The Official 5,000 Posts for a Flyers Stanley Cup in 2015!

[Cobiemonster]

I never thought about trading Streit? He's worth a 1st rounder. There are some good quality players in this draft. I was just on the NHL main board to check out the thread on the Bruins being toast. You may have nailed it. It looks like they are done. Julien may get the axe? Impounder if we have the players he lIkes or if he would want to coach the Fluers?

I've mentioned it a few times on here already, they need to cash in at this point - he's not going to be around when the team finally goes deep in the playoffs

Claude Julien has been on thin ice before - he was on the verge of being canned before they won the cup and I'm sure he's on thin ice still - he's a solid coach with a good game plan but he needs the right players for it to succeed - the guys that left Boston were good for his system and now they don't have the guys to replace them and work the system the way it needs to be done

 

[awaz]

I like Julien as the coach. I think he's more realistic than Babcock also. If the Bruins miss the playoffs he'll definitely get canned.

I'm fine with trading streit if the return is there. As mentioned, when they're ready to compete he probably won't be here anyway.

I would still be a little hesitant in regards to moving bschenn. Gotta make sure you get value and not Danny markov for him. In the right situation I really do think he could flourish.

 

[JBM73]

Ed Snider is a complete MORON when it comes to hockey.

Snider: Flyers can compete for Cup next year

 

[Cobiemonster]

Check out this site!

Philadelphia Flyers (Men) | 500 LEVEL

They have some cool Flyers shirts, I got one of the Claude Giroux ones

 

[JBM73]

Offseason could bring dramatic coaching changes - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN

 

[Cobiemonster]

Unhappy marriage continues as injuries force Lecavalier back in lineup

Ugh

 

[awaz]

Offseason could bring dramatic coaching changes - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN

just reading through some of these that I missed the past couple of days. holy cow are there a lot of good coaches that could/will be available this summer. great time to be coach shopping!

 

[JBM73]

Brandon Manning recalled.

Flyers recall D Brandon Manning from Phantoms | Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia

 

[mall3013]

just reading through some of these that I missed the past couple of days. holy cow are there a lot of good coaches that could/will be available this summer. great time to be coach shopping!

Yeah. Cobie and myself were talking about this the other night.. Who do you like awaz? Julien interests me a bit. I'm thinking more and more that Babcock will stay in Detroit and get a big raise to stay put.

 

[awaz]

Yeah. Cobie and myself were talking about this the other night.. Who do you like awaz? Julien interests me a bit. I'm thinking more and more that Babcock will stay in Detroit and get a big raise to stay put.

I agree, I think Babcock will stay in Detroit. Good situation for him, he'll get enough money, they're competitive now and getting younger all the time.

Julien I like. He's done a lot with what I don't think was an overly talented Bruins team. They have good goaltending and have played strong defense and that's led them to be one of the more successful teams the past decade. But I don't think they're overly talented, similar to where the Flyers are right now. Big difference being Chara.

McClellan I don't particularly like. I think he's been a little bit of the opposite of Julien. He's had loads of talent in SJ and hasn't been able to get them over the hump. Now it looks like it's too late. With Couture, Marleau, and Thronton down the middle for the past 4-5 years, he should've been able to do more I think.

Bylsma, I'm kind of eh on him. Definitely an improvement over Berube though.

I cant believe I'm saying this, but I kind of like Boudreau. I think he's a complete clown, but he gets pretty good results. Only concern I have is in the playoffs he seems to get out matched. He's had a lot of talented rosters and hasn't been able to put up in the playoffs.

Torts, eh. I don't want them to hire him because his game plan is boring. Pack it in on defense and play the counter game. The Flyers roster could fit that, but I don't think they have the horses up front to score on the counter enough to be competitive. G and Voracek could do it, but I that's it I think.

Tippet has gotten a lot out of some pretty mediocre Coyotes teams. I'm sure Mason would appreciate playing for him though, dude knows defense. Might not be a bad choice considering our prospect pool.

I think Julien would be my preferred. If he's available.

 

[Cobiemonster]

I agree, I think Babcock will stay in Detroit. Good situation for him, he'll get enough money, they're competitive now and getting younger all the time.

Julien I like. He's done a lot with what I don't think was an overly talented Bruins team. They have good goaltending and have played strong defense and that's led them to be one of the more successful teams the past decade. But I don't think they're overly talented, similar to where the Flyers are right now. Big difference being Chara.

McClellan I don't particularly like. I think he's been a little bit of the opposite of Julien. He's had loads of talent in SJ and hasn't been able to get them over the hump. Now it looks like it's too late. With Couture, Marleau, and Thronton down the middle for the past 4-5 years, he should've been able to do more I think.

Bylsma, I'm kind of eh on him. Definitely an improvement over Berube though.

I cant believe I'm saying this, but I kind of like Boudreau. I think he's a complete clown, but he gets pretty good results. Only concern I have is in the playoffs he seems to get out matched. He's had a lot of talented rosters and hasn't been able to put up in the playoffs.

Torts, eh. I don't want them to hire him because his game plan is boring. Pack it in on defense and play the counter game. The Flyers roster could fit that, but I don't think they have the horses up front to score on the counter enough to be competitive. G and Voracek could do it, but I that's it I think.

Tippet has gotten a lot out of some pretty mediocre Coyotes teams. I'm sure Mason would appreciate playing for him though, dude knows defense. Might not be a bad choice considering our prospect pool.

I think Julien would be my preferred. If he's available.

Mike Babcock - Yes, I see him sticking around - there are enticing places to go elsewhere, but the grass isn't always greener

Claude Julien - He's done a lot for the Bruins and their roster isn't as talented(and Big Z has taken a step back too) and I wouldn't be mad if the Flyers brought him on, but there's something about him that I can't stand(maybe it's all the whining and innocence he shows on the bench)

Todd McClellan - He should have gotten more out of those teams for sure and he does deserve some of the blame, but I think going elsewhere might re-invigorate him

Dan Bylsma would definitely be an upgrade and it would help them get back to a more up-tempo game I would think, but in the playoffs, besides the first year, he's gotten worse each year

BB is a terrific regular season coach and I actually like his attitude, but in the playoffs, he turns into someone who's absolutely dumber than a box rocks, has no ability to adjust - I think a lot of people hate his flip flopping of goalies, and while he hasn't had that big time number one goalie, I think the flip flopping of the goaltenders in the playoffs has gotten him in trouble

If anyone even considers Torts, they should get their head checked

Dave Tippett would be a GREAT choice, I love his defensive work and on a more talented team with a great nucleus of young d-men on the rise, it might be one of the most talented groups he's ever had - my only concern, and maybe it's not his fault but more so the rosters he's had in the past, that the team wouldn't be as up-tempo - I'd like to see this team get back to being more up-tempo and playing with jam, like Lavi had them playing for a while - that's when they were at their absolute best - if they could play with jam AND have great defensive structure, he would be a dream for this team actually

I also wonder, if Mike Babcock signs a mega deal in Detroit to stay, that Jeff Blashill could be pried out of there - he seems like one of those really good up and coming coaches

 

[mall3013]

Fuck me. Did anyone see the '15 music fan awards? Madonna and Taylor Swift looked amazing. I'm not even a fan of either, but I'd give them the hucklebuck.

 

[Cobiemonster]

Flyers at 7:52pm this evening were eliminated from playoff contention

 

[chy1127]

Since we are "officially" out of the post season we can look to next season. At 1st I was hoping to see some young guys up to play out the season. After reading Hexy's reason, I agree with him. Bring up young guys would basically be for the fans. It would not be a good hockey decision.

Looks like we are setting up for the 8th pick and something in the mid 20's. Primary need is a goal scoring left wing. Raffl can hold down the #1 left wing for next year. He has 20 and missed 15 games. After Raffl we drop to Read. . Umberger is the only other LW listed on the roster.

Contract and Cap Situation.

We have 12 forwards, 6 dmen and 2 goalies (this includes Stolarz) under contract for next year. The cap is projected to go to $73m up from $69 m. Those 20 ks are for $63m ($68 until Pronger comes off). VV and MDZ are not under contract. Vinny wants out.

Need a LW.

Looks like we are setting up for the 8th pick and something in the mid 20's. Primary need is a goal scoring left wing. Raffl can hold down the #1 left wing for next year. He has 20 and missed 15 games. Umberger is the only other LW listed on the roster. Unfortunately, although we may have some cap space it looks like slim pickings for FA LWS.

Upgrade Defense.

If MDZ signs we have 7 NHL players. I would think Morin would have a serious shot to be better then most of those 7. Manning is a better and cheaper solution for 3rd pairing. Streit is an expensive luxury. We have the 3rd best PP and this had a lot to do with Streit. Moving Streit would clear some serious cap space but doesn't make us that much better unless a "top" FA is signed to replace him. I don't think that would be a good idea. Grossmann and Shultz can continue as 2nd pairing guys. I don't know what to expect from Gudas other than being a top 6 guy. A Mac is not tradable and a buyout would be a hard nut to swallow. Schenn for a mid round draft pick would not weaken this core.

In the wings. As we know injuries are a big part of this game. The Phantoms should be pretty deep with Morin, Ghost, Hagg Alt and Manning. I thought that both Ghost and Morin we better than some of those that made the final roster. Ghost needs some weight and upper body strength. Since he had a knee injury, I would be very surprised if he didn't work the upper body very hard while rehabbing. Hopefully he makes a 100% recovery.

Secondary Scoring.

G, Jake and Simmonds have become safe bets and Raffll impressed me this year. Too bad Schenn, Read, Vinny, Umberger and Couteriere all decided to have down years at the same time. Schenn may have the same number of points but he has to be around 25 for his role on this team. Reads 7 goals on the 3rd line was a real hit. Vinny had limited time and limited scoring and wants out. Umberger is long on heart but short on talent. I would not be shocked or lose sleep if he is bought out over the summer. Couts has tied his career high in goals but he has too much talent to continue at 13 goals. Conservatively, those 5 scored 30 goals less than expected. We were 22nd in goals scored. We would have been 6th with average years from these 5. White and VV are UFA's and played better than expected. Like our defense we may have the same line up as last year.

In the wings. Cousins, Laughton and Straka. I like the speed and energy these 3 bring, but in 31 games Laughton had 2 goals. Straka had 2 A's in his 3 games. The problem for these guys is roster spots. Even if they play better than some veterans, they will probably be on the Phantoms if no injuries.

PK.

After 2 solid tears in the top 10 in PK we dropped to 29th. The only changes in this regard were losing Kimmo and Adam Hall. This stat make the overall 7th in goals against even more impressive.

Coaching.

Chief probably signed his walking papers with the way he handled Mason. Mason has had one of the best seasons I can remember for a Flyers goalie and has a losing record to show for it. 2 of his 3 shut outs were loses. .927 Save % it pretty impressive for the defense we put in front of him. Add in the firing of the coach that help him regain confidence. The good new is that there seems to be a strong group of candidates to replace him.

Out look.

Not as bad as I thought all season. Our problem was scoring and not defense. We were 22 in scoring and 7th against. After years of solid PK, we really stunk this year. If the forwards we have would play to there ability, we would be a middle of the pack playoff team. Add a real top 6 LW and we can have a season to enjoy and hopefully get to see some of the top prospects play at this level.

 

[Cobiemonster]

Since we are "officially" out of the post season we can look to next season. At 1st I was hoping to see some young guys up to play out the season. After reading Hexy's reason, I agree with him. Bring up young guys would basically be for the fans. It would not be a good hockey decision.

Looks like we are setting up for the 8th pick and something in the mid 20's. Primary need is a goal scoring left wing. Raffl can hold down the #1 left wing for next year. He has 20 and missed 15 games. After Raffl we drop to Read. . Umberger is the only other LW listed on the roster.

Contract and Cap Situation.

We have 12 forwards, 6 dmen and 2 goalies (this includes Stolarz) under contract for next year. The cap is projected to go to $73m up from $69 m. Those 20 ks are for $63m ($68 until Pronger comes off). VV and MDZ are not under contract. Vinny wants out.

Need a LW.

Looks like we are setting up for the 8th pick and something in the mid 20's. Primary need is a goal scoring left wing. Raffl can hold down the #1 left wing for next year. He has 20 and missed 15 games. Umberger is the only other LW listed on the roster. Unfortunately, although we may have some cap space it looks like slim pickings for FA LWS.

Upgrade Defense.

If MDZ signs we have 7 NHL players. I would think Morin would have a serious shot to be better then most of those 7. Manning is a better and cheaper solution for 3rd pairing. Streit is an expensive luxury. We have the 3rd best PP and this had a lot to do with Streit. Moving Streit would clear some serious cap space but doesn't make us that much better unless a "top" FA is signed to replace him. I don't think that would be a good idea. Grossmann and Shultz can continue as 2nd pairing guys. I don't know what to expect from Gudas other than being a top 6 guy. A Mac is not tradable and a buyout would be a hard nut to swallow. Schenn for a mid round draft pick would not weaken this core.

In the wings. As we know injuries are a big part of this game. The Phantoms should be pretty deep with Morin, Ghost, Hagg Alt and Manning. I thought that both Ghost and Morin we better than some of those that made the final roster. Ghost needs some weight and upper body strength. Since he had a knee injury, I would be very surprised if he didn't work the upper body very hard while rehabbing. Hopefully he makes a 100% recovery.

Secondary Scoring.

G, Jake and Simmonds have become safe bets and Raffll impressed me this year. Too bad Schenn, Read, Vinny, Umberger and Couteriere all decided to have down years at the same time. Schenn may have the same number of points but he has to be around 25 for his role on this team. Reads 7 goals on the 3rd line was a real hit. Vinny had limited time and limited scoring and wants out. Umberger is long on heart but short on talent. I would not be shocked or lose sleep if he is bought out over the summer. Couts has tied his career high in goals but he has too much talent to continue at 13 goals. Conservatively, those 5 scored 30 goals less than expected. We were 22nd in goals scored. We would have been 6th with average years from these 5. White and VV are UFA's and played better than expected. Like our defense we may have the same line up as last year.

In the wings. Cousins, Laughton and Straka. I like the speed and energy these 3 bring, but in 31 games Laughton had 2 goals. Straka had 2 A's in his 3 games. The problem for these guys is roster spots. Even if they play better than some veterans, they will probably be on the Phantoms if no injuries.

PK.

After 2 solid tears in the top 10 in PK we dropped to 29th. The only changes in this regard were losing Kimmo and Adam Hall. This stat make the overall 7th in goals against even more impressive.

Coaching.

Chief probably signed his walking papers with the way he handled Mason. Mason has had one of the best seasons I can remember for a Flyers goalie and has a losing record to show for it. 2 of his 3 shut outs were loses. .927 Save % it pretty impressive for the defense we put in front of him. Add in the firing of the coach that help him regain confidence. The good new is that there seems to be a strong group of candidates to replace him.

Out look.

Not as bad as I thought all season. Our problem was scoring and not defense. We were 22 in scoring and 7th against. After years of solid PK, we really stunk this year. If the forwards we have would play to there ability, we would be a middle of the pack playoff team. Add a real top 6 LW and we can have a season to enjoy and hopefully get to see some of the top prospects play at this level.

I would be looking to move Brayden Schenn and Matt Read - yes, Matt Read played with injuries but to only have what, 7 or 8 goals this season, just doesn't cut it - it shows that if the injury was that bad, then he never should have been playing as long as he was - he's making too much imo and they could find someone cheaper who could produce better, I would think - there are bargain types out there that could net you 15-20 goals and be better than what he's been this season

As for Brayden Schenn, yes his contract situation is good because there's flexibility involved, but he's at the point where, like Couts, they have gotten WORSE since they came into the league and I don't know how much of that is really on them or how much of it is on the coaching staff for not coaching them up - that's part of the reason why I think the whole coaching staff, not just the head coach, need to be shown the door, because too many players have regressed lately - maybe they could package these two guys and get a true number two center, I dunno, but I think they need to look at moving those guys

Guys like R.J. Umberger(yes they got him because his contract is shorter and the team understands that) and Vinny can't be around because if they're not going to do anything 5 on 5, then they're useless because they're part of the reason the PK has been so bad because the top players get used too often and they don't have true role players on the bottom six

I give Chris VandeVelde a lot of credit, he's been stellar this season considering where he was in the past, but I think they might need to give one of those young guys you mentioned, an opportunity, especially if they can't move some of these other guys - but I wouldn't be mad if he came back

I will keep hammering this home, but Mark Streit needs to be moved in order to get the highest value possible - there are teams who have horrid PP's and would instantly improve if they got him - get a 1st round pick for him then you have three first rounders and you can do lots of things - either keep all the picks, or use two of them to move up, or even use those picks to package with Couts and or Brayden Schenn to get established NHL players - yes, they need wingers, but they need a bona-fide second line center, the team has regressed the last few seasons because of a lack of a second line center

 

[awaz]

I agree with Cobie on the 2C. Aside from the defense, which I'm willing to wait on the young guys for, the lack of 2C is what hurt the team the most this year. After G and Voracek there really wasn't a threat to score 5 on 5 this season. Teams could just throw their checking group out when G and Voracek were on the ice and the rest of the game they could go all out to score. The Flyers were a very easy team to match up against.

BSchenn, I'm OK with moving as long as you get something for him. Coots I'd keep because his contract is good and at worst he's still fantastic defensively. Read I'd keep too, same reason as Coots. I would use Schenn and the draft to try to solidify the 2nd line. Raffl can fill a top 6 LW spot, G is a 1C, Voracek and Simmer are top 6 RWs. Hopefully Marner or Barzal are available when the Flyers pick and they can at least be the future at 2C even if they're not ready to play next year. I'd be cool with resigning White on a cap friendly deal, play him with Coots and Read next year. PEB, VV, ??? (Cousins/Laughton?) would be a nice 4th line as well. I would also be OK with Laughton replacing White on the 3rd line and letting White walk. Really, when you look at this team, if BSchenn can't hold down a top 6 LW spot, or a 2C spot, there really isn't a good spot for him moving forward. Same can be said about Umberger and Vinny. I forgot about Umberger, I guess you have him in the bottom 6 somewhere too, so really, resigning White doesn't make a whole lot of sense roster space wise unless you can move some of the others.

I'd be fine with moving Streit for a 1st if you can get it. I don't think the Flyers will be contenders next year, so might as well load up for a deep draft.

I don't think Stolarz is ready for an NHL spot. I'd prefer to sign a backup for next year. Preferably not Emery this go around.

Berube's gotta go.

 

[JBM73]

I'm fine with trading streit if the return is there. As mentioned, when they're ready to compete he probably won't be here anyway.

There's value to having a quality veteran mentor for the young d-men, so the return for Streit would have to exceed the potential value of the mentoring he would provide. Difficult to quantify, I know.

 

[JBM73]

HockeyBuzz.com - Bill Meltzer - Meltzer's Musings: Couturier and the Player Development Conundrum

 

[awaz]

There's value to having a quality veteran mentor for the young d-men, so the return for Streit would have to exceed the potential value of the mentoring he would provide. Difficult to quantify, I know.

This is true. And I agree, the value has to be there to move Streit. I certainly wouldn't shop him, but if someone came buying and was offering a 1st round pick or more, I would make that move. Even in his absence, they still have Grossmann and Schultz who have been around the block so to speak.

 

[awaz]

I'll also be curious to see what the defense looks like next year. I wonder what kind of impact Gudas will have, and I wonder how many / if any of the younger guys will win a spot.