Flyers Weekly Mailbag: Would more additions help a struggling PK unit?

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This is the longest, hardest point of the Flyers off-season. The Summer seems to be at a stand still, while most Flyers fans miss the sounds of the skates on the ice, sticks hitting the ice, and the players hitting the boards.

One area of improvement that is a must for the Flyers next season is to how to become a more consistent hockey team. If the orange and black want to be considered contenders in the future than this is a must. For the past few seasons, they have encountered a ten game losing streak to winning seven games in a row, to winning ten straight games and missing the playoffs, etc. All good hockey teams are consistent, and with the recent additions hopefully the inconsistencies will be a thing of the past. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.

Artemi Panarin is a realistic addition. At this point I would assume this a trade deadline acquisition. The Flyers definitely have interest, as there’s no doubt in my mind Hextall has at least contacted the Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen for Panarin’s services. Just to survey what they would realistically have to give up. Heated discussions? Most likely not. However, this could be a reality in the future.

According to Morgan Frost himself, he told reporters at Developmental Camp that he has beefed up to 184 pounds from 174 pounds. Will he make the team in the Fall? Maybe. I will count nobody out for obtaining that 3rd or 4th line Center spot. The young Travis Konecny was seen as a long shot to make the roster full-time for the 2016-17 season. Konecny went into training camp and did his thing, thus he made the team. Anything is possible for Frost, absolutely anything. Here’s my tweet from last night in regards to Frost:

Tommy thanks for your continued support. Without you our site doesn’t exist today. Awesome fire you brought out with these questions.

https://twitter.com/JasonCCroft/status/1019493688689483777?s=19

Comcast will not sell the Flyers anytime soon. They recently just assumed full rights of the team on September 22, 2016. Fortunately, we have a General Manager in Ron Hextall that cares. He will take us to the promised land in a year to two years. Hextall has revamped this team into a prospect juggernaut, and one that will be a contender for many, many years in the future. I hate saying this as you’re a faithful through the good times and the bad. But, we have to remain patient.

The Penalty Killing has been downright dreadful for a few years now. Hopefully, the Flyers will adopt the attack style system this coming season. The Flyers finally have the speedy personnel, and Forwards that are dedicated to a two-way game to pull this off. Gone…cross our fingers…are the days of the sit back style. Attack the opponents before they enter our Defensive Zone, thus making things a little more difficult for our opponents. Simply put, stand some of our opponents up at the blue line. This would make our opponents more predictable with the dump and chase system.

Jason you’re one main reason this site still exists today. I can’t thank you enough for your continued support.

This season is definitely make it or break it for Head Coach Dave Hakstol, and his staff. If the Flyers do well and win a playoff series, then Hakstol will be back for the 2019-20 season. However, if the Flyers fall flat, and miss the playoffs. You can bet your bottom dollar that Hakstol will most certainly not return as head coach. Hextall will like to see progression this season.

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Under Coach Hakstol the Flyers have made the playoffs, with a so-so at best roster, two out of his three seasons as Head Coach of the Flyers. Yes, Hakstol’s lineup usage on a daily basis is mind-boggling, and his usage of goaltenders, as well. However, let’s see what he can do with a well-balanced roster that the Flyers should (at least on paper), have this coming season. Hakstol and the Flyers may surprise some in the end. As the roster stands I believe the Flyers could steal a first round playoff series this season, and expectations should be just that.

Flyers thanks so much for your continued support. Without you this site doesn’t exist. You’re simply the man.

Weal- 18 goals, 12 assists total of 30 points. (Could be higher…Depends on what line he plays on)

Leier- 5 goals, 3 assists total of 8 points. (Depends if NAK makes the team as I think).

NAK- 8-10 goals, 7 assists total of 15-17 points, could be higher if excels to another line at some point.

4th line on opening night- Raffl, Vorobyev/Vecchione/Weal/, NAK/Weal

Even though, it appears that Taylor Leier may be given a shot on the fourth line. If NAK has a really good camp, and impresses the top brass. Realistically, NAK could make the team. I just don’t see how NAK wouldn’t be given a shot at least on the 4th line. Let’s say the Flyers trade Wayne Simmonds at some point in the season. Someone will have to take over Simmond’s grit and toughness. Why not a kid with a blistering wrist shot, and good hands. Moreover, why not a kid that is not afraid to lay a hit on a player, while sticking up for his teammates. This is the perfect opportunity for the Flyers to infuse the lineup with more youth.

Flyers thanks so much for your continued support. Without you this site doesn’t exist today.

https://twitter.com/AWIII75/status/1019534275107020800

Love the humor…Done. You know I don’t like change.

Thanks for your support Alex. Means a lot each week. this site wouldn’t be here today without your support.

This season is definitely make it or break it for Head Coach Dave Hakstol. If the Flyers do well and win a playoff series, then Hakstol will be back for the 2019-20 season. However, if the Flyers fall flat, and miss the playoffs. You can bet your bottom dollar that Hakstol will most certainly not return as head coach. Hextall will like to see progression this season.

Under Coach Hakstol the Flyers have made the playoffs, with a so-so at best roster, two out of his three seasons as Head Coach of the Flyers. Yes, Hakstol’s lineup usage on a daily basis is mind-boggling, and his usage of goaltenders, as well. However, let’s see what he can do with a well-balanced roster that the Flyers should (at least on paper), have this coming season. Hakstol and the Flyers may surprise some in the end. The expectations this season should be improvement. One way to mark improvement from the prior year is to win a playoff series, and expectations should be just that.

Tim I appreciate your supports as always. It’s great to have people like you on our side. This site wouldn’t exist without your support.

This could realistically happen. Although, I have not heard anything credible from the Flyers in regards to such. Hextall has stated within the past few weeks that he’s more than content with filling the vacant positions within the organization. In my opinion I’m happy with the roster as it currently stands. I’m happy that some young prospects such as Mike Vecchione, Mikhail Vorobyev, Scott Laughton, Jordan Weal, NAK, and Leier will be battling it out for positions on opening night. Laughton and Weal will definitely make the cut, but who else will remain a mystery until opening night. The positional battles should be fun to watch throughout training camp, and the pre-season.

Richard thanks for your continued support. This site wouldn’t exist without your support.

If you would like to see your questions submitted in our weekly mailbag. Just submit your question on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #Flyersmail. This mailbag will continue throughout the off-season. Just because the season is over, we don’t stop here at this site. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag, and Let’s go Flyers. Without your support we wouldn’t be here today.

 

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports