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I do think O’Brien is in play @ 6. Fits the profile of how the Flyers have been drafting. He is a younger prospect, which in theory there is more runway to grow. If he tests well at the combine, will not be surprised at all if he is the pick @ 6.
I still would be surprised if Shaw gets the job. He was the “good cop” to Torts, I just believe for this job, that is a non-starter. Not a surprise Tocchet has limited interest in this job, apparently. The good friends with Jonesy was over blown. Not doubt there is a friendship, but Tocchet is 61 and if he accepts another HC position, it will probably be his last. Taking a job from a top 5 worst record in the league, made little sense.
Not surprised about Cates at all. One year away from being a UFA, who the organization has touted as a great 3rd line shutdown center. With those figures presented by the club, that is more in line with a bottom six wing position. I just do not know how many bottom six forwards are necessary to secure long-term with top six talent still needed. Nothing against Cates, the player should try and maximize his value. The management needs to start trading this abundance of bottom six players for other assets. The Flyers “top line” of Cates, Foerster, and Brink- with the depth of the organization does it make sense for all 3 to be here long-term? I agree, it is okay to trade a player before the value of the player has plummeted to a level of giving away. I would keep Foerster and move on from Brink and Cates by next summer because their value is pretty high at the moment. Couts is signed long term, his contract is immovable just the reality, one of the bottom six center positions is locked up. I do not feel it is necessary to lock up the other bottom six center spot long term. I would prefer the other bottom six center spot not to be a liability at faceoffs if that player is signed long-term.
The only consensus top 6 prospect who is viewed to definitely stay at center in the pros is Desnoyers from what I have read. Ultimately, other prospects could also play center. Misa, Frondell and Hagens could just as easily be moved to wing. Certainly, it is subjective and scouting depts will differ.
I have this feeling both Martone and Martin will be gone by 6. After Schaefer, no presumed franchise Dmen available. None of the center prospects are considered bona fide #1 centers. Teams value wingers with size who have skill. Put a huge value on finding the next Tkachuk or Knies.
I would be thrilled if Frondell fell to the Flyers. Hagens, Frondell, or Martone are my preferred choices foe the Flyers.
Sennecke, Gauthier, and now Martin seems to be the next top 5 prospect out of no where. I do wonder if the interest in Martin is related to maybe circling back on Rossi. His minutes were reduced in the playoffs, and Guerin recent comments suggest lukewarm interest at best re signing Rossi. Don’t get me wrong, I would rather even draft Eklund over Martin. If Briere acquires a smaller, skilled forward thru a trade and signs him long term, the interest to get physical forwards may increase. Pure speculation on my part.
Draft never really goes how the mock drafts indicate. I’m very confident Frondell or Hagens will be available @ 6.
I’m not as concerned with Briere being enamorwd with Brady Martin. Luchanko was very young for his draft and tested pretty much at top of his class at the combine. Martin is already 18, and appears to be more shooter then a passer at center.
If O’Brien tests well at the combine, he would be the prospect I see Briere could really value.
By the slim chance Martone slips, would be extremely tough to bypass for whatever center is still on thw board.
Back injuries for any athlete is scary. Respect for McQueen making it back, but I hope Briere goes with another prospect. Could be way off base, but Desnoyers just looks like a Trotz type center.
Welp, think there is a decent shot Hagens drops to 6. I can see Desoyners going early. I could see Briere really liking O’Brien @ 6- a very young prospect.
Luchanko now has the second most points in the AHL playoffs, one point behind the leaders. Richard is tied with the leaders. Pretty impressive for an 18 year old kid. Have no idea what he will be as a pro, just hope next season will not be as varied. This past season, Luchanko started with the Flyers, then to Guelph, World Championships, back to Guelph, and now to LV. He’s handled himself like a pro.
I also question the need for Dillabaugh to be retained this long. Being in the same organization for over a decade, usually means that coach has shown a performance way above the league average with their responsibilities. No doubt Dilly has a wealth of goalie knowledge, but in regards to his peers certainly there is a huge question that he is not anywhere close to being above average.
Quite an accomplishment for Foerster to be added to the World Championship team. A pleasant surprise. I do think Foerster can add more to his game, hopefully the next HC can further his development.
With the somewhat recent rumor Tocchet may opt to go back to TV for the upcoming season, it actually makes the most sense for him. He is now 61 and at the moment, the remaining job openings are for teams who are at best fringe wildcard teams. I’m not a big fan of any of Torts assistants surviving when the new HC is hired.
