Ghost and Laughton Phantoms

[King Knut]

Makes sense I guess. I don't think this puts Morin high on the depth chart, just that there's no use in sending him down yet.

[Irishjim]

if they would just cut nick shultz it would

[radoran]

Better for Gotstobehere to get big minutes in important situations in the A than being a 7 in the N. Laughton's game will also improve with that experience instead of being rushed into a bottom 6 role.

Morin likely getting a cup of coffee before being sent back to Junior.

[flyercanuck]

Works best for their development. And Morin is likely  just getting one last glance before going back.

 

If Laughton or Ghost look comfortable in the A, then bring them up for the odd look.

[JackStraw]

I'm actually really excited to see the Phantoms this year. They should be a much better team with these guys this year.

[Mad Dog]

I am not too happy about Laughton.  If there was one player who I thought was ripe for picking, it was him, especially knowing that if we didn't have VLC on the roster, Laughton woudl've probably made the roster.

[pilldoc]

I am not too happy about Laughton.  If there was one player who I thought was ripe for picking, it was him, especially knowing that if we didn't have VLC on the roster, Laughton woudl've probably made the roster.

 

Yeah I agree MD, I really thought Laughton would be given a quality shot here.  Is it possible, Morin sticks around for 9 games then goes back to his junior team?

[brelic]

I hope Ghost gets some NHL time this year - kid showed he can play with the big boys.

 

I'm not surprised about Laughton. I've seen a heckuva lot more out of Bellemare and Jones than Laughton. 

 

Here's the link to the Ghost/Laughton cuts:

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/flyers/Gostisbehere-Laughton-sent-down.html

[murraycraven]

I am not too happy about Laughton.  If there was one player who I thought was ripe for picking, it was him, especially knowing that if we didn't have VLC on the roster, Laughton woudl've probably made the roster.

 

 

Laughton was not all that impressive in the preseason - not bad but not nearly enough to make him stay.  Remember, this kid was a man playing against boys his last year in Jrs...  If he was ready I think he would have stuck around.   He needs time to play in AHL and play against bigger and better competition. 

[Mad Dog]

Laughton was not all that impressive in the preseason - not bad but not nearly enough to make him stay.  Remember, this kid was a man playing against boys his last year in Jrs...  If he was ready I think he would have stuck around.   He needs time to play in AHL and play against bigger and better competition. 

 

Yeah, I guess I can see that side of it as well, MC.  Still, I think he was ready to step in and play in the NHL.  He would not be a first line, or even a second line, center.  He would not be looked at to lead the way; he would not be put on the spot, so the risk would not really be that huge.  But playing some PK, getting his feet wet... I just felt they could start slowly introducing him to the NHL.

[flyercanuck]

@Mad Dog

 

I think Laughtons PK/defensive game is already pretty good. At least in the A he;ll get some work with the puck. Might help improve his overall game.

[Mad Dog]

@Mad Dog

 

I think Laughtons PK/defensive game is already pretty good. At least in the A he;ll get some work with the puck. Might help improve his overall game.

 

Agreed.

[doom88]

Good, this can only help their development. And, they'll be playing with the guys who will be Flyers in five years.

[King Knut]

They love Belly

If VLC does okay, they'll trade him and bring Laughton up.

I am not too happy about Laughton. If there was one player who I thought was ripe for picking, it was him, especially knowing that if we didn't have VLC on the roster, Laughton woudl've probably made the roster.

[fanaticV3.0]

I am not too happy about Laughton.  If there was one player who I thought was ripe for picking, it was him, especially knowing that if we didn't have VLC on the roster, Laughton woudl've probably made the roster.

 

This is just blind VLC hate. Everything I've read indicated Laughton did not have the best preseason and this move was totally warranted.

[fanaticV3.0]

I hope Ghost gets some NHL time this year - kid showed he can play with the big boys.

 

I'm not surprised about Laughton. I've seen a heckuva lot more out of Bellemare and Jones than Laughton. 

 

Here's the link to the Ghost/Laughton cuts:

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/flyers/Gostisbehere-Laughton-sent-down.html

 

I don't watch much preseason at all. I never do. It just doesn't interest me. I keep an eye on the "papers" though and what I read said his defensive game simply was not NHL ready yet. What about his game looked good to you?

[Lindbergh31]

@ Mad Dog

 

Though I agree that it would be nice to Laughton stay with the big club, it's not going to hurt his development being in the AHL this year, once the Flyers get rid of Lecavalier then Laughton will probably get called up. If it is not this year, then probably next year. He'll probably play in all situations with the Phantoms this year which is good for him. And hopefully Hextall can get rid of Vinny.

[brelic]

I don't watch much preseason at all. I never do. It just doesn't interest me. I keep an eye on the "papers" though and what I read said his defensive game simply was not NHL ready yet. What about his game looked good to you?

 

I would say just about everything else about his game is NHL-ready. Speed, passing, skating, puckhandling, shooting, and hockey IQ. His has made some defensive gaffes, but mostly because of overpinching/being out of position on the offensive side of things. That will require a readjustment at the NHL-level, no question. Then again, Coburn and MacDonald have provided uneven defense at best during the preseason, and that's being generous. Even on the defensive side, I would say Ghost has been in the top 6, no question. Schenn and Del Zotto would not even have a roster spot in a world without salary caps and veteran favoritism.

 

The two X factors with Ghost are 1) stamina over 82 games, and 2) being constantly hit and shoved by NHL players. Ghost is 5'10", and 170lbs. That's pretty small for an NHLer, let alone a defenseman who is supposed to retrieve pucks in the corner all the time. I imagine his speed and hockey smarts have allowed him to make plays before taking too much punishment, but the NHL speed is a different beast. It's definitely not a bad thing to get some AHL seasoning with grown men plastering you on the boards while trying to play a game every second night.

[murraycraven]

I think the bigger question now is big Sam. Does this kid have a legit shot at making the Team?

[brelic]

I think the bigger question now is big Sam. Does this kid have a legit shot at making the Team?

 

I would say no. Even though he's played really well (better than some veterans on most nights), he's still too raw and needs work on many parts of his game. He really won't get that with 8-12 minutes per night.

[pilldoc]

I think the bigger question now is big Sam. Does this kid have a legit shot at making the Team?

 

But my  understanding was that he needed more work than that of Ghost.  I think he is still with the team simply because he can't go the Phantoms yet because of his age.  I'm thinking he does the 9 game stint with the Flyers then go back to his junior team.  That way he gets a taste of the NHL and then he knows what he needs to work on.  Of course we all said the same thing about Coots a couple of years ago, but then again Forwards are different than d-men developmentally.  Just my 2 cents.

[pilldoc]

Article on Morin debating if he stays or goes..........  

 

http://thehockeywriters.com/will-samuel-morin-crack-the-flyers-lineup/?utm_content=buffer1bf81&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

Gotta love this line.....

 

"That leaves Nicklas Grossmann. The 29-year-old blueliner is an offensive sinkhole and not the fleetest of foot on the ice." 

 

LOL - offesive sinkhole or it could be written as offensive stinkhole! - priceless

[radoran]

Morin will be much better off dominating in Juniors after his cup of coffee to start the season.

 

Can build more confidence, more of an edge and keep developing.

[JackStraw]

Morin will be much better off dominating in Juniors after his cup of coffee to start the season.

 

Can build more confidence, more of an edge and keep developing.

 

And a few more cheesesteaks will help put some meat on his bones...

[AJgoal]

But he scored a goal!

 

I'd make a careful evaluation of the defensive vets and guys in the AHL this year. I think it's inevitable that Ghost, Haag, and Alt see time with the big club as injury callups, so that will aid in seeing if they're going to be ready for next year.

 

If one or two are, you move some of your D. If MDZ impresses, bring him back, otherwise let him walk. Deal one or two vets to clear cap and roster spots. Sign a 7th dman. Bring up your two best youngsters and pair them with a vet. Re-evaluate and maybe repeat next season. I think Streit sticks for the length of his contract for a veteran presence on the back end. I could see any of the other 5 projected starters (Coburn, Schenn, Grossmann, MacDonald, MDZ) gone after two years, depending on the development of the young guys and the available trade partners. If any of them sticks around as the 7th, I think it would be Schenn. Otherwise, I'm bringing in a low-priced vet.

 

Now, law of averages says that at least one or two of the young guys will be a career minor leaguer. If you can hit on 3 out of Haag, Morin, Alt, Gostisbehere, and Sanheim, the future is pretty bright. You still own Gustafsson's rights as well, but it might be a hard sell to get him to come back to the NHL. Lauridson seems to be a guy that they'll keep in the AHL as a callup. I don't think Manning ever makes the jump for a significant period.