Meltzer’s Musings: Brayden Schenn’s Development and Future Potential

Ever since the Flyers acquired him from the Los Angeles Kings as the centerpiece of the Mike Richards trade, the expectations on Brayden Schenn have been very high. While he has displayed the inconsistency and streakiness that is common of most first-year and second-year pros, he has also provided his fair share of glimpses at the type of player he could become as he reached his prime.

First tw

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Meltzer’s Musings: Couturier’s Development and Future Potential

During his end-of-season press conference, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren was asked for his assessment of the second pro seasons of Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn. His acknowledged that the offensive expectations may have been a little too high this season.

“We rely a lot on Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier, they both played significant minutes this year,” he said. “They probably had

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Meltzer’s Musings: Monday Quick Hits

Monday Quick Hits

* Rumors persist that the Flyers are targeting either Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle or Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien this offseason if they try to upgrade the blueline via the trade route rather than trying to offer sheet a restricted free agent. I gave my opinion on these two possibilities in a previous blog. Between the two players, I would prefer Yand

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Meltzer’s Musings: Bryzgalov and Bernier

The Ilya Bryzgalov buyout talk isn’t about to die down any time soon. Despite vehement denials from Flyers management that the team plans to use one of its two allotted salary cap compliance (AKA amnesty) buyouts on Bryzgalov, there is still rampant speculation that the team will do so when all is said and done.

Yesterday, TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweeted the following: “It’s not carved in stone, but

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Meltzer’s Musings: Rookies and Callup Candidates

One of the major X factors for every NHL team in the offseason is trying to project which rookies will crack the opening night lineup and which young players will go on to be significant contributors during the season. It doesn’t always go according to plan.

For example, in the summer of 2008, most everyone had top prospect Claude Giroux penciled into the Flyers’ opening night lineup. The 2006

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Meltzer’s Musings: RFAs, Scouting Switzerland

Should Flyers Pursue Other Teams’ Restricted Free Agents This Summer?

The Philadelphia Flyers sent shockwaves through the NHL last summer when they signed restricted free agent Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber to an offer sheet. The 14-year contract, worth $110 million in full, carried $26 million worth of signing bonuses due within the first 11 months after its take-effect date. The s

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Meltzer’s Musings: Compliance Buyouts, Thursday Quick Hits

Flyers and Compliance Buyouts

There is still confusion among some fans as to how compliance buyouts (AKA amnesty) will work in each of the next two summers. I am still frequently asked questions regarding the Flyers’ two permitted buyouts, including possible ways to circumvent the rules. As such, I figured it makes sense to devote a blog to the topic.

Can the Flyers buy out Chris Pronger

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Meltzer’s Musings: Streit, Shinkaruk vs. Domi

Should Flyers Pursue Streit?

As soon as news broke yesterday that New York Islanders captain Mark Streit will pursue unrestricted free agency in July, many people immediately started speculating whether the Philadelphia Flyers will pursue the 35-year-old offensive defenseman. Streit, who made $4.1 million on the cap in his last contract, is reportedly seeking a three-year contract in the neighb

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Meltzer’s Musings: Tuesday Quick Hits

TUESDAY QUICK HITS

* Ever since the Boston Bruins swept the Flyers in the 2011 Eastern Conference Semifinals, I have had a lot of respect for the way the Bruins play hockey when they are on top of their games. They can beat you with their size and strength. They can beat you with their smothering defense and goaltending. They have players such as Brad Marchand who can beat you with their speed.

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Meltzer’s Musings: Any Interest in Boyes and/or Antropov?

It remains to be seen how deeply the Flyers delve into the 2013 unrestricted free agent crop. Even with the likely buyout of Danny Briere, the team will not exactly be swimming in open salary cap space. Additionally, the group of available players, especially on defense, is far from staggering.

Two open-market players whom I feel could be of at least mild interest to Philadelphia are New York I

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