The mandatory bye came at the perfect time for the Flyers. Some may not agree, as the Flyers are on a three-game winning streak. However, this was the perfect time for the orange and black to clear their minds, visit their loved ones, and prepare mentally for the last 34 games of the season.
It’s been a whirlwind season thus far. The Flyers are searching for consistency this season. Have they finally found it with their commanding 5-3 victory against the Montreal Canadiens last Saturday? Time will tell, but let’s hope Flyers fans that better days are ahead. Without further delay here are our answers to your questions.
@JameyBaskow When is Frost going to play in NHL ?
— Craig Bowen (@Craig68005756) January 21, 2019
I believe Morgan Frost makes the team outright next season, following Training Camp of course. Frost will follow in the same footstep as Travis Konecny did when he completed his Junior hockey tenure. For the 2018-19 season thus far, Frost has tallied 30 goals, and registered 45 assists for a league-leading 75 points in the OHL.
The Flyers wanted Frost to push the play more for the Soo Greyhounds this season, as opposed to the plays coming to him. Boy has he ever done that this season, as he has worked hard in this area of concern. It wasn’t as noticeable during the WJC Tournament, although Frost had a phenomenal WJC by tallying 8 points in 5 games played. There were just so many talented players playing for Team Canada, that Frost didn’t have to push the play as much. Make no mistake about it. Frost will be a Flyer next season.
Craig thanks for your support. Without your support, this site doesn’t exist today.
Hi buddy. When morin is back i guess amac sits. But they gotta call up myers soon right? They need to see whats there for next season IMO? On the other side… Who is coming out of Juniors or other leagues over to Flyers / Phantoms next season? #FlyersMail
— b86allday (@OrangeBlack12) January 23, 2019
I believe Philippe Myers will be up by Mid February. The Flyers have nothing to lose, only to gain by this call-up. I do believe Amac will sit whether it’s Morin filling his spot or Myers.
Morin is on schedule to return sometime in early-mid February. He will have a 5-8 game conditioning stint with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, so his return to the big club is looking like late February-early March.
Players That Are Making The Leap From Juniors to Flyers- Morgan Frost
Players That Are Making The Leap From Juniors to Phantoms- Isaac Ratcliffe, Matthew Strome, Maxim Sushko, Felix Sandstrom, Linus Hogberg (Contract expires at year’s end with Vaxjo Lakers)
NCAA to Phantoms- 0. Wade Allison I believe will return to WMU for his Senior season, as he was hurt for the majority of the 2018-19 season. He’s an Assistant Captain, and I believe he wants to right the ship for his teammates. Tanner Laczynski will return for his Senior season for Ohio State, with the hopes of winning a Hobey Baker Award.
Flyers thanks a lot for your support. Without you, this site doesn’t exist.
Larry Iannuzzi (@Flyerslar1970)– Not Flyers related. I see Chiarelli is out in Edmonton. Maybe they call out ole friend Ron to take over?
I know he’s 35 but any chance we look at Duncan Keith? He’s a vet that would help on D or do we look at adding a fwd?
Absolutely Ron Hextall will on the list of possible candidates to replace Chiarelli. I can realistically see him being the General Manager there. I’m sure Edmonton is looking for someone who doesn’t make crazy trades. I was hoping the Flyers would fleece Chiarelli at the trade deadline…well so much for that.
I would love to add Duncan Keith, but his NMC scares me mainly because of his age. However, he would have to approve of the trade to the Flyers, and I don’t know he would do that now since the orange and black aren’t in playoff contention. Keith still has 4 years remaining on his current contract that comes with an NMC, and pays him $5.5 million. He has 1 goal, and 20 assists in 51 games played for the Blackhawks. I think we do add a top 4 Defenseman by the deadline. A Forward couldn’t hurt either, as I think Fletcher will approach this trade deadline beyond the scope of this season.
Larry thanks for your support. Without you, this site doesn’t exist.
Jason McAlpine (@Jason_McAlpine)- Some say building it from the net out is the best way to go. And Giroux is getting up there in age. Do you think the Flyers should do a full rebuild centered around Hart and Provorov?
I do not believe the Flyers need a full-out rebuild. Actually, the orange and black should tinker the current lineup, and infuse it with a quality top 4 Defenseman. Moreover, they could use a 2C or 3C sniper, as well.
Claude Giroux is the heart and soul of this team. He carries this team on his back year after year. Even in a down year for the Flyers thus far, he still has registered 14 goals, and 38 assists for 52 points. Giroux is on pace for 94 points this season.
It is not Giroux’s fault that the Goaltending with the exception for Hart has been dreadful. Goaltending has been a major downfall for this team’s overall success not only this year but in years past. However, with Hart, things are looking bright. Hart has given the team life, and stability in net it appears for years to come. Look for a big second half from Giroux.
Jason thanks for your support. Without you, this site doesn’t exist.
What’s the Flyers mindset into deadline. I believe it’s time to do a mini rebuild
— moody irish (@michaelcastor17) January 23, 2019
The Flyers will acquire players beyond the scope of this season. Their top priorities right now is figuring out what to do with Wayne Simmonds, and acquiring a top 4 Defenseman or Goaltender. I wouldn’t throw it by Fletcher to acquire a 2C or 3C sniper, as well. If that means we have to part with one of our core players to acquire, then it has to be done. The trade deadline will be interesting for sure.
Fletcher has opened talks with Simmonds agent last week. Now, this does not mean he will indeed resign, but I just wanted to let you know there is a possibility Simmonds does in fact resign. It’s a crapshoot to figure out this situation involving Simmonds.
I do not believe in selling the house. Some chips will fall for sure, however, the Flyers finally have a Goaltender in Carter Hart. The Goaltending position has been 70-75% of the problem this season and in years past. Moreover, the Penalty Kill is in better shape due in large part to Hart. If the core remains intact past the deadline, then let’s see what this core can do with a Goaltender.
Michael thanks a lot for your support. Without you this site doesn’t exist.
https://twitter.com/BartlettBrando/status/1088050143084138497
The Flyers WILL NOT sit back and take losing on the chin. Some moves will be made. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when. I believe multiple moves will be made between now and the trade deadline. It’s unbelievable I have to answer this question, as I expected a very good season from the orange and black. At this point, I think the Flyers should do what the New York Rangers did last season. Send notes to their season ticket holders saying they will revamp the team by bringing down the house.
I believe Jakub Voracek will be moved by the deadline. Especially, if the Flyers are willing to eat some of his salary to do such. A breakup of the core is needed, and that does not include the possible trade of Wayne Simmonds. This problem lies deeper than just Simmonds. I cannot envision Chuck Fletcher waiting around, and doing nothing about this core.
Of course, I still believe in this team. However, this is the fourth consecutive year that the Flyers have started like this. A change is needed, even though things are starting to look up.
Brandon thanks a lot for your support. Without you this site doesn’t exist today.
Hi Jamey, do you feel the Flyers still need a good veteran top 4 dman, or do you like between now & next season the idea of Morin & Myers in the lineup ?
— Daniel Leisey (@daniel_leisey) January 23, 2019
I would love nothing more than to add a Top 4 Defenseman by the trade deadline. The addition of such could help us in so many ways, not just this year but next year, as well. Fletcher will approach this trade deadline beyond the scope of this season, and that was one position that Fletcher did mention that he would like to upgrade.
It is unfair to assume Philippe Myers or Samuel Morin can fill the top 4 role right away. Both Defensemen should be eased into that position if their play indicates that. Throwing them into that type of situation could be harmful to their development. The NHL is an entirely different game from the AHL. Both Defenseman in Myers and Morin I believe are NHL caliber Defenseman, but let’s not rush them to assume a role.
Daniel thank you very much for your support. Without you, this site doesn’t exist today.
https://twitter.com/kgil29/status/1088115032804732930
Wayne Simmonds- 2nd Round Pick, 1-2 Prospects, and an immediate NHL player
Jakub Voracek- 1st-3rd Round Pick (Depending on what player we receive), an immediate NHL player(s), and a Prospect…In turn, the Flyers may have to eat some cash.
Michael Raffl- 3rd or 4th Round Pick, maybe a Prospect
Dale Weise- 6th or 7th Round Pick
Christian Folin- 5th-7th Round Pick
Kevin thanks for your support. Without you, this site doesn’t exist.
Joe Cush- Hi…how do you think the rest of this season plays out? (Facebook)
I believe that the Flyers will go on a ten game winning streak, and get themselves back into the playoff hunt. I’m not saying they will make the playoffs, but with Hart, anything can happen. For the past two years, the Flyers have had crazy winning streaks, and losing streaks. This year will be no different. Hart gives fans some optimism, and with good Goaltending, the Flyers will improve dramatically.
Fletcher will add a few players before the trade deadline comes to a halt. The players he will add will be beyond the scope of this current season.
Joe thanks for your support. Without you, this site doesn’t exist.
Dan Hiller- When do you think it’s time to move on from Claude the Fraud?
Never, and to call him a fraud is insane, to be honest. The guy is the heart and soul of this team. He carries this team on his back year after year. Even in a down year for the Flyers thus far, he still has registered 14 goals, and 38 assists for 52 points. Giroux is on pace for 94 points this season.
It is not Giroux’s fault that the Goaltending with the exception for Hart has been dreadful. Goaltending has been a major downfall for this team’s overall success. However, with Hart, things are looking bright. Look for a big second half from the man G himself. Check these articles out for your reading pleasure:
Is Claude Giroux The Most Underrated/Undervalued Player In Philly Sports?
There’s a side to Claude Giroux that Flyers fans have never seen…until now
Dan Thanks for your support. We will agree to disagree on this point.
Max Shlifer- Yes I have two of them. 1. Why do the Flyers Suck? 2. Why do they keep bringing back former Flyers back to the Philadelphia after they were traded?
Down Years- The Flyers have suffered from significant down years to key players. For instance, Nolan Patrick (although he’s come as of late), Ivan Provorov, Shayne Gostisbehere, Andrew MacDonald, Oskar Lindblom, Wayne Simmonds at times, JVR (although he’s come on as of late), Brian Elliott, Michal Neuvirth…I mean the list goes on and on. All of these players mentioned are keys to the Flyers success.
Goaltending- Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending, has been the main key for the Flyers down year. Key injuries to 2 key goalies: Neuvirth and Elliott. Moreover, having to play seven Goaltenders this season, which ties an NHL record, just shows you how inconsistent the Flyers would be. The Flyers have allowed 169 Goals Against, which ranks 27th out of 31 teams. Thank God for Carter Hart is all I have to say about that.
Special Teams- The Flyers have been here as of late on the Penalty Kill, and Hart is one main reason behind the recent success. It’s no secret your best Penalty Killer has to be your Goaltender. Hart makes that save, and that save again. However, the Flyers own the 28th best PK with a success rate of 76.3%. Moreover, another key factor is Head Coach Scott Gordon. Under Gordon, the Flyers have become more aggressive while being shorthanded. This is great news, and removing this team from the basement on the Penalty Kill is a very good indication the players are buying into Gordon’s system.
Unfortunately, the Power Play remains a work in progress. It was so bad that Gordon has moved to a five Forward Top Unit. Ghost has been inconsistent this year, but he’s showing signs of getting back to the Ghost we all know. The Flyers, unfortunately, own the 30th best PP, with a success rate of 13.3%. This is downright shocking as the Flyers have so much talent with the likes of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Nolan Patrick, JVR, Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, and Shayne Gostisbehere. Hopefully, they become consistent in the second half in terms of a successful PP.
The Flyers haven’t traded for a former player since Simon Gagne was traded back to the Flyers on February 26, 2013. Gagne was traded back to the Flyers from the Los Angeles Kings for a 4th Round Pick. Trading for former players seems to be a thing of the past for this proud organization.
Max thanks for your support. Without you, this site doesn’t exist.
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. 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
