Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Shafer
Sounds like JVR speak right here.
JVR might never put it all together. He might never break out and score goals. He will never be one of the centerpieces of an offense.
All I have to say is that barring injury, where there is smoke there is almost always fire. Very few times does a player with obvious flashes fizzle out without there being an external reason at work.
Hartnell - Giroux - xxxxxxxx
Simmonds - Schenn - Read
Laughton - Couturier - Voracek
If the Flyers can keep that core together, it's going to be an absolutely scary offensive force in 2-3 years. Using Briere's salary to go after Ryan or Perry is a bonus. Hopefully Gustafsson becomes the next Carle, and Gostisbehere turns into something awesome. Draft defense and/or trade Laughton to get a blueliner and cross your fingers. I'm not really worried about this season honestly. If the Flyers stay patient they have a massive offensive force on their hands. Couturier is no exception. I just wish JVR was around to plug that slot right next to Giroux.
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I agree with you on both accounts (Couturier and JVR), I'm simply saying that I understand the opposing side of the argument. There's justification for both points of view. I'm on your side though. In fact, you can see my JVR-related comments in the thread on the Flyers' board
I also like the lines you posted. The one small change I would make is keeping Voracek w/ Giroux. They work well together IMO. If anyone leaves that line, it would be Hartnell and he would be replaced by a better goalscorer (ie. Perry). If the Flyers could land Perry this offseason, Perry-Giroux-Voracek and Hartnell-Schenn-Simmonds would be an excellent top-6. That 2nd line would be hell for opponents to play against too
And while Couturier is honestly one of my favorite Flyers and I think the talent will come, I'd have no problem packaging him with something else for a true young #1 defenseman. Having a great 3rd line center like Couturier is a luxury, while a #1 defenseman is a necessity. And the reality of the situation is that you really can't have three 20 minute / night centers. And I think each of Giroux, Schenn, and Couturier are best @ center and in their primes all of them will be deserving of a true top-6 20 min/night role.
Again, I'm not advocating dumping Couturier, but for the right return? I'd absolutely trade him and roll w/ Laughton as the 3rd line C.