Just read this this morning:

Someone well placed within the Oilers organization said that if the Oilers don’t go deep in the playoffs, he doesn’t see Draisaitl re-signing at the end of his deal and that he’d prefer to be a first-line center in Boston,”
https://bostonhockeynow.c...e-bruins/#google_vignette

Get me a barf bag!

None of that matters. There are bigger things at stake that have nothing to do with hockey. In this case geopolitical factors need to be the #1 concern IMO. If you can get him here you get him here. He needs to be treated like a defector in the 70's. I would rather deal with all of your reasons as they come, over never getting him here at all.
- MBFlyerfan

After Fedotov, do we still believe that the situation is that dramatic?

As I've been saying all along, hockey is primarily soft power projection to the Russians. Putin would love Michkov, Demidov, etc to cross over as soon as possible. And it probably chafes his balls that the IIHF continues to ban Team Russia from tourneys.

None of that matters. There are bigger things at stake that have nothing to do with hockey. In this case geopolitical factors need to be the #1 concern IMO. If you can get him here you get him here. He needs to be treated like a defector in the 70's. I would rather deal with all of your reasons as they come, over never getting him here at all.
- MBFlyerfan

The Flyers getting higher draft picks to potentially gain elite players doesn't matter? Understand the concern but the geopolitical factors don't concern me. They didn't before and they don't now. Recent developments tell us what it is all about. Money. I don't see a serious threat of never getting him over here. Not in a years time.

Producing is producing. And not like the Wings were that bad.

Guy took less years to get with a better situation and he proved his worth:



Maybe he doesn't even make it to UFA.
- Tomahawk

then if producing is producing then why the lack of interest form contenders? why the only offer was a 1 year deal?

How do you know he took less? He took what was offered is my view until proven otherwise. He proved his worth in Arizona no? Or did he prove his worth in Carolina as they let him walk.

No it is certainly not an invention on his part.
- MBFlyerfan

Yes, his insinuation that I don't grasp the level of talent that Michkov has, is an invention on his part.

After Fedotov, do we still believe that the situation is that dramatic?

As I've been saying all along, hockey is primarily soft power projection to the Russians. Putin would love Michkov, Demidov, etc to cross over as soon as possible. And it probably chafes his balls that the IIHF continues to ban Team Russia from tourneys.
- Tomahawk

I agree, they want their top players coming over to play in the NHL after they get a little value out of them. It's a business for them and they want the cash.

After Fedotov, do we still believe that the situation is that dramatic?

As I've been saying all along, hockey is primarily soft power projection to the Russians. Putin would love Michkov, Demidov, etc to cross over as soon as possible. And it probably chafes his balls that the IIHF continues to ban Team Russia from tourneys.
- Tomahawk

Maybe maybe not. But why take the chance? Are we really advocating that if he can come over now we don't want him to? Seriously?

I personally would lean towards not bringing Michkov over for next season. The odds of Michkov and Tortorella clashing are very high with Michkov being yo-yoed in and out of the lineup with fluctuating ice time.
- MJL

Ridiculous! Just like Foerster was yo-yoed in and out of the lineup? Just like Tippet was yo-yoed in and out of the lineup? Just like York was yo-yoed in and out of the lineup? Come on with your BS, it's embarrassing! I predict they will get along great because Michkov plays hard and consistent every game, unlike some other players that have crossed swords with Torts. Torts has shown he puts up with mistakes from players like TK, and it will be the same with Michkov.

Tortorella likes a player to "clash" with him. He'll probably love the kid.

So who's he play with?
- Dkos

This is a very good question. Michkov will need a center that can keep up with him and right now the Flyers don't have that.

Ridiculous! Just like Foerster was yo-yoed in and out of the lineup? Just like Tippet was yo-yoed in and out of the lineup? Just like York was yo-yoed in and out of the lineup? Come on with your BS, it's embarrassing! I predict they will get along great because Michkov plays hard and consistent every game, unlike some other players that have crossed swords with Torts. Torts has shown he puts up with mistakes from players like TK, and it will be the same with Michkov.
- jd250

You live in a fantasy land. York was sent down to the AHL because Tortorella didn't like the way he handled verbal confrontation. Zamula, Brink and Frost have all been yo-yoed in and out of the lineup. Tortorella has shown that his lineup decisions are completely random and inconsistent and are not based on effort. You also have no clue how Michkov will perform immediately in the NHL. You are as clueless as ever.

then if producing is producing then why the lack of interest form contenders? why the only offer was a 1 year deal?

How do you know he took less? He took what was offered is my view until proven otherwise. He proved his worth in Arizona no? Or did he prove his worth in Carolina as they let him walk.
- hello it's me 2050

Flat cap and contenders mostly already being set on the back end.

Outside of Orlov and Klingberg there really wasn't much blueline spending by contenders last summer.

The Flyers getting higher draft picks to potentially gain elite players doesn't matter? Understand the concern but the geopolitical factors don't concern me. They didn't before and they don't now. Recent developments tell us what it is all about. Money. I don't see a serious threat of never getting him over here. Not in a years time.
- MJL

Ok, I am at a loss here. Especially after what happened with Gauthier. If the kid wants to come now, and he can, you bring him over.

I guess we will agree to disagree. I understand your reasoning, and would agree if we were talking about Bonk, or Barkey, but not a borderline generational talent.

adding value as usual
- hello it's me 2050

Everyday it's the same thing, never any hockey content from him, just hatred for the team and overall pettiness.

LOL, that is a fantasy invention on your part.
- MJL

Right. The flyers were fools not to sign Gauthier last year in March right? I don’t want to put words in your mouth but I believe that’s your position.

So now, let’s say michkov, a far superior prospect at the same age wants to sign. Now what SHOULD the flyers do? Let’s get in on record genius

Maybe maybe not. But why take the chance? Are we really advocating that if he can come over now we don't want him to? Seriously?
- MBFlyerfan

If he's ready and the team's in a place where he can succeed, then sure, bring him over.

But if any of those things are in question then it wouldn't hurt to give him another year being a superstar in the KHL.

Ok, I am at a loss here. Especially after what happened with Gauthier. If the kid wants to come now, and he can, you bring him over.

I guess we will agree to disagree. I understand your reasoning, and would agree if we were talking about Bonk, or Barkey, but not a borderline generational talent.
- MBFlyerfan

I just don't see the urgency for next season and I don't see it as a parallel to the Gauthier situation. You told me that there are ZERO reasons not to bring him over. I think I spelled out that there are reasons not to. I just think there is an excitement factor for the fans. If he doesn't come over for next season, it's not anything to be concerned about.

If he's ready and the team's in a place where he can succeed, then sure, bring him over.

But if any of those things are in question then it wouldn't hurt to give him another year being a superstar in the KHL.
- Tomahawk

I guess we will agree to disagree that there is a question. I think he would have played in the NHL right out of his draft had he been able to. And played well. That is just my opinion of course.

As I said, I think he is the best player on this team the moment he puts on the sweater and hits the ice.

Right. The flyers were fools not to sign Gauthier last year in March right? I don’t want to put words in your mouth but I believe that’s your position.

So now, let’s say michkov, a far superior prospect at the same age wants to sign. Now what SHOULD the flyers do? Let’s get in on record genius
- Just5

Yes, right. You implied that I don't grasp the talent level that Michkov has. You're wrong. You're always wrong.

Maybe if the Laffs fall and they clean house, the Flyers could acquire Tavares with salary retained for a song since ain’t no one paying JT $11,000,000 for the last year of his contract. That would give Toronto cap flexibility, the Flyers a good veteran (and could possibly resign him for a year or two if he and MM hit it off). Just a thought.

Not a horrible thought of:

Foerester/Tavares/MM
Farabee/Frost/Tippett

As the top two lines. If TK not moved that would be a solid top 2.
- mikeyo27

Yuck! First of all, Tavares will never agree to a trade from the Leafs and even if he did I think he is cooked and want no part of him. Frost IMO is not consistent enough and Farabee is nothing more than a garbage collector. I think the Flyers should move both players this offseason and reset the center position. Draisaitl may want out of Edmonton and if so, the Flyers should be all in on him.

Yes, right. You implied that I don't grasp the talent level that Michkov has. You're wrong. You're always wrong.
- MJL

Answer the question

Everyday it's the same thing, never any hockey content from him, just hatred for the team and overall pettiness.
- jd250

The above would be considered hockey content? Again, today, you initiated by calling me embarrassing. This is not going to work out for you jd.

If he's ready and the team's in a place where he can succeed, then sure, bring him over.

But if any of those things are in question then it wouldn't hurt to give him another year being a superstar in the KHL.
- Tomahawk

Surely it didn’t hurt them to push off signing Gauthier.

Answer the question
- Just5

Right after you admit that you're wrong.

I guess we will agree to disagree that there is a question. I think he would have played in the NHL right out of his draft had he been able to. And played well. That is just my opinion of course.

As I said, I think he is the best player on this team the moment he puts on the sweater and hits the ice.
- MBFlyerfan

Dunno, we'll see. If they let him out of his contract I'm sure the Flyers will jump at the opportunity to bring him over.

I'm also sure that if he's a turn key dominant producer Torts will treat him pretty well. He's was willing to overlook flaws in guys like Panarin in the past.

However, if he doesn't...

I guess we will agree to disagree that there is a question. I think he would have played in the NHL right out of his draft had he been able to. And played well. That is just my opinion of course.

As I said, I think he is the best player on this team the moment he puts on the sweater and hits the ice.
- MBFlyerfan

I think it could take him some time in the league to surpass Konecny.