolution in Schenn's game and Couturier's game. Simmonds might also benefit from others raising their game and seeing top line PP time.

 

But at the end of the day, we have the same mediocre and slow defense that we had last year. 

 

If I had to put money on it, I'd say the Flyers would be in the same position - fighting for a playoff spot in the last weeks of the season.

 

What do you think?

[brelic]

I'll add a few more names I've been reading on Twitter this morning from the Philly guys:

 

Steve Ott - problem is he made $2.95M last year and would likely get the same or more. I doubt we can afford to spend that much on a role player. He brings a lot of character and sandpaper - both of which we traded away in Hartnell and now lack - but he's too rich for the Flyers right now.

 

TJ Brennan - Dude is a PPG player... in the AHL. Still, he's only 25, and that's pretty impressive for a defenseman (including 25 goals/47 assists in 75 games for the Marlies last year). Does anyone know the scoop on this guy? 6'1", 214 lbs, but only has 40 NHL games under his belt. I'm sure he'd be cheap.

 

Peter Mueller - He's been impressive when healthy in the past. He's 26 now with an injury history.

 

Bottom line, Frank and others think we're going for second-tier FAs, which makes sense given our cap situation.

 

 

Would any of you offer Iginla $4M for a year?

[murraycraven]

I'll add a few more names I've been reading on Twitter this morning from the Philly guys:

 

Steve Ott - problem is he made $2.95M last year and would likely get the same or more. I doubt we can afford to spend that much on a role player. He brings a lot of character and sandpaper - both of which we traded away in Hartnell and now lack - but he's too rich for the Flyers right now.

 

TJ Brennan - Dude is a PPG player... in the AHL. Still, he's only 25, and that's pretty impressive for a defenseman (including 25 goals/47 assists in 75 games for the Marlies last year). Does anyone know the scoop on this guy? 6'1", 214 lbs, but only has 40 NHL games under his belt. I'm sure he'd be cheap.

 

Peter Mueller - He's been impressive when healthy in the past. He's 26 now with an injury history.

 

Bottom line, Frank and others think we're going for second-tier FAs, which makes sense given our cap situation.

 

 

Would any of you offer Iginla $4M for a year?

 

 

I pretty much agree w/ your assessment where the Team stands now...

 

As for Iginla, I would consider it only if it were a short term deal but in the end I think I would take a risk on Mueller.   Raymond would be a good option too and I think Ott will ask for a bit more than I would want to spend although he is a pain to play against and would bring some nastiness.   

 

Right now I have them fighting for a playoff spot and would not be shocked if they are on the outside of the playoff bubble.   They simply cant have another dreadful start b/c I cant see the rest of the division playing as poorly at the start of the season this year.

 

It is really a tough spot to be in but I would try and get Mueller on a cheap deal and add a backup - then ride with the lineup.   In the end it comes down to the defense in front of Mason.   Maybe Gordon can coach these guys into being better players but the defense to me is the weak link - obviously.   I am sure Homer will be looking to try and upgrade there but not sure how he will be able to do it.  If they could shed one d contract and allow someone to come up (Alt, Ollie?) I think it would only help in the long term.  

 

I dont expect this Team to make a run at the cup and still feel that Hexy is building his Team which is going to take time.  

[brelic]

I dont expect this Team to make a run at the cup and still feel that Hexy is building his Team which is going to take time.  

 

In the end, much of this hinges on moving VLC. If he can't be moved, Hexy's not really able to do much. We're already over the cap as is and have to be compliant by the beginning of the season - including Pronger's hit.

[pilldoc]

I look at this way......

 

This year is a year of transition.  This is the 1st full year of Hexy.  Berube will have the team at the start of training camp.  This team is just so hampered by bad contracts.  Once those come off the books (ie LTIR Pronger), then this team cam have a bit more wiggle room.

 

I expext the same this season as last season.

[brelic]

I thought this was an interesting quote from Hexy:

 

Hextall is going into free agency trying to land a backup goalie and a seventh defenseman.

 

Sexy, no. Necessary, yes.

 

"I'd feel more comfortable if we can add a [veteran] defenseman," said Hextall, who, if he had his druthers, would have an up-and-coming player such as Mark Alt remain with the Phantoms for another year rather than be a healthy scratch with the Flyers.

 

 

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20140701_Hextall_s_hands_are_tied_as_free_agency_begins.html#DjPR5pTl5bwwSGm8.99

 

 

Just thinking out loud here, why not move a high priced veteran like Grossmann or Schenn in place of Alt, who can play on the 3rd pairing? We gain cap space, and finally start giving our youngsters a chance to play instead of burying them in the minors. 

 

I've seen several knowledgeable hockey people state that Luke Schenn is a finished product. What you see is what you get, and it ain't pretty. He's a #4/5/6 defenseman. And I would say #4 is a stretch because he starts to get exposed with more minutes and tougher competition.

 

It would be nice if we could ease our young guys in, and not all at once.

 

So, this year, bring in Alt. Next year, have a guy like Hagg or Ghost replace the surely-to-retire Timonen. The year after, bring up Morin. The year after that, perhaps Sanheim is ready for a shot.

 

It just seems more spread out that way and you never have too many rookies on the blueline.

[pilldoc]

 

I thought this was an interesting quote from Hexy:

 

 

 

Just thinking out loud here, why not move a high priced veteran like Grossmann or Schenn in place of Alt, who can play on the 3rd pairing? We gain cap space, and finally start giving our youngsters a chance to play instead of burying them in the minors. 

 

I've seen several knowledgeable hockey people state that Luke Schenn is a finished product. What you see is what you get, and it ain't pretty. He's a #4/5/6 defenseman. And I would say #4 is a stretch because he starts to get exposed with more minutes and tougher competition.

 

It would be nice if we could ease our young guys in, and not all at once.

 

So, this year, bring in Alt. Next year, have a guy like Hagg or Ghost replace the surely-to-retire Timonen. The year after, bring up Morin. The year after that, perhaps Sanheim is ready for a shot.

 

It just seems more spread out that way and you never have too many rookies on the blueline.

 

 

and that is what I thought with Lauridsen last year.  He is what..25...he should be given a shot now too make the team unless he is a career AHLer.  Funny you hardly hear his name mentioned nowadays..... just sayin

[murraycraven]

 

I thought this was an interesting quote from Hexy:

 

 

 

Just thinking out loud here, why not move a high priced veteran like Grossmann or Schenn in place of Alt, who can play on the 3rd pairing? We gain cap space, and finally start giving our youngsters a chance to play instead of burying them in the minors. 

 

I've seen several knowledgeable hockey people state that Luke Schenn is a finished product. What you see is what you get, and it ain't pretty. He's a #4/5/6 defenseman. And I would say #4 is a stretch because he starts to get exposed with more minutes and tougher competition.

 

It would be nice if we could ease our young guys in, and not all at once.

 

So, this year, bring in Alt. Next year, have a guy like Hagg or Ghost replace the surely-to-retire Timonen. The year after, bring up Morin. The year after that, perhaps Sanheim is ready for a shot.

 

It just seems more spread out that way and you never have too many rookies on the blueline.

 

 

 

Get on the phone with Hexy....   I would not take issue with this at all.   Honestly, anyone on the d core could be moved to free up space IMO. 

[AJgoal]

 

I thought this was an interesting quote from Hexy:

 

 

 

Just thinking out loud here, why not move a high priced veteran like Grossmann or Schenn in place of Alt, who can play on the 3rd pairing? We gain cap space, and finally start giving our youngsters a chance to play instead of burying them in the minors. 

 

I've seen several knowledgeable hockey people state that Luke Schenn is a finished product. What you see is what you get, and it ain't pretty. He's a #4/5/6 defenseman. And I would say #4 is a stretch because he starts to get exposed with more minutes and tougher competition.

 

It would be nice if we could ease our young guys in, and not all at once.

 

So, this year, bring in Alt. Next year, have a guy like Hagg or Ghost replace the surely-to-retire Timonen. The year after, bring up Morin. The year after that, perhaps Sanheim is ready for a shot.

 

It just seems more spread out that way and you never have too many rookies on the blueline.

 

 

I would think that's Hextall's preference, but it depends on finding a trading partner. Also, note that the quote doesn't preclude a move. It just says that he'd prefer not to let a young guy languish in the 7th spot - which I agree with. So even if he can move one of the top 6, he'd still want to find a vet to be the 7th guy.

[jammer2]

and that is what I thought with Lauridsen last year.  He is what..25...he should be given a shot now too make the team unless he is a career AHLer.  Funny you hardly hear his name mentioned nowadays..... just sayin

 

 This certainly seems to be shaping up as a make or break year for Oliver. If we somehow waste 6'6 and 220 lbs that is mobile.....I will puke, he really deserves a shot. He will have to do his part though, and part of that is showing up to camp with renewed vigor in terms of cardio commitment, and a NASTY snarl....play like your life is on the line Oliver!!!

[OccamsRazor]

I will puke, he really deserves a shot. He will have to do his part though, and part of that is showing up to camp with renewed vigor in terms of cardio commitment, and a NASTY snarl....play like your life is on the line Oliver!!!

 

It will be really sad if he can't beat Schultz out for the 7th defenseman spot.

[doom88]

It will be really sad if he can't beat Schultz out for the 7th defenseman spot.

Race to the bench? No thanks, I'd rather keep him on ice in the AHL.

[OccamsRazor]

Race to the bench? No thanks, I'd rather keep him on ice in the AHL.

 

He is 25 going on 26 this year it will not hurt him to sit in the press box. I'm afraid it's sink or swim with him. If he can't beat Schultz out he pretty much won't ever make it to the NHL and he is as good as he is gonna get.

[doom88]

He is 25 going on 26 this year it will not hurt him to sit in the press box. I'm afraid it's sink or swim with him. If he can't beat Schultz out he pretty much won't ever make it to the NHL and he is as good as he is gonna get.

Maybe, but sitting in the press box hurts both him and the Phantoms. It doesn't make much sense to me, even given the coming of age factor.

[OccamsRazor]

Maybe, but sitting in the press box hurts both him and the Phantoms. It doesn't make much sense to me, even given the coming of age factor.

Maybe, but sitting in the press box hurts both him and the Phantoms. It doesn't make much sense to me, even given the coming of age factor.

He'll be ok just like the Phantoms will be ok without him. Alt, Ghost, Hagg, Manning, Konan, Lamarche are all younger and would fill out the Phantoms blueline and they need the the minutes in Leigh not Ollie. Ollie has had 2 years of college and two years in the AHL it is time to find out if he can contribute or not sink or swim time for him.

He is mature enough to handle a 7th Dman position and if he has to sit in the box for a game or two it won't set him back he is pretty close to his ceiling he just needs time in the NHL to acclimate himself. Besides he is half the cap hit of Schultz and with the being strapped for cap space I prefer the cheaper 7th Dman.

[doom88]

When you put it that way, it makes more sense. Well done.

I'd rather lose Grossmann, and actually play Lauridsen in that case though. You evaluate players on ice, not the press box.

[ClassicJ]

Grossman is a little uder appreciated I think.  if you guys want to trade him to give prospects time at the NHL level that's cool I don't necessarily disagree, just be prepared for some ugly D. grossman isn't flashy, but he is a solid pro. if Alt and/or Lauridsen ever make a career like he has they will be exceeding most expectations of them and they will certainly have some growing pains along the way.