So what you're asking is if we can sign them for next season right now even though we currently have 50 players? That's what I'd like to know.
not 100% sure of this, but the contracts that we sign free agent NCAA player to don't start until the following season. When they play out the rest of the season with the Phantoms, it's on an ATO and they don't count towards the 50 contract limit
Hopefully we can get Niko Hovinen over here next year. I'm not sure what the competition is like over there in the SM-liiga but it looks like he's doing great on paper. I've never seen game footage of him though.
20 wins - Leads the league
4 shutouts - 3rd in the league
2.30 GAA - 8th in league
.919 save percentage - 9th in the league
when he signed with us, the intention was to bring him over to NA for 2012
Cousins has been unreal in the Soo... averaging close to or above 2 points per game last 10-15 games. People dont realize, he has no linemates... right now he has Broll (5 goals) and Fritsch (10-12, real good player, but injured all year).... put Cousins with a couple of top wingers who can keep up, he would be top 2-3 no problem.
He also has played great two way this year, doing PK now. He does tend to dive a bit, is a great chirper, and can agitate everyone... I remember him even talking on twitter about how he tells the refs to keep their helmets buckled up.... he has an unique skill set, and really controls the pace when he is on the ice. Probably the best Hound pure skill wise since Trevor Daley.
Cousins has been unreal in the Soo... averaging close to or above 2 points per game last 10-15 games. People dont realize, he has no linemates... right now he has Broll (5 goals) and Fritsch (10-12, real good player, but injured all year).... put Cousins with a couple of top wingers who can keep up, he would be top 2-3 no problem.
He also has played great two way this year, doing PK now. He does tend to dive a bit, is a great chirper, and can agitate everyone... I remember him even talking on twitter about how he tells the refs to keep their helmets buckled up.... he has an unique skill set, and really controls the pace when he is on the ice. Probably the best Hound pure skill wise since Trevor Daley.
This is excellent, exciting news indeed (and it confirms why so many scouts had Cousins as their top sleeper in the draft last year). It really tells you something when a player is putting up elite numbers while getting relatively nothing from his linemates. Obviously I don't like the diving part, but I imagine that's something he can (hopefully) fix as he matures and starts playing in the AHL/NHL. The Flyers do have their fair share of chirpers on the roster, so Cousins won't be out of place at all when it comes to that. Now, is he an outright dirty player, or does he just like to push the line and see how much he can get away with?
You hit the nail right on the head -- Cousins has a unique skill set as a supreme agitator with what appears to be high end offensive skill. You don't find too many of those players, and when you do, they are one hell of a precious commodity. From what I hear and read, I have zero doubt Cousins will be a fan favorite in Philly the minute he steps onto the ice. If you had to compare him to a player currently in the NHL, who would it be? Brad Marchand?
What I like and hope Cousins can do at the pro level is keep the agitating up WITH the offense. There are enough players who just agitate and hit people, but those who can play the pk, score goals, and agitate can be a real asset.
Cousins has been unreal in the Soo... averaging close to or above 2 points per game last 10-15 games. People dont realize, he has no linemates... right now he has Broll (5 goals) and Fritsch (10-12, real good player, but injured all year).... put Cousins with a couple of top wingers who can keep up, he would be top 2-3 no problem.
He also has played great two way this year, doing PK now. He does tend to dive a bit, is a great chirper, and can agitate everyone... I remember him even talking on twitter about how he tells the refs to keep their helmets buckled up.... he has an unique skill set, and really controls the pace when he is on the ice. Probably the best Hound pure skill wise since Trevor Daley.
Thanks for the update. I get to see some games on cable (OHL package comes with Centre Ice) and he certainly can't complain about the amount of ice time he gets. It sometimes seems he never comes off.
Cant compare Cousins to Marchand cause Cousins is not too physical himself.... I would say he plays like Roenick did somewhat... lots of skill, huge mouth, often does the smallest things to piss players off... he will often just skate by the entire opponents bench, flapping his lips, and the coaching staff and other team are speechless.. then go down and score a goal. This is why he often is the target of some dirty hits too... if you want to see Cousins biggest incident to date, check out what he started in London.... btw, Rupert only got 5 games for the baseball swing and jumping him, Cousins got 2 for starting it.... thats Dave Branch for you..
Ericsson seems to have a good year in the SEL. I wonder if there's any chance we'll sign him again
Yeah, Eriksson (I still prefer to call him Sunshine) is tearing it up for Skellefteå with a 1.77 GAA and .935 SV% in 29 games. I imagine the only reason he doesn't play more is because the other goalie on the team, Andreas Hadelöv, is an older veteran who's been playing in Elitserien since 1996.
Eriksson only played in 17 games last season and put up pedestrian numbers, so I can understand why the Flyers eschewed offering him a contract in favor of Hovinen. That said, it's really encouraging to see him bounce back, and his play this year warrants another serious look. I don't know what Eriksson's plans are for coming to North America, but I at least hope the Flyers are in the mix to reacquire his rights this offseason because the reports I read about him are just sparkling.
Cousins has been unreal in the Soo... averaging close to or above 2 points per game last 10-15 games. People dont realize, he has no linemates... right now he has Broll (5 goals) and Fritsch (10-12, real good player, but injured all year).... put Cousins with a couple of top wingers who can keep up, he would be top 2-3 no problem.
He also has played great two way this year, doing PK now. He does tend to dive a bit, is a great chirper, and can agitate everyone... I remember him even talking on twitter about how he tells the refs to keep their helmets buckled up.... he has an unique skill set, and really controls the pace when he is on the ice. Probably the best Hound pure skill wise since Trevor Daley.
We had the best diver in the league at one time and he ended up in the Hall of Fame! We could be so lucky twice
Yeah, Eriksson (I still prefer to call him Sunshine) is tearing it up for Skellefteå with a 1.77 GAA and .935 SV% in 29 games. I imagine the only reason he doesn't play more is because the other goalie on the team, Andreas Hadelöv, is an older veteran who's been playing in Elitserien since 1996.
Eriksson only played in 17 games last season and put up pedestrian numbers, so I can understand why the Flyers eschewed offering him a contract in favor of Hovinen. That said, it's really encouraging to see him bounce back, and his play this year warrants another serious look. I don't know what Eriksson's plans are for coming to North America, but I at least hope the Flyers are in the mix to reacquire his rights this offseason because the reports I read about him are just sparkling.
I wasn't mad about the Flyers letting Sunshine go, but it would be nice to still have him in our system. That being said, doesn't he still wear Flyers sweatshirts and hats while over there. I thought I saw that somewhere. It could be a reach but maybe the Flyers told him to wait a year, play with Skelleftea and we will revisit you next summer. It's still possible the Flyers will sign him after the season I believe. Toronto reportedly had interest in him, but nothing came of it. Which is satisfying in my book. F Toronto.
Also reading up on that Seth Jones kid, I would love for the Flyers to somehow try to move way up in the draft to get him. He is huge and is projected to be a top 3 pick. That's for 2013 though, so plenty of time to tank!
Yeah, Eriksson (I still prefer to call him Sunshine) is tearing it up for Skellefteå with a 1.77 GAA and .935 SV% in 29 games. I imagine the only reason he doesn't play more is because the other goalie on the team, Andreas Hadelöv, is an older veteran who's been playing in Elitserien since 1996.
Eriksson only played in 17 games last season and put up pedestrian numbers, so I can understand why the Flyers eschewed offering him a contract in favor of Hovinen. That said, it's really encouraging to see him bounce back, and his play this year warrants another serious look. I don't know what Eriksson's plans are for coming to North America, but I at least hope the Flyers are in the mix to reacquire his rights this offseason because the reports I read about him are just sparkling.
I read that he is looking to sign a new deal with his SEL team, but it will have an exit clause if he wants to come to NA
I wasn't mad about the Flyers letting Sunshine go, but it would be nice to still have him in our system. That being said, doesn't he still wear Flyers sweatshirts and hats while over there. I thought I saw that somewhere. It could be a reach but maybe the Flyers told him to wait a year, play with Skelleftea and we will revisit you next summer. It's still possible the Flyers will sign him after the season I believe. Toronto reportedly had interest in him, but nothing came of it. Which is satisfying in my book. F Toronto.
Also reading up on that Seth Jones kid, I would love for the Flyers to somehow try to move way up in the draft to get him. He is huge and is projected to be a top 3 pick. That's for 2013 though, so plenty of time to tank!
I love how a former NBA player's (Popeye Jones) kid is now a top prospect for the NHL Draft. I tell my friends who love the NBA and don't care about hockey and they're always floored by it. If nothing else, it gets them interested and they go read up on him.
We're going to see an influx of potential superstar black players soon -- Jones, Anthony Duclair, Joshua Ho-Sang -- and it could end up being the best thing that ever happens to the NHL's desire to grow the game/increase both its visibility and popularity in the United States (assuming, of course, one of said players ends up in an American market). It's about ****ing time. I'm excited.
Cousins has been unreal in the Soo... averaging close to or above 2 points per game last 10-15 games. People dont realize, he has no linemates... right now he has Broll (5 goals) and Fritsch (10-12, real good player, but injured all year).... put Cousins with a couple of top wingers who can keep up, he would be top 2-3 no problem.
He also has played great two way this year, doing PK now. He does tend to dive a bit, is a great chirper, and can agitate everyone... I remember him even talking on twitter about how he tells the refs to keep their helmets buckled up.... he has an unique skill set, and really controls the pace when he is on the ice. Probably the best Hound pure skill wise since Trevor Daley.
Cousins has been a real gem to watch. I really don't know who's a good comparison, but I'd say he's an awful lot like Zetterberg, but with some edge. As for all the "yapping", that'll die down with maturity. I still can't believe that the Flyers landed him in the 3rd. He's a demon on the ice. I'm looking forward to when him and Couturier become linemates. They're going to give the opposition fits. Loving the Carter trade more and more and more.
I like Zharkov as a player, but he is not a first round talent. I'd be extremely disappointed if we reached for him in the first round, even if we had 30th overall.
It all depends who you talk to. For instance, the scouts I talk to think Nick Ebert is going to be a fantastic defensemen. Others think he's not going to be so great. Daniil Zharkov falls into that similar category. He's not a reach by any stretch of the imagination. He's a late 1st talent and he's well liked because he's got an excellent overall game. Much like other players this year, he's been hurt for a bit, so that's something that bears watching.
Someone mentioned Dalton Thrower as a possibility and that's a guy, that personally, I'd stay away from. Yes, he can hit and he can skate, but his hockey sense leaves a lot to be desired. He's the 2012 edition of Shawn Belle.
Anyways, there are eight guys on their list that they really like. The eight are: Brendan Gaunce (they'll have to trade up), Matt Finn (another one they would need to trade up for), Jordan Schmaltz, Brady Skjei, Daniil Zharkov, Tanner Pearson (really surprised about this), Tom Wilson and Ludvig Bystrom.
Either way, there's going to be some very good players available. I have no problems with who they draft in the 1st because this franchise seems to be very lucky in terms of drafting.
Cant compare Cousins to Marchand cause Cousins is not too physical himself.... I would say he plays like Roenick did somewhat... lots of skill, huge mouth, often does the smallest things to piss players off... he will often just skate by the entire opponents bench, flapping his lips, and the coaching staff and other team are speechless.. then go down and score a goal. This is why he often is the target of some dirty hits too... if you want to see Cousins biggest incident to date, check out what he started in London.... btw, Rupert only got 5 games for the baseball swing and jumping him, Cousins got 2 for starting it.... thats Dave Branch for you..
Yes, we posted the London incident on here at the time.
I'm interested in your view, I usually compare him to Derek Roy, but with more of the agitator and a little less finesse. Cousins' skating stride, style, small stature, etc. remind me of Roy. Roenick was a bit taller and a bit faster when he was younger, but the cockiness is spot on.
I love how a former NBA player's (Popeye Jones) kid is now a top prospect for the NHL Draft. I tell my friends who love the NBA and don't care about hockey and they're always floored by it. If nothing else, it gets them interested and they go read up on him.
We're going to see an influx of potential superstar black players soon -- Jones, Anthony Duclair, Joshua Ho-Sang -- and it could end up being the best thing that ever happens to the NHL's desire to grow the game/increase both its visibility and popularity in the United States (assuming, of course, one of said players ends up in an American market). It's about ****ing time. I'm excited.
Diversity in hockey is a huge reason why the sport will increase in popularity.
Just look at Jeremy Lin and the NBA. The NBA is already the most popular league (worldwide) and having an asian american kid with a harvard education take the league by storm put the league in a frenzy over him.
Cousins has been a real gem to watch. I really don't know who's a good comparison, but I'd say he's an awful lot like Zetterberg, but with some edge. As for all the "yapping", that'll die down with maturity. I still can't believe that the Flyers landed him in the 3rd. He's a demon on the ice. I'm looking forward to when him and Couturier become linemates. They're going to give the opposition fits. Loving the Carter trade more and more and more.
I was as big a Carter fan as there was. But this trade is looking like Holmgren should wear a mask Can Nick play wing? I see his minutes on the PK are up this year also.
Tim McManus reported that Schenn was sent to the Phantoms on paper and then sent back. He provides speculation of why it happened (I'll let him get the site hits).
Tim McManus reported that Schenn was sent to the Phantoms on paper and then sent back. He provides speculation of why it happened (I'll let him get the site hits).
It all depends who you talk to. For instance, the scouts I talk to think Nick Ebert is going to be a fantastic defensemen. Others think he's not going to be so great. Daniil Zharkov falls into that similar category. He's not a reach by any stretch of the imagination. He's a late 1st talent and he's well liked because he's got an excellent overall game. Much like other players this year, he's been hurt for a bit, so that's something that bears watching.
Someone mentioned Dalton Thrower as a possibility and that's a guy, that personally, I'd stay away from. Yes, he can hit and he can skate, but his hockey sense leaves a lot to be desired. He's the 2012 edition of Shawn Belle.
Anyways, there are eight guys on their list that they really like. The eight are: Brendan Gaunce (they'll have to trade up), Matt Finn (another one they would need to trade up for), Jordan Schmaltz, Brady Skjei, Daniil Zharkov, Tanner Pearson (really surprised about this), Tom Wilson and Ludvig Bystrom.
Either way, there's going to be some very good players available. I have no problems with who they draft in the 1st because this franchise seems to be very lucky in terms of drafting.
