By: Steve Johnson
When the Flyers traded away team stars Mike Richards and Jeff Carter in the 2011 off season nobody expected them to be a championship contender. It's easy to look back now in disappointment, but in reality the 2011-12 Flyers exceeded our expectations and maybe us hopeful for the future. The Flyers traded captain Mike Richards to Los Angeles for prized prospect Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and the Kings 2012 2nd round pick. In that same day, they traded Richards buddy Jeff Carter to Columbus for winger Jakub Voracek, and the 8th overall pick (which turned into Sean Couturier). After trades that got rid of your two top players to bring in 4 players of the ages of 21, 19, 22, and 18 year old you would have thought they were building for the future. Then they go out and trade the cap they saved with Richie and Carter and get Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, and sign him to a 9, that's right 9 year deal worth over 50 million dollars. Now bring yourself back to the summer of 2011, if I would have told you the Flyers would knock off the Penguins and be the favorite to win the Stanley Cup after that series, you would have thought I was crazy. Well they did, and they were, and guess what? They still have a bright future...and possibly a dynasty on their hands. Here is the state of the Flyers for the 2012-13 season, and many years to come.
Centers
Claude Giroux ($3.75 million cap hit, 2 years left, RFA in 14-15)
Danny Briere ($6.5 million cap hit, 3 years left, UFA in 15-16)
Sean Couturier ($1.375 million cap hit, 2 years left, RFA in 14-15)
Brayden Schenn ($3.11 million cap hit, 2 years left, RFA in 14-15)
Breakdown: All of these players should be returning in 2012-13 and are expected to have major roles as they did this year.
Giroux is the star of the team, and a top 5 player, if not the best all around player in the world today. Briere is one of the best 2nd line centers in the game and is one of the most clutch players in the game. Couturier stepped up like no one (outside of Paul Holmgren) expected. As a 19 year old, to be the main face off guy in the defensive zone, play on the penalty kill, and be a shut down player against one of the world's best (Malkin) is unheard of. Couturier is heads above what you expect a 19 year old to be, expect him to step his game up offensively.
Schenn had his ups and downs last year, and battled through injuries. He was the key piece in the trades this off season, but probably played the worst out of what the Flyers got for in return. The Flyers fully expect him to step his game up a notch and be an offensive threat next year.
Wingers
Scott Hartnell ($4.2 million cap hit, 1 year left, UFA in 13-14)
Jaromir Jagr (Unrestricted Free Agent this year)
Jakub Voracek (Restricted Free Agent this year)
Max Talbot ($1.75 million cap hit, 4 years left, UFA in 16-17)
Wayne Simmonds ($1.75 million cap hit, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14)
Jody Shelley ($1.1 million cap hit, 1 year left, UFA in 13-14)
Matt Read ($900,000, 2 years left, UFA in 14-15)
Ian Laperriere (Unrestricted Free Agent this year)
James Van Riemsdyk ($4.25 million cap hit, 6 years left, UFA in 18-19)
Harry Zolnierczyk (Restricted Free Agent this year)
Eric Wellwood ($580,000, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14)
Tom Sestito (Restricted Free Agent this year)
Zac Rinaldo ($544,000, 1 year left, RFA in 13-14
Scott Hartnell stepped up his game tremendously last year, scoring a career high and team leading 37 goals on the line with Claude Giroux and Jaromir Jagr.
Jagr was a big surprise signing last year and an even bigger surprise on the ice. At 40, and two years out of the NHL, nobody expected him to have the year he had. Torwards the end of the year it did seem like he was battling injuries and starting to slow down. Laviolette took him off the top line several times throughout the Devils series. Signing Jagr is not the top priority for the Flyers front office unless they can get him for cheap. He did admit, this was his favorite year of hockey, and for a multiple Hart Trophy and Stanley Cup winner that is saying something.
Voracek is a restricted free agent and the team would love to bring back a player with his speed and heart. He fit in very nicely with the Flyers up tempo pace and they would be dumb to let him walk.
Talbot is signed through 16-17 and will continue to bring toughness and hard work, including a great locker room presence for years to come.
Wayne Simmonds fit right in with the Flyers toughness and instantly became a fan favorite, he will be back again next year and it wouldn't surprise me to see him receive an extension.
Jody Shelley still has a year left on his contract, but it looks like the NHL no longer has a place for his type of one dimensional play.
Matt Read was the surprise of the team after going undrafted and made a strong case for rookie of the year. He still has 2 years left on his contract and will get every chance to be a Flyer for a long time.
Laperriere was still under contract this year, but was on the pre game show due to his injuries. His career is over.
James Van Riemsdyk received a new contract and will be a Flyers as long as they want him too. He's signed through 2018, but he needs to stay healthy to not be a hot commodity on the trade market. He showed signs of being great throughout the year but could not stay on the ice. JVR has the potential to be a top player in this league, and the Flyers would prefer it be wearing orange.
Zolnierczyk showed flashes in his 30+ games this year, but not enough to beat out Eric Wellwood for a playoff roster spot. Harry Z is a restricted free agent and might not have a spot on this team next year, while Wellwood showed that he can bring energy and speed both offensively and on the penalty kill.
Sestito is a restricted free agent as well, and didn't show much for the Flyers to keep him around. He's a big body and plays hard and will likely end up somewhere else.
Rinaldo at times was the most loved player in the Wells Fargo Center and the hated other times. He was always there to get the crowd and more importantly his teammates pumped up with a huge hit, but then let them down with stupid penalties as well. He will be back next year and is a restricted free agent in 13-14.
Part 2 Defense and Goaltending will follow tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Early prediction for 2012-13 Eagles 53 man roster Part 2 Defense
By: Steve Johnson
Offense predictions can be found here
DE (5)- Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Phillip Hunt
Brandon Graham has one more year to prove that he was worth the 13th overall pick, he will get every shot for that in training camp. Vinny Curry was the Eagles 2nd round pick this year, and he will fit perfectly into the Eagles wide 9 defense. Phillip Hunt will compete with Daryl Tapp for the last DE position. Hunt surprised everyone by making the team last year with his relentless motor.
DT (5)- Mike Patterson, Cullen Jenkins, Antonio Dixon, Fletcher Cox, Derek Landri
The Eagles like to rotate their DTs, which is why they moved up in the first round to select Cox. Cox will be a force on the Eagles line for years to come and will be a multiple pro bowler. Dixon comes back from injury last year after a great 2010 team. Landri was resigned after leading the team in tackles for loss last year as a role player in this defense.
LB (6)- Demeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Jamar Chaney, Casey Matthews, Brian Rolle, Keenan Clayton
Demeco Ryans was a huge trade this off season, providing the Eagles with a LB the fans have been calling for years. Kendricks was their other second round pick and will start immediate, and ultimately become a fan favorite with Curry. Chaney will move outside to either the SAM or WILL depending on how they use Kendricks. Matthews, Rolle, Clayton, Moise Fokou Greg Llyod and Akeem Jordan will all compete for the backup roles. We expect Matthews and Rolle to make the team and contribute on special teams, neither player was ready to be placed in the starting lineup last year. Keenan Clayton (a player they like), Fokou and Jordan will likely battle it out for the final position, with two of them being released prior to the season.
CB (5)- Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Boykin, Curtis Marsh, Cliff Harris
With Asante Samuel traded, Rodgers-Cromartie is put in his natural position as an outside corner opposite of Asomugha. Expect a much better season from both, after a year of being in the system. Newly hired former Miami Dolphins interim coach and current secondary coach Todd Bowles will have his work cut out for him, especially if Juan Castillo falters and Bowles takes over as coordinator. Brandon Boykin was selected to play the slot and return kicks, and he was a complete steal in this draft class. Marsh returns from almost zero playing time last year, he was a 2011 third round pick that the coaching staff still likes. Cliff Harris went undrafted after being kicked off the Oregon football team for marijuana incidents. Harris has all the talent in the world, and was projected as a top pick, he will need to get his head on straight.
S (5)- Nate Allen, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson, Phillip Thomas
Allen is finally healthy, and Jarrett will get every chance to learn the playbook and get the starting nod. Coleman played great last year, but he is nothing more than a 3rd safety and special teams standout in the NFL. Colt Anderson is coming off an injury, they would love for their best special teams player to be healthy. Phillip Thomas is my last man to make the team, he went undrafted out of Syracuse and will have to work his butt off to make this team.
ST (3)- Alex Henery, Ryan Tydlacka, Joe Dorenbos
Despite what some Eagles fans think, Alex Henery had the greatest season for a rookie kicker EVER. He was excellent and will be the Eagles kicker for many years to come. Ryan Tydlacka went undrafted and will compete with last years punter Chas Henry. Dorenbos is a top long snapper in the NFL and would have to be injured to lose his job.
Offense predictions can be found here
DE (5)- Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Phillip Hunt
Brandon Graham has one more year to prove that he was worth the 13th overall pick, he will get every shot for that in training camp. Vinny Curry was the Eagles 2nd round pick this year, and he will fit perfectly into the Eagles wide 9 defense. Phillip Hunt will compete with Daryl Tapp for the last DE position. Hunt surprised everyone by making the team last year with his relentless motor.
DT (5)- Mike Patterson, Cullen Jenkins, Antonio Dixon, Fletcher Cox, Derek Landri
The Eagles like to rotate their DTs, which is why they moved up in the first round to select Cox. Cox will be a force on the Eagles line for years to come and will be a multiple pro bowler. Dixon comes back from injury last year after a great 2010 team. Landri was resigned after leading the team in tackles for loss last year as a role player in this defense.
LB (6)- Demeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Jamar Chaney, Casey Matthews, Brian Rolle, Keenan Clayton
Demeco Ryans was a huge trade this off season, providing the Eagles with a LB the fans have been calling for years. Kendricks was their other second round pick and will start immediate, and ultimately become a fan favorite with Curry. Chaney will move outside to either the SAM or WILL depending on how they use Kendricks. Matthews, Rolle, Clayton, Moise Fokou Greg Llyod and Akeem Jordan will all compete for the backup roles. We expect Matthews and Rolle to make the team and contribute on special teams, neither player was ready to be placed in the starting lineup last year. Keenan Clayton (a player they like), Fokou and Jordan will likely battle it out for the final position, with two of them being released prior to the season.
CB (5)- Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Boykin, Curtis Marsh, Cliff Harris
With Asante Samuel traded, Rodgers-Cromartie is put in his natural position as an outside corner opposite of Asomugha. Expect a much better season from both, after a year of being in the system. Newly hired former Miami Dolphins interim coach and current secondary coach Todd Bowles will have his work cut out for him, especially if Juan Castillo falters and Bowles takes over as coordinator. Brandon Boykin was selected to play the slot and return kicks, and he was a complete steal in this draft class. Marsh returns from almost zero playing time last year, he was a 2011 third round pick that the coaching staff still likes. Cliff Harris went undrafted after being kicked off the Oregon football team for marijuana incidents. Harris has all the talent in the world, and was projected as a top pick, he will need to get his head on straight.
S (5)- Nate Allen, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson, Phillip Thomas
Allen is finally healthy, and Jarrett will get every chance to learn the playbook and get the starting nod. Coleman played great last year, but he is nothing more than a 3rd safety and special teams standout in the NFL. Colt Anderson is coming off an injury, they would love for their best special teams player to be healthy. Phillip Thomas is my last man to make the team, he went undrafted out of Syracuse and will have to work his butt off to make this team.
ST (3)- Alex Henery, Ryan Tydlacka, Joe Dorenbos
Despite what some Eagles fans think, Alex Henery had the greatest season for a rookie kicker EVER. He was excellent and will be the Eagles kicker for many years to come. Ryan Tydlacka went undrafted and will compete with last years punter Chas Henry. Dorenbos is a top long snapper in the NFL and would have to be injured to lose his job.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Early prediction for 2012-13 Eagles 53 man roster Part 1 Offense
By: Steve Johnson
Here are our predictions for the final roster of the 2012-13 Philadelphia Eagles. Granted this is barring injuries and any veteran signings. This is simply just a post draft look at the Eagles roster.
*- Starters are in Bold
QB (3)- Michael Vick, Trent Edwards, Nick Foles
When the Eagles went off the clock to select Nick Foles in the 3rd round, Mike Kafka went on the clock for teams looking for a QB. I like Kafka, he's smart, and knows the system, but if Vick were to go down, Trent Edwards provides more of a chance to win a couple games. Backup QB was clearly an issue last year, they addressed it this offseason.
RB (3)- LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Bryce Brown
Dion Lewis didn't play bad last year, but he's nothing more than a 3rd down back you throw in every once in a while. Bryce Brown was the top recruit coming out of high school (above Trent Richardson) but after leaving 2 programs he fell off the map. In his pro day he ran a 4.37 40 (at 220 lbs), Eagles will give him a shot to make up for all his mistakes in his college career. He will compete with undrafted free agent Chris Polk from Washington. Polk had a huge workload at Washington, and is NFL ready, but doesn't have the upside of Brown.
FB (1)- Stanley Havili
Eagles chose not to resign Owen Schmitt. Havili was on the practice squad all of last year and provides some pass catching and running ability similar to Leonard Weaver. The Eagles don't know how to use a fullback correctly so he'll likely face a challenge from anyone from TEs to some linemen they found in the middle of no where.
WR (5) - DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Marvin McNutt, Riley Cooper
Marvin McNutt was somewhat of a steal in the 6th round for the Eagles. He's big like Riley Cooper but more accomplished and faster. They will compete for the 4th spot. Don't be surprised for a player like Damaris Johnson (undrafted free agent Kick Returner from Tulsa) impresses the coaches enough on special teams to give him a shot.
TE (2)- Brent Celek, Clay Harbor
The Eagles would have loved to grab a Tight End in the draft last weekend. They didn't, and they will have to deal with Clay Harbor as the backup. The Eagles never use 3 Tight Ends so adding another would be a waste of a roster spot they can use somewhere else.
OT (4)- Demetress Bell, Todd Herremans, King Dunlap, Dennis Kelly
Losing Jason Peters really hurt, but they went out and got the best LT available in free agency and he will have to do. Herremans might be the most versatile linemen in the NFL and he will start again at RT. Dunlap proved he can play when needed. They will give prospect Dennis Kelly a very long look. It's unlikely but Peters could go on the PUP list until week 8, after that they would have to put him on IR or use a roster spot on him. Either way 4 tackles are never suited up at the same time during games.
OG (4)- Evan Mathis, Danny Watkins, Julian Vandervelde, Brandon Washington
Evan Mathis returns after having one of the most productive seasons in the NFL last year. Expect a big year out of Danny Watkins. Vandervelde was a 5th round draft pick in 2011, he'll likely compete for the backup at both left and right guard. Washington was a top guard in the country in 2010, but switched to 2011 for his senior year, he struggled and Reid has said he will move him back to guard.
C (2)- Jason Kelce, Mike Gibson
Kelce was the steal of the draft last year when no one expected him to make the team, he stole the job and played well. Gibson was a draft choice a couple years ago. They didn't address the backup center position in the draft. He knows the system and another year in Howard Mudd's scheme will help him progress.
Here are our predictions for the final roster of the 2012-13 Philadelphia Eagles. Granted this is barring injuries and any veteran signings. This is simply just a post draft look at the Eagles roster.
*- Starters are in Bold
QB (3)- Michael Vick, Trent Edwards, Nick Foles
When the Eagles went off the clock to select Nick Foles in the 3rd round, Mike Kafka went on the clock for teams looking for a QB. I like Kafka, he's smart, and knows the system, but if Vick were to go down, Trent Edwards provides more of a chance to win a couple games. Backup QB was clearly an issue last year, they addressed it this offseason.
RB (3)- LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Bryce Brown
Dion Lewis didn't play bad last year, but he's nothing more than a 3rd down back you throw in every once in a while. Bryce Brown was the top recruit coming out of high school (above Trent Richardson) but after leaving 2 programs he fell off the map. In his pro day he ran a 4.37 40 (at 220 lbs), Eagles will give him a shot to make up for all his mistakes in his college career. He will compete with undrafted free agent Chris Polk from Washington. Polk had a huge workload at Washington, and is NFL ready, but doesn't have the upside of Brown.
FB (1)- Stanley Havili
Eagles chose not to resign Owen Schmitt. Havili was on the practice squad all of last year and provides some pass catching and running ability similar to Leonard Weaver. The Eagles don't know how to use a fullback correctly so he'll likely face a challenge from anyone from TEs to some linemen they found in the middle of no where.
WR (5) - DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Marvin McNutt, Riley Cooper
Marvin McNutt was somewhat of a steal in the 6th round for the Eagles. He's big like Riley Cooper but more accomplished and faster. They will compete for the 4th spot. Don't be surprised for a player like Damaris Johnson (undrafted free agent Kick Returner from Tulsa) impresses the coaches enough on special teams to give him a shot.
TE (2)- Brent Celek, Clay Harbor
The Eagles would have loved to grab a Tight End in the draft last weekend. They didn't, and they will have to deal with Clay Harbor as the backup. The Eagles never use 3 Tight Ends so adding another would be a waste of a roster spot they can use somewhere else.
OT (4)- Demetress Bell, Todd Herremans, King Dunlap, Dennis Kelly
Losing Jason Peters really hurt, but they went out and got the best LT available in free agency and he will have to do. Herremans might be the most versatile linemen in the NFL and he will start again at RT. Dunlap proved he can play when needed. They will give prospect Dennis Kelly a very long look. It's unlikely but Peters could go on the PUP list until week 8, after that they would have to put him on IR or use a roster spot on him. Either way 4 tackles are never suited up at the same time during games.
OG (4)- Evan Mathis, Danny Watkins, Julian Vandervelde, Brandon Washington
Evan Mathis returns after having one of the most productive seasons in the NFL last year. Expect a big year out of Danny Watkins. Vandervelde was a 5th round draft pick in 2011, he'll likely compete for the backup at both left and right guard. Washington was a top guard in the country in 2010, but switched to 2011 for his senior year, he struggled and Reid has said he will move him back to guard.
C (2)- Jason Kelce, Mike Gibson
Kelce was the steal of the draft last year when no one expected him to make the team, he stole the job and played well. Gibson was a draft choice a couple years ago. They didn't address the backup center position in the draft. He knows the system and another year in Howard Mudd's scheme will help him progress.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Thoughts on Game 2 of Flyers/Devils
By: Steve Johnson
Flyers off to quick start
The Flyers seemed to start off with a bunch of energy, something they didn't do in Game 1 and still pulled out a Win. Matt Read scored his third goal of the playoffs just 2 minutes into the game and it seemed like the Flyers would take control of it early
James Van Riemsdyk found his balls
Whatever Lavy said to him prior to the game worked. JVR was back to his 2011 playoff form using his size and speed together and going hard to the net. It's good to see him being aggressive, even if he was called for a penalty, that's what Lavy wanted to see.
Bryz had a good game
Despite the loss, Bryz played a great game in my opinion. He didn't allow a goal until the 3rd period, when it seemed like the Flyers were not as active as they started off. His teammates did not play well in front of him and did not have any sense of urgency to win this game.
Thoughts on Game 3
It's no time to panic with the series tied at 1, but a loss in game 3 could change the city's perspective on this series. The Flyers need to come out with some serious "jam" and take an early lead. The Devils are a completely different team than the Penguins. Despite winning the Penguins series, the Devils are not going to be a cake walk. This team plays great defense and plays hard and tough, just like the Flyers. I still expect the Flyers to win in 6, but they will have to step up their intensity in game 3 and leave Newark with a win.
Flyers off to quick start
The Flyers seemed to start off with a bunch of energy, something they didn't do in Game 1 and still pulled out a Win. Matt Read scored his third goal of the playoffs just 2 minutes into the game and it seemed like the Flyers would take control of it early
James Van Riemsdyk found his balls
Whatever Lavy said to him prior to the game worked. JVR was back to his 2011 playoff form using his size and speed together and going hard to the net. It's good to see him being aggressive, even if he was called for a penalty, that's what Lavy wanted to see.
Bryz had a good game
Despite the loss, Bryz played a great game in my opinion. He didn't allow a goal until the 3rd period, when it seemed like the Flyers were not as active as they started off. His teammates did not play well in front of him and did not have any sense of urgency to win this game.
Thoughts on Game 3
It's no time to panic with the series tied at 1, but a loss in game 3 could change the city's perspective on this series. The Flyers need to come out with some serious "jam" and take an early lead. The Devils are a completely different team than the Penguins. Despite winning the Penguins series, the Devils are not going to be a cake walk. This team plays great defense and plays hard and tough, just like the Flyers. I still expect the Flyers to win in 6, but they will have to step up their intensity in game 3 and leave Newark with a win.
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