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Originally Posted by BobbyClarkeFan16
There's a little more to the story than that. The Flyers wanted JVR to sign after his freshman year. When his parents came had a meeting with Holmgren, they wanted to know what Holmgren's plans were with JVR and if he'd play in the NHL right away. When Holmgren stated he couldn't guarantee that JVR would be in the NHL right away and that he might have to spend time in the AHL, that's when he and his parents decided to go back to school. I know that at the night of the draft, JVR's parents informed Holmgren that he was going to go to school for two years. However, his peers were ready and they left early. Even guys his age were breaking into the league. So, don't think that didn't play on his mind. I'll say it right now - when Holmgren mentioned that JVR might have to spend time in the AHL, that made it much more easier for VanRiemdyk's to turn down the Flyers offers and return to school.
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Whatever the case, JVR has only improved since being drafted. Him not playing right away is not a bad thing. It could actually turn out to be the best course for him and the Flyers.
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I beg to differ. I think quite a few people will voice concerns and discontent if the 2nd overall pick isn't given top six ice time right away, especially when all his forward peers from the same draft are getting that kind of ice time. Let's remember that IF (key word here - he could always pull a Blake Wheeler) VanRiemsdyk signs, he's going to be compared to the guys who have already been playing - Kane, Turris, Gagner, Voracek, Perron, etc...... I have to believe that the Flyers are going to want to justify his high selection and they aren't going to give him '3rd line' (notice the quotes) minutes and that they'll want to provide him with as much as time as possible. To spoonfeed him ice time will do nothing but backfire and the bust chants will be louder in there than at a Dolly Parton concert.
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I'd be surprised if anybody said anything about JVR's minutes next season. Most people will probably be hyping him up like they're doing with Sbisa right now. He'll be a rookie, and the Flyers depth at forward is obvious to even the most casual of fans. Casual fans probably don't even know who JVR is, yet.
Bringing Blake Wheeler into the discussion is way out there. Sorry, but I have a hard time believing that JVR wouldn't want to play in Philly. The building, the fans, the organization, and the roster are all major pluses.
Voracek is averaging 10mpg, Turris 11, Perron 14, Gagner 16, and only Kane is playing 1st line minutes at 21mpg. None of those teams appear to be giving those players too much ice time. Kane earned his minutes. JVR will have to do the same, and it will be difficult with what's going to be in front of him his rookie year.
Nothing needs to be justified with his selection at 2nd overall. He was the top player on the Flyers board at the time they picked. He's done nothing but improve since. JVR would have to play really bad for people to start calling him a bust during his rookie year. If he looks like he's over his head, they'll just demote him to the AHL and let him develop further down there. Teams don't give up on players drafted so high that quickly. And there's no reason to in JVR's case, the talent is definately there. They spoonfed Richards and Carter ice time to start out. Both of them turned out alright.
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See, I don't get the impression that they will. Look at how long it took for Gagne to get a top line spot in Philadelphia. I know others will say that he played on the most important line when Hitchcock was coach, but come on, the third line in Hitchcock's system isn't as important as the first line. If that's the case, then Guy Carbonneau was a more important player in Hitch's system than Mike Modano was. However, I digress.
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Numbering lines, meh.
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The whole bringing him along slowly is nothing more than a cop out. And before anyone points out that Boston brought Thornton along slowly, let's also remember that Thornton was an 18 year old, JVR will be a 20 year old when he starts. Big difference.
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No, it's not. He's either ready for top line minutes from go, or he isn't. He'll have to earn his minutes. The Flyers are that deep at forward, and they're not a team that's rebuilding where minutes will just be given to young players.
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I'll say it before and I'll say it again - He won't even see the ice as a Flyer. He'll be moved either at the trade deadline or at the draft. The forwards are pretty much set and he's probably the best bargaining chip that the Flyers have in terms of landing yet another solid, young and dynamic defenseman to add. And one last thing. I wouldn't call a Brent Burns or a Ryan Suter or a Dan Hamhuis 'someone else's Tim Gleason'. Those are three excellent, excellent, excellent defensemen. While Gleason isn't a bad defenseman, I would have to say (as would many others) that he's nowhere near the defenseman that those guys listed are.
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I still disagree. They'd move someone else to accomodate JVR if the need arises.
The forwards are not that set next season. Knuble is a FA, and Upshall is an RFA. That's at least one spot, and one more possible spot in the top 9. Trading JVR is unnecessary. Baring a massive overpayment, there's little reason to not expect JVR to be Flyers property next season.
I was not directly comparing Gleason to Suter, etc. Furthermore, if those three are that good, why would their teams give them up? If the Flyers are that desperate for defensemen, you can expect low ball offers for JVR. That is why the Flyers will keep him and use other avenues to acquire a defensemen.
