A Look At The Flyers Off-Season
Posted 11:50 PM ET | Comments 20
This is a in depth look at what Flyers are signed, which are free agents, who should be back, who should not and who might be trade bait.
First a quick look and synopsis of who is signed and under contract for next season-and who have a realistic shot at NHL service with the Flyers in 2008-09.
Forwards: Danny Briere, Simon Gagne, Scott Hartnell, Mike Knuble, Sami Kapanen, Joffrey Lupul, Scottie Upshall, Mike Richards, Steve Downie, Denis Tolpeko, Claude Giroux, Kyle Greentree
Defensemen: Kimmo Timonen, Derian Hatcher, Lasse Kukkonen, Braydon Coburn, Ryan Parent, Denis Gauthier
Goaltenders: Martin Biron, Antero Niittymaki
Up front, the Flyers have the basis for what could be two strong scoring lines, especially if Gagne is fully healthy after missing most of this season with concussion issues. The Flyers have the Gagne-Briere-Knuble line that was dominant for the first seven games, before Gagne's injury.
The second line would be Hartnell-Richards-Lupul. Both wingers enjoyed their best play of the year flanking Richards, whose breakout campaign netted him a record 12 year extension. This line has speed, grit and heart to spare.
Kapanen is a speedy player with a lot of heart, but who seems to have lost his once potent scoring touch. Upshall is a top notch third liner, who can play either wing. Downie was a lightning rod, but when he was on his game, he showed tenacity, a nose for the puck, and very solid positional play.
Tolpeko and Greetree looked very solid in short NHL auditions, although I think Greentree is a better fit, because of his size. Giroux is a former first round pick, who tore up the QMJHL this year. He needs to get stronger, but he didn't look out of place during an emergency NHL call up.
On the blueline, Timonen was everything he was supposed to be and more. He has easily been the team's best defenseman since the heyday of Eric Desjardins. Braydon Coburn enjoyed a breakout season. His combination of size and skating is downright scary. What might be even more scary is how much better he could become.
Hatcher has been an inspirational warrior all year, playing on badly banged up knees. Parent showed great skating ability and a sense of the game and anticipation that belied his tender years. Kukkonen was often a healthy scratch, but played solid defense when he was dressed. His lack of size does limit him, though. Gauthier was farmed out to start the season, and had it not been for recall waivers, probably would have been with the team during Hatcher's LTIR visit. The Goat displayed a great attitude about the situation and it would not be a surprise if the Flyers rewarded that with a roster spot in 2008-09.
With Biron and Niittymaki in goal, the Flyers have two guys that can get red hot and literally carry a team for short stretches. Inconsistency remains an issue for both guys. That said, they seem to be a good fit, personality wise, as a tandem and as members of the team.
As with every team, the Flyers have key free agents, both restricted and unrestricted.
RFA:
Jeff Carter. Carter's performance has been streaky, however, part of that is due to his role and linemates. He notched 26 goals(as of March 10th) playing mostly with AHL call-ups and in a third line role. Re-signing him is, in my eyes, vital.
RJ Umberger, The versatile forward has filled every role he has been asked to in his 3 years as a Flyer. He plays all three forward positions at a well above average level. He doesn't have Carter's potential, but Umberger is the kind of forward that all successful teams seem to have.
Riley Cote. Cote was seen as a weakness when the season started. Some might still see him that way. I don't. He works his tail off to improve his game and pugilistic abilities, and has become fairly adept. Sure, there are better fighters, but Cote is willing to drop the gloves with anyone, and he isn't a liability when he's on the ice.
Patrick Thoresen. A late season waiver claim, who has shown good hockey sense, guts and speed. He's also a pretty versatile guy, who has played center and wing. He does seem to have one major flaw-he can't seem to score a goal to save his life.
Randy Jones. He went from being an undrafted stiff to being a good, solid third pair defenseman. He's good good offensive tools, is a good skater and works hard. He is a good second unit PP guy. The biggest problem with Jones is, the more minutes he plays, the more mistakes he makes. He tries to do too much at times and that results in poor decisions with the puck.
Nate Guenin. He's a tough, steady, stay at home defender, who enjoyed a very solid AHL season. He has a shot at being the team's 7th defenseman.
Ryan Potulny, Stefan Ruzicka and Lars Jonsson. All three have shown flashes, but have been inconsistent in various areas-Ruzicka in his effort levels, Potulny and Jonsson in their attention to their own end. These guys could all be tendered, or not, because none has an especially good chance to make the Flyers. They could be moved to free up contract slots.
UFA
Jim Dowd. I think Dowd had an excellent year for the most part. He was a good fit as a fourth line center, won face-offs and killed penalties. If he's willing to stay for the same money, I'd hang onto him.
Jason Smith. Smith served as the team captain and played through broken bones, various bruises and nagging injuries and did whatever he needed to to stand up for his mates. Unfortunately, at times, he had to handle the puck. It remains to be seen if the Flyers can fit both Smith and Hatcher on next year's roster, due to cap limitations and other needs on the blueline.
Vaclav Prospal, Jesse Boulerice, Jaroslav Modry, Rory Fitzpatrick. None are likely to return to the Flyers. Prospal and Modry were deadline acquisitions. Prospal provided scoring after Gagne was shut down for the year, and Modry was added to bring stability to the blueline.
Fitzpatrick showed why he is a career bubble player and 7th defenseman on his best days. Jesse Boulerice is an utter waste of a NHL contract. He brings nothing to the table.
It is very possible that Derian Hatcher and/or Sami Kapanen could retire. Hatcher has gone to great lengths to play this year. He has very bad knees and has played in pain all year. Kapanen's skills have eroded to the point where Flyers fans sort of cringe when he goes in on a two on one or breakaway. He still fills a role, but not above the fourth line.
Trade Bait: I could see any of the following players dealt
Mike Knuble. He's a beast on the power play, a rock in front of the net. He's a good two-way forward, has very good size and can play either wing. However, re-signing Carter and Umberger might push Knuble out the door due to cap issues.
Scottie Upshall. Again, is heavily affected if the team re-signs Carter and Umberger. If both re-sign and Knuble is still on the roster, Upshall might be pushed down the roster. With guys like Greentree, Downie and even Kapanen around, Upshall might not have enough playing time to justify his contract. He's also oft-injured and is getting a reputation as a bit of a yapper.
Lasse Kukkonen. Very solid defensive defenseman, who has no fear of blocking shots or taking on bigger players, but he was scratched more than poison ivy and got pushed around by forwards that had a weight advantage at times. Kukkonen has too big a price tag to be the 8th defenseman again next year.
Antero Niittymaki. Has a lot of great bullet points on his resume-MVP of the Calder Cup playoffs, MVP of the Olympics. He's an incredible athlete. However, he seems to have issues maintaining his focus and he's streaky. He also seems slow to break certain bad habits. One cliche that fits is, when a team has two number one goalies, they don't have any.
Needs:
Up front the Flyers will be loaded, assuming Gagne is healthy and other guys like Richards, Briere and Lupul don't have any lengthy injuries, like Lupul and Richards suffered this season. However, with the potential FA's, the third and fourth lines need attention. Keeping Carter, Umberger, Dowd and Cote, would answer a lot of the potential holes.
On the blueline, I'd like to see another puck moving defenseman, who is fairly young. Timonen, Coburn and Parent look like they could be three quarters of a very solid top four, and Gauthier would be a good starting point for a third pair. If Hatcher returns, he could resume pairing with Coburn. With Smith and Jones possibly leaving as free agents, this area could see flux.
In goal, I prefer a legitimate number one goaltender. However, not only do those not grow on trees, they are not the easiest thing to trade for. However, I wouldn't mind trading for a good young goalie, who might be stuck behind a stud elsewhere, who could push Biron and be the number one in a year or two.
As far as free agency goes, I'd rather see the Flyers hang on to their key RFA's and re-sign Dowd (and Smith if Hatcher retires), rather than going out and bidding on a RFA like Shea Weber or a UFA like Brian Campbell. Even though I love what both of those guys bring to the mix, especially Weber, I think getting Carter and Umberger in the fold is the key to the team's future.
First a quick look and synopsis of who is signed and under contract for next season-and who have a realistic shot at NHL service with the Flyers in 2008-09.
Forwards: Danny Briere, Simon Gagne, Scott Hartnell, Mike Knuble, Sami Kapanen, Joffrey Lupul, Scottie Upshall, Mike Richards, Steve Downie, Denis Tolpeko, Claude Giroux, Kyle Greentree
Defensemen: Kimmo Timonen, Derian Hatcher, Lasse Kukkonen, Braydon Coburn, Ryan Parent, Denis Gauthier
Goaltenders: Martin Biron, Antero Niittymaki
Up front, the Flyers have the basis for what could be two strong scoring lines, especially if Gagne is fully healthy after missing most of this season with concussion issues. The Flyers have the Gagne-Briere-Knuble line that was dominant for the first seven games, before Gagne's injury.
The second line would be Hartnell-Richards-Lupul. Both wingers enjoyed their best play of the year flanking Richards, whose breakout campaign netted him a record 12 year extension. This line has speed, grit and heart to spare.
Kapanen is a speedy player with a lot of heart, but who seems to have lost his once potent scoring touch. Upshall is a top notch third liner, who can play either wing. Downie was a lightning rod, but when he was on his game, he showed tenacity, a nose for the puck, and very solid positional play.
Tolpeko and Greetree looked very solid in short NHL auditions, although I think Greentree is a better fit, because of his size. Giroux is a former first round pick, who tore up the QMJHL this year. He needs to get stronger, but he didn't look out of place during an emergency NHL call up.
On the blueline, Timonen was everything he was supposed to be and more. He has easily been the team's best defenseman since the heyday of Eric Desjardins. Braydon Coburn enjoyed a breakout season. His combination of size and skating is downright scary. What might be even more scary is how much better he could become.
Hatcher has been an inspirational warrior all year, playing on badly banged up knees. Parent showed great skating ability and a sense of the game and anticipation that belied his tender years. Kukkonen was often a healthy scratch, but played solid defense when he was dressed. His lack of size does limit him, though. Gauthier was farmed out to start the season, and had it not been for recall waivers, probably would have been with the team during Hatcher's LTIR visit. The Goat displayed a great attitude about the situation and it would not be a surprise if the Flyers rewarded that with a roster spot in 2008-09.
With Biron and Niittymaki in goal, the Flyers have two guys that can get red hot and literally carry a team for short stretches. Inconsistency remains an issue for both guys. That said, they seem to be a good fit, personality wise, as a tandem and as members of the team.
As with every team, the Flyers have key free agents, both restricted and unrestricted.
RFA:
Jeff Carter. Carter's performance has been streaky, however, part of that is due to his role and linemates. He notched 26 goals(as of March 10th) playing mostly with AHL call-ups and in a third line role. Re-signing him is, in my eyes, vital.
RJ Umberger, The versatile forward has filled every role he has been asked to in his 3 years as a Flyer. He plays all three forward positions at a well above average level. He doesn't have Carter's potential, but Umberger is the kind of forward that all successful teams seem to have.
Riley Cote. Cote was seen as a weakness when the season started. Some might still see him that way. I don't. He works his tail off to improve his game and pugilistic abilities, and has become fairly adept. Sure, there are better fighters, but Cote is willing to drop the gloves with anyone, and he isn't a liability when he's on the ice.
Patrick Thoresen. A late season waiver claim, who has shown good hockey sense, guts and speed. He's also a pretty versatile guy, who has played center and wing. He does seem to have one major flaw-he can't seem to score a goal to save his life.
Randy Jones. He went from being an undrafted stiff to being a good, solid third pair defenseman. He's good good offensive tools, is a good skater and works hard. He is a good second unit PP guy. The biggest problem with Jones is, the more minutes he plays, the more mistakes he makes. He tries to do too much at times and that results in poor decisions with the puck.
Nate Guenin. He's a tough, steady, stay at home defender, who enjoyed a very solid AHL season. He has a shot at being the team's 7th defenseman.
Ryan Potulny, Stefan Ruzicka and Lars Jonsson. All three have shown flashes, but have been inconsistent in various areas-Ruzicka in his effort levels, Potulny and Jonsson in their attention to their own end. These guys could all be tendered, or not, because none has an especially good chance to make the Flyers. They could be moved to free up contract slots.
UFA
Jim Dowd. I think Dowd had an excellent year for the most part. He was a good fit as a fourth line center, won face-offs and killed penalties. If he's willing to stay for the same money, I'd hang onto him.
Jason Smith. Smith served as the team captain and played through broken bones, various bruises and nagging injuries and did whatever he needed to to stand up for his mates. Unfortunately, at times, he had to handle the puck. It remains to be seen if the Flyers can fit both Smith and Hatcher on next year's roster, due to cap limitations and other needs on the blueline.
Vaclav Prospal, Jesse Boulerice, Jaroslav Modry, Rory Fitzpatrick. None are likely to return to the Flyers. Prospal and Modry were deadline acquisitions. Prospal provided scoring after Gagne was shut down for the year, and Modry was added to bring stability to the blueline.
Fitzpatrick showed why he is a career bubble player and 7th defenseman on his best days. Jesse Boulerice is an utter waste of a NHL contract. He brings nothing to the table.
It is very possible that Derian Hatcher and/or Sami Kapanen could retire. Hatcher has gone to great lengths to play this year. He has very bad knees and has played in pain all year. Kapanen's skills have eroded to the point where Flyers fans sort of cringe when he goes in on a two on one or breakaway. He still fills a role, but not above the fourth line.
Trade Bait: I could see any of the following players dealt
Mike Knuble. He's a beast on the power play, a rock in front of the net. He's a good two-way forward, has very good size and can play either wing. However, re-signing Carter and Umberger might push Knuble out the door due to cap issues.
Scottie Upshall. Again, is heavily affected if the team re-signs Carter and Umberger. If both re-sign and Knuble is still on the roster, Upshall might be pushed down the roster. With guys like Greentree, Downie and even Kapanen around, Upshall might not have enough playing time to justify his contract. He's also oft-injured and is getting a reputation as a bit of a yapper.
Lasse Kukkonen. Very solid defensive defenseman, who has no fear of blocking shots or taking on bigger players, but he was scratched more than poison ivy and got pushed around by forwards that had a weight advantage at times. Kukkonen has too big a price tag to be the 8th defenseman again next year.
Antero Niittymaki. Has a lot of great bullet points on his resume-MVP of the Calder Cup playoffs, MVP of the Olympics. He's an incredible athlete. However, he seems to have issues maintaining his focus and he's streaky. He also seems slow to break certain bad habits. One cliche that fits is, when a team has two number one goalies, they don't have any.
Needs:
Up front the Flyers will be loaded, assuming Gagne is healthy and other guys like Richards, Briere and Lupul don't have any lengthy injuries, like Lupul and Richards suffered this season. However, with the potential FA's, the third and fourth lines need attention. Keeping Carter, Umberger, Dowd and Cote, would answer a lot of the potential holes.
On the blueline, I'd like to see another puck moving defenseman, who is fairly young. Timonen, Coburn and Parent look like they could be three quarters of a very solid top four, and Gauthier would be a good starting point for a third pair. If Hatcher returns, he could resume pairing with Coburn. With Smith and Jones possibly leaving as free agents, this area could see flux.
In goal, I prefer a legitimate number one goaltender. However, not only do those not grow on trees, they are not the easiest thing to trade for. However, I wouldn't mind trading for a good young goalie, who might be stuck behind a stud elsewhere, who could push Biron and be the number one in a year or two.
As far as free agency goes, I'd rather see the Flyers hang on to their key RFA's and re-sign Dowd (and Smith if Hatcher retires), rather than going out and bidding on a RFA like Shea Weber or a UFA like Brian Campbell. Even though I love what both of those guys bring to the mix, especially Weber, I think getting Carter and Umberger in the fold is the key to the team's future.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to leave a comment.Blog Archive
15 The Little Engine That Almost Could....Part One
24 Turco's Choke Collar Stays In Place
29 Want To Ruin A Wonderful Game Experience On Television?
24 Turco's Choke Collar Stays In Place
29 Want To Ruin A Wonderful Game Experience On Television?
14 Under Review??????? Better Than Letting The Ref Decide
19 A Flyers Fan's Opinion On The Offseason
19 The NHL On NBC? No So Fast, Pal....
19 A Flyers Fan's Opinion On The Offseason
19 The NHL On NBC? No So Fast, Pal....
05 Pronger Out Of Conn Smythe Race...Alfie Should Sit
06 Flyers Shuffle Staffs: Mullen, McIllhargy In, Berube To AHL
07 Congrats To The Ducks...And Let The Games Begin
14 What If You Had An Awards Show And Nobody Could Watch
15 Change Of Opinion? Sort Of....
20 Flyers Jump The Gun. Was It Worth It?
24 Next Step For Philadelphia?
28 OK Homer, Might Be Time To Get Away From The Big Money Table
06 Flyers Shuffle Staffs: Mullen, McIllhargy In, Berube To AHL
07 Congrats To The Ducks...And Let The Games Begin
14 What If You Had An Awards Show And Nobody Could Watch
15 Change Of Opinion? Sort Of....
20 Flyers Jump The Gun. Was It Worth It?
24 Next Step For Philadelphia?
28 OK Homer, Might Be Time To Get Away From The Big Money Table
03 A Quick First Look At The New Flyers...
08 Some Wacky, Wild Stuff.....
19 Players on the spot, players on the move....maybe?
23 Welcome Back BOOOOOOOSH!!!!! Flyers sign Giroux, too.
26 Carol Alt: Dumber Than Plywood?
28 The Simpsons Movie-A Hockeybuzzard's Review
08 Some Wacky, Wild Stuff.....
19 Players on the spot, players on the move....maybe?
23 Welcome Back BOOOOOOOSH!!!!! Flyers sign Giroux, too.
26 Carol Alt: Dumber Than Plywood?
28 The Simpsons Movie-A Hockeybuzzard's Review
15 Random Thoughts Whilst Fighting Insomnia
18 Random Thoughts Hit The Road
23 Random Thoughts on Kids, Games and Whatnot
28 Random Thoughts
30 One Reason Hockey Is Great....The Players
18 Random Thoughts Hit The Road
23 Random Thoughts on Kids, Games and Whatnot
28 Random Thoughts
30 One Reason Hockey Is Great....The Players
01 Random Thoughts
11 Head Shots
13 Random Thoughts on How to Better The NHL
16 Bouelrice Waived?!?!?! Oh, just because Eager's Hurt...
19 Random Flyers Thoughts-What A Difference A Year Can Make
21 Random Thoughts
11 Head Shots
13 Random Thoughts on How to Better The NHL
16 Bouelrice Waived?!?!?! Oh, just because Eager's Hurt...
19 Random Flyers Thoughts-What A Difference A Year Can Make
21 Random Thoughts
13 Random Thoughts
21 The Good, The Bad and the Ugly-Flyers deals thru the years
23 The Good, The Bad and The Ugly II-The Flyers Drafts
28 Consistency Is Needed
21 The Good, The Bad and the Ugly-Flyers deals thru the years
23 The Good, The Bad and The Ugly II-The Flyers Drafts
28 Consistency Is Needed
02 Disgraceful Effort, Suspension Five
04 Flyers Need To Look Ahead, Learn From Mistakes
11 Richie vs Sid, Round II AND More Random Thoughts
12 Flyers Destroy Pens, Causing Michel Therrien to Weep
14 Keep Me In Philadelphia As Long As You Can
17 Random Thoughts
19 Ugly Loss, Good Trade
04 Flyers Need To Look Ahead, Learn From Mistakes
11 Richie vs Sid, Round II AND More Random Thoughts
12 Flyers Destroy Pens, Causing Michel Therrien to Weep
14 Keep Me In Philadelphia As Long As You Can
17 Random Thoughts
19 Ugly Loss, Good Trade
07 Random Thoughts
10 "
11 Random Thoughts Strike Back
13 You Know What Sucks? The NHL Store In NYC
14 Foppa Doppa Doo Dah
17 JSAQ Explains His Rationale For the No Point Loss System
19 Crosby Hurt!!!! Oh The Humanity!!!
21 Random Thoughts
23 Campbell Must Act Harshly..But Of Course He Did Not
10 "
11 Random Thoughts Strike Back
13 You Know What Sucks? The NHL Store In NYC
14 Foppa Doppa Doo Dah
17 JSAQ Explains His Rationale For the No Point Loss System
19 Crosby Hurt!!!! Oh The Humanity!!!
21 Random Thoughts
23 Campbell Must Act Harshly..But Of Course He Did Not
15 JSAQ Picks The Major Award Winners....TODAY!!!
19 Foppa Doppa Do NOT!!!
26 JSAQ's Deadline Day Review And Analysis!!!
19 Foppa Doppa Do NOT!!!
26 JSAQ's Deadline Day Review And Analysis!!!
Great article Jsq. I think our weakest link is in net. I like both Biron and Nitty but I don't think either one can be consistant enough for a cup run. Your right on about signing our RFAs first, getting a big dollar d-man should be the last item on the list. IMO. Great job !
i couldnt even read it all... i'll have to go back and finsih it; but, i was interested in sharing some of that juice you've been drinking! well, we dont usually agree, and for the most part that still flys.... lol. but, always good to read about your views.... we agree on the obvious; not on Prospal, Knuble, Modry and Smith. If we can sign Prospal, we have to get t done, even if only on a low cost one year deal, with some pre-determined player option on a longer term deal, after next season, when the flyers will have more funds to spend. Knuble stays, period. I'd take Modry of Smith, but, I dont see how there is a spot for both, so one has to go. AS much as i love Smith's heart and leadership, Modry is a better defenseman..... i have to go back and read the rest now!
i hate to say it... but knuble has to go.. not because he isnt good but because we can get something nice for him. he is getting pretty old, but has played his best hockey of his career over the past 3 seasons, with jvr looking to come up in the next few years (possibly nodl and the enigma maroon) we might wanna look for some young defense.
the rest isnt so bad, though, we arent signing dowdie, if there isnt the money.... and, i'd sign thoresen over dowdie.... i'd prefer the tougher coburn twin, than the kimmo twin, but either way we need another puck mover -- the bigger the better. i like the shea weber, idea. i'd hang onto jones for the 3rd pairing, as long as he signs at a reasonable cost. aside from knuble, our trade prospects are alike....
Great Read Jsq... thanks for your time and effort.Here is a problem I see for next year which will effect the free-agency approach.- When people step up (ie Richards, Carter), they step up when they are needed, and when they get top minutes. I almost feel a sense of this Malkin in Crosby's shadow type of thing going on. I believe making Briere a wing for Carter or Richards will be a key move for next season. When Richard's and Carter see big minutes, they produce BIG. A November Jeff Carter getting 16 minutes a night was "under-performing" (i use that term lightly in this case) compared to the March Jeff Carter seeing 23 minutes a night.For this young core, the bigger their role, the better they play. Briere seams to be the poster boy for this team, but it is the Richard's and Carter's I want to see on billboards and advertisments next year. (no offense Danny, I still want you here... on the wing :) )this offseason is going to make last year's offseason look like a cake walk. It has been said by many the users on this site and, like most others, I am sticking to it also. "In Homer We Trust"
Man, gving up on the 2008 playoff push in mid March? Thats rough. Very good read nonetheless.
Nice job js. (I like to keep my comments short)
Good stuff, JSaq. I agree with you on the forwards - and I believe Thoresen should be re-signed to replace Kapanen (he's basically the same player, but with more versatility). As far as the defense is concerned, I think we have our three "offensive" defensemen in Timonen, Coburn, and Jones. I'd like to replace Hatcher and Smith (assuming neither is coming back) with other defensive defensemen and use Gauthier on the 3rd pairing with Jones.
Good job brother.
Texashorns02: Not giving up on the playoff push, but my comments on that are well documented in pretty much all of Bill Meltzer's excellent blogs. This was more of a look ahead to the summer than a white flag for this year.
the only thing i completely disagree with is jones being a good 2nd unit pp guy. he is awful on the pp. he never gets shots through, which is the main thing a point man needs to do.
smacklby: what makes you think Prospal will take a low price contract? With the contracts being tossed out now, and coming off of several productive years, he is going to be looking for a raise. Knuble would be more of a cap casulty than not wanting him here for his talent. There is just no way they can re-sign everyone you want them to re-sign along with Umberber and Carter.
If the Flyers keep both Umberger and Carter, there's no roster spot for Prospal, anyhow. Gagne-Briere-Knuble, Hartnell-Richards-Lupul, Umberger-Carter-Upshall would be the top nine, in some way shape or form and that doesn't count Downie, Giroux or any of the other kids.
Great article.
To me the flyers weakness is their fourth line. They do not do anything and get about 3 minutes a night and still find a way to mess up in that little time. The goaltending has been fine by me. My only problem is the way stevens has handled it. When ever a guy got on a streak and had a bad game he would then use the other guy. You have to let them play after a bad game to get back on a roll or get their confidence in order. Instead he waited to do that in march which will haunt stevens. The only think that scares me is biron goes hot but then he gets extremely cold. The question is now that he is hot when does he get cold?
bradley4, if Hatcher can go another year, then we keep him; if not then i'd keep Modry; Gauthier eat too much cap for a 3rd pairing d-man, and i'm not comfortable with him in the top 4... Kimmo Timmo, Coburn, and Parent are in next season. I'd like to keep Jones, too, for the third pairing, assuming he'll sign a t a fair rate; and Hatcher is in, if he can play, but we'll likely need another player to replace him while he takes his share of days off to recover from old age injuries... thats sort of where Modry comes in -- he can be 3rd pairing d-man when Hatch is in, and replace Hatch when he need to rest his old bones. Bring up Bartulis to play when Hatcher sits out.... Otherwise, we need to trade or otherwise acquire a 'Coburnian Twin', and then not sign Modry.....
gagne - briere - prospalharts - richie - lupulgiroux - carts - knubleupshal - umberger - downieextras: cote, kapanen, thorsen, dowdiemake it happen!
you make good points I disagree with several but your points are very valid.
jsaq, good job. the team needs a mike grier-type at center. i would try to get malholtra or someone of that ilk that can give us a real checking center who can win faceoffs. dowd did as much as could be expected , but late in games we need to do a better job of winning board battles. a stronger, more mature downie will help but we need more. i too could see trading nitty and acquiring a younger tender to challenge marty or replace him if the $$ becomes an issue. lastly, i would definitely want a bada$$ on d if smith and/or hatcher is out of the picture. guenin may be that guy, but he might just be babysitting in that role if rj or upshall is moved w/ our 1st to get luke schenn (if only). :-)
meyers :-)