Post by bjernagris (PHI) on Jan 10, 2016 9:41:28 GMT -5
Philadelphia Flyers 2015-16 Mid-Season Player Review
We are halfway through the 2015-16 regular season and any sports GM is supposed to regularly evaluate their players and their team. Consequently, the iFlyers GM sat down to review the performance of each of the players currently of the iFlyers roster (including minor affiliates) who have played for the team so far this season.
The evaluation is based on each player’s statistical performance compared to that player’s given role and expectations on that role, and will be on a (1-5) scale where 5 is the highest grade.
Goaltenders
Michal Neuvirth
Initially competing with Steve Mason for the job as iFlyers starting goalie, after Rask’s arrival Neuvirth has found himself playing second string. With the limited ice time he has managed adequately but his stats (2.72 GAA, .901 SVS%) don’t impress too much for a team that has the lowest GAA in the league. Trade rumours have surfaced regarding Neuvirth lately, especially since the Flyers added Jeff Zatkoff, and the Czech goalie has now been dealt to the iSharks.
Rating: 2/5
Tuukka Rask
As a world class goalie, expectations on Rask are high and should be. Having been acquired early in the season, after a bumpy start with the team Rask has found his game and is third in the league – second among starters – for GAA (2.16) and SVS% (.926). Rask’s stellar play has saved the iFlyers on several occasions and he should be a contender for the Dominik Hasek Trophy come season’s end if he keeps up this level of play.
Rating: 4/5
Defensemen
Zdeno Chara
Chara’s season so far has been marred by injuries, missing 14 games to date. While healthy, Chara has performed well and still gets top line minutes as the iFlyers main blueline anchor. The iFlyers penalty kill struggled early in the season when Chara was out, ranking as low as 27th in the league, but since his return the team has climbed to 10th in the PK ranking. He has 16 points and boasts an impressive +20 in his 32 appearances so far this season.
Rating: 4/5
Radko Gudas
Gudas has found himself on the bottom D-pair for the entire season. The physical Czech has seen his ice time increase since responsibility for tactical adjustments was assigned to Dave Hakstol in mid-November, but his lack of speed has been evident when playing against more talented teams. Performance has been a bit up-and-down for the still developing blueliner but he has an important role on the PK and the iFlyers have signaled their confidence in Gudas by awarding him a three-year contract extension.
Rating: 3/5
Nick Holden
After being acquired from the Avalanche in November, Holden has won a regular spot in the iFlyers lineup as a bottom pairing blueliner. After some initial problems adjusting to the iNHL tempo and the iFlyers style of play, Holden has picked up his play and shown that he deserves regular iNHL ice time. Still, with the bench of talented defensemen in the iFlyers system, Holden’s future in Philadelphia might be in question after the current season.
Rating: 3/5
John Klingberg
The young Swede has been given a role on the iFlyers top line and is a key piece of the power play, but has so far been limited to 3 goals and will have a hard time living up to the offensive numbers he posted last season. Still developing, his defensive shortcomings have been evident, particularly when his blueline partner Zdeno Chara was out of the lineup.
Rating: 3/5
Brandon Manning
Filling in for Chara, Manning has played six games without any points for the iFlyers this season but has failed to prove he deserves a regular spot with the iFlyers. He has spent most of the season in the AHL and with an expiring contract, Manning’s future with the iFlyers is in doubt.
Rating: 2/5
Luke Schenn
One of the main positives for the iFlyers so far, Luke Schenn has performed very well on the Philly blueline. Despite seeing his brother leave early in the season, Schenn has been a reliable anchor and posted very respective offensive figures as well as being among the top players in the league in the +/- category, before a recent drop in this ranking. Schenn is having a career year and iFlyers can count themselves lucky that they secured his services for three more years before the season started.
Rating: 4/5
Mark Streit
The veteran Swiss has been the best defender for the iFlyers this season. Particularly early in the season Streit came up huge in Chara’s absence, logging heavy minutes and posting big offensive numbers. Despite seeing his ice time revert to more normal levels recently, Streit has continued to play a solid game alongside Luke Schenn, and despite his age he must still be regarded as a top defenseman in the iNHL.
Rating: 4/5
Trevor van Riemsdyk
Acquired from the iBlackhawks before the season, van Riemsdyk was given the chance with the iFlyers when Chara was injured. He has made four appearances with limited ice time, logging an assist. van Riemsdyk is contracted for two more seasons but looks to be no more than a backup piece in case of injuries.
Rating: 3/5
Forwards
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
With a strengthened iFlyers roster this year compared to last season, Bellemare has found himself out of the lineup for the main part. He has had nine performances without a point on the fourth line, but his physical play has been valuable. Still, with the iFlyers offensive talent considerably strengthened, Bellemare will struggle to find iNHL ice time for the rest of this season and beyond.
Rating: 3/5
Nick Bonino
Having been traded twice already this season, Bonino seems to have settled in quickly in Philadelphia. As a third line center his production has been good, posting 5 goals, 2 assists in 21 games since joining iFlyers. On a team that has the second best goal difference in the league, there is some concern about his -2 rating, but Bonino’s offensive numbers so far seem to have secured him a spot on iFlyers third line.
Rating: 3/5
Daniel Cleary
The 37-year old checking forward was picked up from waivers early in the season and has been a regular fourth-liner since joining the iFlyers. His offensive numbers do not impress but scoring goals is not what is expected from his either. As a shutdown guy he has done a good job and is +6 so far, which must be regarded as an important factor for a guy who’s main job is to keep the opposing team from scoring. With an expiring contract, Cleary is likely doing his last season in the iNHL.
Rating: 4/5
Nick Cousins
Cousins leads the iPhantoms – iFlyers AHL affiliate – in points and has been tested for three games on the third line so far this season. Without posting any points, he is +2 and has indicated that he deserves regular ice time in the big league. Having been awarded a 4-year contract extension, the iFlyers have signaled their intention to keep him in the organization and hone him into a regular iNHL player.
Rating: 3/5
Sean Couturier
It is hard to believe that Couturier is only 23 years old, already playing his fifth season in the iNHL. Predicted by some to become the next Patrice Bergeron, Couturier is given plenty of responsibility in all situations on the ice, and is very valuable on the PK. Although his offensive production so far this season has been limited, the big responsibilities given to him signal the iFlyers hopes that he will develop into an all-star player in a couple of seasons.
Rating: 4/5
Bobby Farnham
The enforcer was acquired from the iPenguins before the season but was limited to four games (6 PIM, -1) with the iFlyers before being demoted to the minors. With recent additions to the iFlyers offensive line, Farnham is very likely to spend the rest of the season in the AHL. Is on an expiring contract and will most likely leave Philadelphia this summer.
Rating: 2/5
Claude Giroux
The main star, franchise player and captain for the iFlyers, Giroux has bounced back after a somewhat disappointing last season. Currently second in the league for points, the 28-year old dynamo is given big responsibilities on the ice logging 20+ minutes every night. So far Giroux has lived up to expectations and has found a consistency in his game which makes him invaluable for the iFlyers.
Rating: 4/5
Curtis Glencross
Snapped up from free agency in October, the iFlyers were hoping that Glencross would find back to the performance he displayed a few seasons ago. However, he has been limited to 15 games, scoring a goal and going -3. Glencross has been a healthy scratch for much of the season so far, not playing since Dec 8th. Reportedly unhappy with the lack of ice time, Glencross has recently been waived and might find himself in the minors for the rest of the season. He is contracted to the iFlyers for next season also, but is probably not part of the iFlyers plans for next season.
Rating: 2/5
Rob Klinkhammer
The big checking forward has held a regular place on the fourth line, but has not been quite as reliable as desired. With the imminent arrival of Ben Smith from the iSharks, Klinkhammer might find himself out of the lineup. His -5 rating should be a concern for the iFlyers management, and with an expiring contract Klinkhammer’s future is most likely not in Philadelphia.
Rating: 2/5
Patrick Maroon
The big body winger has struggled to find his game since joining from the iDucks, being limited to 2 assists in 9 games on the third line. Maroon’s main impression so far has come from taking penalties, and with Matt Nieto soon coming in from the iSharks, Maroon might be demoted to the fourth line. He is contracted for two more seasons but allegedly the iFlyers management have doubts about his future in Philly beyond this season.
Rating: 1/5
Matt Read
Spending most of his season on the second line, Read has posted 13 goals, 13 assists for 26 points in 46 games and is on pace towards his most productive iNHL season so far. His versatility has led to responsibilities on both the power play and penalty kill, which is why the iFlyers seem determined to keep him despite his relatively heavy cap hit.
Rating: 4/5
Wayne Simmonds
With a reputation as one of the toughest guys in the league, this season Simmonds has taken one more step towards becoming an elite iNHL player. One of the best power forwards out there, “Simmer” has earned a spot on the iFlyers top line alongside Giroux and Voracek, which has resulted in him being the iFlyers top goalscorer so far. Moreover, he is ranked third among iNHL forwards for hits and has specialized in scoring dirty goals off of rebounds and deflections from his line mates.
Rating: 5/5
Nate Thompson
Acquired to bring some stability to the fourth line, Thompson has done just that. In nine games for the iFlyers Thompson has scored a goal and an assist, and has a promising +5 rating. Also a reliable penalty killer as well as skilled in the faceoff circle, Thompson is one of those underrated forwards that you love to have on your team.
Rating: 4/5
James van Riemsdyk
Although his performance has been according to expectations, van Riemsdyk has found himself second in the pecking order on the iFlyers left wing after Wayne Simmonds. His offensive skills are an asset on the power play but he is still streaky, scoring in bunches and then going several games without producing. A higher level of consistency is the main ingredient van Riemsdyk needs in order to blossom into a regular top line iNHL player.
Rating: 3/5
Chris VandeVelde
A winger specialized in the defensive aspects of the game, VandeVelde has shown that he deserves more than fourth line minutes. His offensive production has been above expectations and his penalty killing skills were important for the iFlyers in the beginning of the season. Imminent winger additions from iSharks (Nieto, Smith) will likely lead to VandeVelde being demoted to the fourth line, where his main task will be to shut down the opponents’ attackers.
Rating: 4/5
Jakub Voracek
The big size winger signed a massive contract extension before the season and has done his best to show iFlyers fans he deserves the money. Notching 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) in 46 games, he is ranked second on iFlyers and has had great chemistry with Claude Giroux. However, despite his convincing performance so far, trade rumours have circulated around Voracek lately but such a move seems unrealistic at this point, given Voracek’s performance and new contract.
Rating: 4/5
We are halfway through the 2015-16 regular season and any sports GM is supposed to regularly evaluate their players and their team. Consequently, the iFlyers GM sat down to review the performance of each of the players currently of the iFlyers roster (including minor affiliates) who have played for the team so far this season.
The evaluation is based on each player’s statistical performance compared to that player’s given role and expectations on that role, and will be on a (1-5) scale where 5 is the highest grade.
Goaltenders
Michal Neuvirth
Initially competing with Steve Mason for the job as iFlyers starting goalie, after Rask’s arrival Neuvirth has found himself playing second string. With the limited ice time he has managed adequately but his stats (2.72 GAA, .901 SVS%) don’t impress too much for a team that has the lowest GAA in the league. Trade rumours have surfaced regarding Neuvirth lately, especially since the Flyers added Jeff Zatkoff, and the Czech goalie has now been dealt to the iSharks.
Rating: 2/5
Tuukka Rask
As a world class goalie, expectations on Rask are high and should be. Having been acquired early in the season, after a bumpy start with the team Rask has found his game and is third in the league – second among starters – for GAA (2.16) and SVS% (.926). Rask’s stellar play has saved the iFlyers on several occasions and he should be a contender for the Dominik Hasek Trophy come season’s end if he keeps up this level of play.
Rating: 4/5
Defensemen
Zdeno Chara
Chara’s season so far has been marred by injuries, missing 14 games to date. While healthy, Chara has performed well and still gets top line minutes as the iFlyers main blueline anchor. The iFlyers penalty kill struggled early in the season when Chara was out, ranking as low as 27th in the league, but since his return the team has climbed to 10th in the PK ranking. He has 16 points and boasts an impressive +20 in his 32 appearances so far this season.
Rating: 4/5
Radko Gudas
Gudas has found himself on the bottom D-pair for the entire season. The physical Czech has seen his ice time increase since responsibility for tactical adjustments was assigned to Dave Hakstol in mid-November, but his lack of speed has been evident when playing against more talented teams. Performance has been a bit up-and-down for the still developing blueliner but he has an important role on the PK and the iFlyers have signaled their confidence in Gudas by awarding him a three-year contract extension.
Rating: 3/5
Nick Holden
After being acquired from the Avalanche in November, Holden has won a regular spot in the iFlyers lineup as a bottom pairing blueliner. After some initial problems adjusting to the iNHL tempo and the iFlyers style of play, Holden has picked up his play and shown that he deserves regular iNHL ice time. Still, with the bench of talented defensemen in the iFlyers system, Holden’s future in Philadelphia might be in question after the current season.
Rating: 3/5
John Klingberg
The young Swede has been given a role on the iFlyers top line and is a key piece of the power play, but has so far been limited to 3 goals and will have a hard time living up to the offensive numbers he posted last season. Still developing, his defensive shortcomings have been evident, particularly when his blueline partner Zdeno Chara was out of the lineup.
Rating: 3/5
Brandon Manning
Filling in for Chara, Manning has played six games without any points for the iFlyers this season but has failed to prove he deserves a regular spot with the iFlyers. He has spent most of the season in the AHL and with an expiring contract, Manning’s future with the iFlyers is in doubt.
Rating: 2/5
Luke Schenn
One of the main positives for the iFlyers so far, Luke Schenn has performed very well on the Philly blueline. Despite seeing his brother leave early in the season, Schenn has been a reliable anchor and posted very respective offensive figures as well as being among the top players in the league in the +/- category, before a recent drop in this ranking. Schenn is having a career year and iFlyers can count themselves lucky that they secured his services for three more years before the season started.
Rating: 4/5
Mark Streit
The veteran Swiss has been the best defender for the iFlyers this season. Particularly early in the season Streit came up huge in Chara’s absence, logging heavy minutes and posting big offensive numbers. Despite seeing his ice time revert to more normal levels recently, Streit has continued to play a solid game alongside Luke Schenn, and despite his age he must still be regarded as a top defenseman in the iNHL.
Rating: 4/5
Trevor van Riemsdyk
Acquired from the iBlackhawks before the season, van Riemsdyk was given the chance with the iFlyers when Chara was injured. He has made four appearances with limited ice time, logging an assist. van Riemsdyk is contracted for two more seasons but looks to be no more than a backup piece in case of injuries.
Rating: 3/5
Forwards
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
With a strengthened iFlyers roster this year compared to last season, Bellemare has found himself out of the lineup for the main part. He has had nine performances without a point on the fourth line, but his physical play has been valuable. Still, with the iFlyers offensive talent considerably strengthened, Bellemare will struggle to find iNHL ice time for the rest of this season and beyond.
Rating: 3/5
Nick Bonino
Having been traded twice already this season, Bonino seems to have settled in quickly in Philadelphia. As a third line center his production has been good, posting 5 goals, 2 assists in 21 games since joining iFlyers. On a team that has the second best goal difference in the league, there is some concern about his -2 rating, but Bonino’s offensive numbers so far seem to have secured him a spot on iFlyers third line.
Rating: 3/5
Daniel Cleary
The 37-year old checking forward was picked up from waivers early in the season and has been a regular fourth-liner since joining the iFlyers. His offensive numbers do not impress but scoring goals is not what is expected from his either. As a shutdown guy he has done a good job and is +6 so far, which must be regarded as an important factor for a guy who’s main job is to keep the opposing team from scoring. With an expiring contract, Cleary is likely doing his last season in the iNHL.
Rating: 4/5
Nick Cousins
Cousins leads the iPhantoms – iFlyers AHL affiliate – in points and has been tested for three games on the third line so far this season. Without posting any points, he is +2 and has indicated that he deserves regular ice time in the big league. Having been awarded a 4-year contract extension, the iFlyers have signaled their intention to keep him in the organization and hone him into a regular iNHL player.
Rating: 3/5
Sean Couturier
It is hard to believe that Couturier is only 23 years old, already playing his fifth season in the iNHL. Predicted by some to become the next Patrice Bergeron, Couturier is given plenty of responsibility in all situations on the ice, and is very valuable on the PK. Although his offensive production so far this season has been limited, the big responsibilities given to him signal the iFlyers hopes that he will develop into an all-star player in a couple of seasons.
Rating: 4/5
Bobby Farnham
The enforcer was acquired from the iPenguins before the season but was limited to four games (6 PIM, -1) with the iFlyers before being demoted to the minors. With recent additions to the iFlyers offensive line, Farnham is very likely to spend the rest of the season in the AHL. Is on an expiring contract and will most likely leave Philadelphia this summer.
Rating: 2/5
Claude Giroux
The main star, franchise player and captain for the iFlyers, Giroux has bounced back after a somewhat disappointing last season. Currently second in the league for points, the 28-year old dynamo is given big responsibilities on the ice logging 20+ minutes every night. So far Giroux has lived up to expectations and has found a consistency in his game which makes him invaluable for the iFlyers.
Rating: 4/5
Curtis Glencross
Snapped up from free agency in October, the iFlyers were hoping that Glencross would find back to the performance he displayed a few seasons ago. However, he has been limited to 15 games, scoring a goal and going -3. Glencross has been a healthy scratch for much of the season so far, not playing since Dec 8th. Reportedly unhappy with the lack of ice time, Glencross has recently been waived and might find himself in the minors for the rest of the season. He is contracted to the iFlyers for next season also, but is probably not part of the iFlyers plans for next season.
Rating: 2/5
Rob Klinkhammer
The big checking forward has held a regular place on the fourth line, but has not been quite as reliable as desired. With the imminent arrival of Ben Smith from the iSharks, Klinkhammer might find himself out of the lineup. His -5 rating should be a concern for the iFlyers management, and with an expiring contract Klinkhammer’s future is most likely not in Philadelphia.
Rating: 2/5
Patrick Maroon
The big body winger has struggled to find his game since joining from the iDucks, being limited to 2 assists in 9 games on the third line. Maroon’s main impression so far has come from taking penalties, and with Matt Nieto soon coming in from the iSharks, Maroon might be demoted to the fourth line. He is contracted for two more seasons but allegedly the iFlyers management have doubts about his future in Philly beyond this season.
Rating: 1/5
Matt Read
Spending most of his season on the second line, Read has posted 13 goals, 13 assists for 26 points in 46 games and is on pace towards his most productive iNHL season so far. His versatility has led to responsibilities on both the power play and penalty kill, which is why the iFlyers seem determined to keep him despite his relatively heavy cap hit.
Rating: 4/5
Wayne Simmonds
With a reputation as one of the toughest guys in the league, this season Simmonds has taken one more step towards becoming an elite iNHL player. One of the best power forwards out there, “Simmer” has earned a spot on the iFlyers top line alongside Giroux and Voracek, which has resulted in him being the iFlyers top goalscorer so far. Moreover, he is ranked third among iNHL forwards for hits and has specialized in scoring dirty goals off of rebounds and deflections from his line mates.
Rating: 5/5
Nate Thompson
Acquired to bring some stability to the fourth line, Thompson has done just that. In nine games for the iFlyers Thompson has scored a goal and an assist, and has a promising +5 rating. Also a reliable penalty killer as well as skilled in the faceoff circle, Thompson is one of those underrated forwards that you love to have on your team.
Rating: 4/5
James van Riemsdyk
Although his performance has been according to expectations, van Riemsdyk has found himself second in the pecking order on the iFlyers left wing after Wayne Simmonds. His offensive skills are an asset on the power play but he is still streaky, scoring in bunches and then going several games without producing. A higher level of consistency is the main ingredient van Riemsdyk needs in order to blossom into a regular top line iNHL player.
Rating: 3/5
Chris VandeVelde
A winger specialized in the defensive aspects of the game, VandeVelde has shown that he deserves more than fourth line minutes. His offensive production has been above expectations and his penalty killing skills were important for the iFlyers in the beginning of the season. Imminent winger additions from iSharks (Nieto, Smith) will likely lead to VandeVelde being demoted to the fourth line, where his main task will be to shut down the opponents’ attackers.
Rating: 4/5
Jakub Voracek
The big size winger signed a massive contract extension before the season and has done his best to show iFlyers fans he deserves the money. Notching 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) in 46 games, he is ranked second on iFlyers and has had great chemistry with Claude Giroux. However, despite his convincing performance so far, trade rumours have circulated around Voracek lately but such a move seems unrealistic at this point, given Voracek’s performance and new contract.
Rating: 4/5