Well, all I can say is open your eyes, because Risto is clearly playing the best defense on the team right now, and is generating offense, frequently joining the rush.
- jd250

If what you state is correct, provide the evidence and facts to support your claim.

And thank you Torts for once again getting the most out of a player and bringing them to the next level.
- jd250

you also going to criticize him for not getting the best out of the many players who are not producing?

And thank you Torts for once again getting the most out of a player and bringing them to the next level.
- jd250

Why isn't Tortorella doing the same for other players such as Frost, Tippett and Farabee?

As a junior Risto was very good. Top 10 draft pick, sure fire #1 d who could do it all. Skate, shoot, pass and was extremely physical. Just goes to show you that not all guys develop the same. I think he’s playing really good right now, but when you consider the projections his whole career has been somewhat underwhelming. Only 7 Finnish d have played more then 5 games this year in the NHL and they didn’t even take the kid from Buffalo. On that blue line Risto is going to play an awful lot of minutes.
- landros 2

Risto got drafted by Buffalo, do I really need to say anthing more? The FIRST time in his life Risto got real coaching was under Torts, and once again Torts has got the most out of the player and moved him to the next level. It took some time for Risto to accept the coaching, revamp his game and achieve the confidence to start adding back the offense. And this year we are seeing the fruits of that transformation. Risto has always had the elements, the grit, the size, the skating, the shot; but he never had the coaching. Now we are seeing what Risto truly is. Hopefully he can stay on the ice. Kudo's to Torts for also revamping the medical staff and pushing physical fitness, which has not only benefitted Risto but several other players, including of course Sanheim.

And thank you Torts for once again getting the most out of a player and bringing them to the next level.
- jd250

It doesn’t always work…I give the credit to the player…it was pretty evident Torts didn’t want him here. DB was getting rid of or at least trying to in Sanheims case. Sanheim took those criticisms to heart and morphed himself into a better player.

Why isn't Tortorella doing the same for other players such as Frost, Tippett and Farabee?
- MJL

Tippet is fine, he has all the skill to right the ship. Scored 27 ans 28 goal respectively under Torts the past two seasons. Funny how you didn't mention Tippet last season.

As for Frosty, you mean the all fluff and no stuff player? And of course Farabee, the OK player with OK skill. I told you what they were 2+ years ago and you didn't listen. You can't get blood from a stone. The Flyers should cut bait with both!

Risto got drafted by Buffalo, do I really need to say anthing more? The FIRST time in his life Risto got real coaching was under Torts, and once again Torts has got the most out of the player and moved him to the next level. It took some time for Risto to accept the coaching, revamp his game and achieve the confidence to start adding back the offense. And this year we are seeing the fruits of that transformation. Risto has always had the elements, the grit, the size, the skating, the shot; but he never had the coaching. Now we are seeing what Risto truly is. Hopefully he can stay on the ice. Kudo's to Torts for also revamping the medical staff and pushing physical fitness, which has not only benefitted Risto but several other players, including of course Sanheim.
- jd250

So at approaching 30 years old and 700+ games, Ristolainen has finally figured it out? It has taken Ristolainen, a veteran player all this time to finally take on the coaching. Can you provide any facts or details that supports that Ristolainen has never had proper coaching until now? Anything, anything at all?

Risto got drafted by Buffalo, do I really need to say anthing more? The FIRST time in his life Risto got real coaching was under Torts, and once again Torts has got the most out of the player and moved him to the next level. It took some time for Risto to accept the coaching, revamp his game and achieve the confidence to start adding back the offense. And this year we are seeing the fruits of that transformation. Risto has always had the elements, the grit, the size, the skating, the shot; but he never had the coaching. Now we are seeing what Risto truly is. Hopefully he can stay on the ice. Kudo's to Torts for also revamping the medical staff and pushing physical fitness, which has not only benefitted Risto but several other players, including of course Sanheim.
- jd250

help me understand then why you want to move a stud top 4 RHD who is under a cheap contract for 2.5 more years. Flyers are a playoff team today. what is the plan?

Tippet is fine, he has all the skill to right the ship. Scored 27 ans 28 goal respectively under Torts the past two seasons. Funny how you didn't mention Tippet last season.

As for Frosty, you mean the all fluff and no stuff player? And of course Farabee, the OK player with OK skill. I told you what they were 2+ years ago and you didn't listen. You can't get blood from a stone. The Flyers should cut bait with both!
- jd250

he is one of the quietest 27 and 28 goal scorers in the league. tippet has very low hockey iq. plays die on his stick.

It doesn’t always work…I give the credit to the player…it was pretty evident Torts didn’t want him here. DB was getting rid of or at least trying to in Sanheims case. Sanheim took those criticisms to heart and morphed himself into a better player.
- landros 2

That's right. As Torts mentioned when he first got here, Sanheim was a boy that could skate and nothing else. Couldn't defend. Couldn't finish. Couldn't lead a PP. It was I'm sure a hard message to receive but to his credit Sanheim received it and did something about it. Torts and Shaw deserve a lot of credit. But not every player responds in the same way. I think for the most part all the Flyers players have responded to the challenges Torts has given them, but in the end some players like Frosty and Farabee just don't have it in them.

It doesn’t always work…I give the credit to the player…it was pretty evident Torts didn’t want him here. DB was getting rid of or at least trying to in Sanheims case. Sanheim took those criticisms to heart and morphed himself into a better player.
- landros 2

yep, torts wanted him gone, now he is getting praises? take a walk with that crap. this was clearly a player stepping. maybe he needed that wake up call.

That's right. As Torts mentioned when he first got here, Sanheim was a boy that could skate and nothing else. Couldn't defend. Couldn't finish. Couldn't lead a PP. It was I'm sure a hard message to receive but to his credit Sanheim received it and did something about it. Torts and Shaw deserve a lot of credit. But not every player responds in the same way. I think for the most part all the Flyers players have responded to the challenges Torts has given them, but in the end some players like Frosty and Farabee just don't have it in them.
- jd250

so they get credit for the players responding and they are a genius.

when the player doesn't respond the player stinks all on them.

Tippet is fine, he has all the skill to right the ship. Scored 27 ans 28 goal respectively under Torts the past two seasons. Funny how you didn't mention Tippet last season.


- jd250

I didn't mention Tippett last season? Seriously? I talked about him quite frequently. Tippett is not fine. He's struggling offensively and with his lack of any all around game, he's not very good right now. Why hasn't Tortorella fixed him?

As for Frosty, you mean the all fluff and no stuff player? And of course Farabee, the OK player with OK skill. I told you what they were 2+ years ago and you didn't listen. You can't get blood from a stone. The Flyers should cut bait with both!
- jd250

Why hasn't Tortorella fixed them? Again, if you're going to routinely give the credit to Tortorella when a player does well. Why are you unwilling to criticize Tortorella when a player is doing poorly?

Sanheim weighs 20 more pounds than Ristolainen? I doubt that is the case.
- MJL

Going by the Flyers roster listing:

Sanny 6'4" 222
Risto 6'4" 208

help me understand then why you want to move a stud top 4 RHD who is under a cheap contract for 2.5 more years. Flyers are a playoff team today. what is the plan?
- login

Simple. The Flyers are not ready to contend for a cup and they need the cap space and roster spot. Risto has value and can get the Flyers a nice return in the trade. In order to contend the Flyers desperately need a 1C and a strong 2C. They got Luchanko coming next season but he is going to need time to develop. The Flyers also have a stronger backend then we given them credit for with Sanheim, York, Andrae and Seeler, and some young players coming up like Drysdale, Zamula and Grans, plus Bonk might be available next season also. The Flyers might still need a RHS 1D depending on how well and fast Bonk develops. The Flyers need to take as many shots in the draft as possible to get a chance at a RHS 1D and 1C, since teams don't trade these types of players.

That's right. As Torts mentioned when he first got here, Sanheim was a boy that could skate and nothing else. Couldn't defend. Couldn't finish. Couldn't lead a PP. It was I'm sure a hard message to receive but to his credit Sanheim received it and did something about it. Torts and Shaw deserve a lot of credit. But not every player responds in the same way. I think for the most part all the Flyers players have responded to the challenges Torts has given them, but in the end some players like Frosty and Farabee just don't have it in them.
- jd250

Sanheim was a solid player before Tortorella arrived. You just didn't realize it due to a clear bias. Even posting that Sanheim SUCKS earlier this season. Your typical narrative is to either downgrade a player in the past or falsely upgrade a player now. All in an attempt to prove the fantasy that Tortorella is some miracle coach. Including propping up Tortorella as the "hands down" winner of the Jack Adams.

I didn't mention Tippett last season? Seriously? I talked about him quite frequently. Tippett is not fine. He's struggling offensively and with his lack of any all around game, he's not very good right now. Why hasn't Tortorella fixed him?



Why hasn't Tortorella fixed them? Again, if you're going to routinely give the credit to Tortorella when a player does well. Why are you unwilling to criticize Tortorella when a player is doing poorly?
- MJL

Tippet's only problem is he doesn't have a good center to play with. I think playing with Michkov will help him quite a bit. Frost is doing poorly because he's NOT THAT GOOD! Same with Farabee. I told you about both these players, you didn't listen. You stick by them because they are Hextall draft picks, otherwise you would give them the same treatment as you are apparently giving Tippet now.

Simple. The Flyers are not ready to contend for a cup and they need the cap space and roster spot. Risto has value and can get the Flyers a nice return in the trade. In order to contend the Flyers desperately need a 1C and a strong 2C. They got Luchanko coming next season but he is going to need time to develop. The Flyers also have a stronger backend then we given them credit for with Sanheim, York, Andrae and Seeler, and some young players coming up like Drysdale, Zamula and Grans, plus Bonk might be available next season also. The Flyers might still need a RHS 1D depending on how well and fast Bonk develops. The Flyers need to take as many shots in the draft as possible to get a chance at a RHS 1D and 1C, since teams don't trade these types of players.
- jd250

They could get more for Saheim and Konecny. Why not trade them?

Sanheim was a solid player before Tortorella arrived. You just didn't realize it due to a clear bias. Even posting that Sanheim SUCKS earlier this season. Your typical narrative is to either downgrade a player in the past or falsely upgrade a player now. All in an attempt to prove the fantasy that Tortorella is some miracle coach. Including propping up Tortorella as the "hands down" winner of the Jack Adams.
- MJL

You are delusional if you think Sanheim was a good player before Torts came here. He was not even close to a good player. He could not defend, could not win a puck battle, could not clear the crease, could not finish a play offensively, could not drive the PP, etc. He literally Sucked with a capital 'S'. He now is playing like a legitmate top pairing defenseman. All credit to Sanheim, but Torts and Shaw deserve a lot of credit also. But don't take my word for it, listen to how Sanheim speaks of them.

Tippet's only problem is he doesn't have a good center to play with. I think playing with Michkov will help him quite a bit. Frost is doing poorly because he's NOT THAT GOOD! Same with Farabee. I told you about both these players, you didn't listen. You stick by them because they are Hextall draft picks, otherwise you would give them the same treatment as you are apparently giving Tippet now.
- jd250

Let's summarize. The players you favor aren't doing any good because of who the play with. The players who are doing good is due to the coach.
The players who you don't favor, are doing poorly because they aren't any good and have nothing to do with the coach.

Question for you. Last season, when Tippett scored what, 28 goals. Who was the good center he was playing with?

Well, all I can say is open your eyes, because Risto is clearly playing the best defense on the team right now, and is generating offense, frequently joining the rush.
- jd250

Listen, I get you are trying to troll with this nonsense, but it is getting old.

So at approaching 30 years old and 700+ games, Ristolainen has finally figured it out? It has taken Ristolainen, a veteran player all this time to finally take on the coaching. Can you provide any facts or details that supports that Ristolainen has never had proper coaching until now? Anything, anything at all?
- MJL

This is too easy, just look at the coaches Risto had in the NHL before Torts. Where are they now? Ted Nolan, Dan Bylsma, Phil Housley, Ralph Krueger, AV and Yeo. Please already! Dan Bylsma just got a job with Seattle this year after being fired in Buffalo in 2016. Yeo is a career assistant coach.

Listen, I get you are trying to troll with this nonsense, but it is getting old.
- MBFlyerfan

There is no trolling. Only facts. I get that the facts don't fit your narrative, but honestly I could care less.

You are delusional if you think Sanheim was a good player before Torts came here. He was not even close to a good player. He could not defend, could not win a puck battle, could not clear the crease, could not finish a play offensively, could not drive the PP, etc. He literally Sucked with a capital 'S'. He now is playing like a legitmate top pairing defenseman. All credit to Sanheim, but Torts and Shaw deserve a lot of credit also. But don't take my word for it, listen to how Sanheim speaks of them.
- jd250

None of that is accurate. By your comments, we're to believe that Sanheim completely couldn't play,.couldn't do anything. In the time that Tortorella was here, he went from that to a top pairing defenseman?

Question for you. How did Sanheim win the Barry Ashbee award as the Flyers best defenseman in the 21/22 season. Which was before Tortorella came here?

Simple. The Flyers are not ready to contend for a cup and they need the cap space and roster spot. Risto has value and can get the Flyers a nice return in the trade. In order to contend the Flyers desperately need a 1C and a strong 2C. They got Luchanko coming next season but he is going to need time to develop. The Flyers also have a stronger backend then we given them credit for with Sanheim, York, Andrae and Seeler, and some young players coming up like Drysdale, Zamula and Grans, plus Bonk might be available next season also. The Flyers might still need a RHS 1D depending on how well and fast Bonk develops. The Flyers need to take as many shots in the draft as possible to get a chance at a RHS 1D and 1C, since teams don't trade these types of players.
- jd250

- please define to me what you think the nice return will encompass. why do they need the cap space? you really think someone is taking on that full salary without the flyers retaining or taking someone back?

- I disagree they have a strong backend with those you mention. Average at best, below to me.

- there is really no scenario Bonk makes the team next season. Especially with all those "good" young players you mention. Bonk is not developing into a #1 dman. He doesn't project to be that high up.

Now put yourself in the flyers shoes. If you are being honest, you know if what all you say is true about Risto there is no way they are trading him. If they stay in a playoff spot, they are not going to subtract anyone (except maybe a frost or farabee who they seem to have a disdain for). They are very much more likely to add. The coach will have a huge say in who goes. Though I am sure you will disagree.