I was prescribed steroids for an allergy. They aren't always taken to try to get an edge in competition.

That will be fine if that one player is Parent, simply because he has the two-way contract to be moved to the Phantoms without the chance of losing him. However, if that one player is Vaananen, Eminger, or Kukkonen, I have a problem with that. None of them have a two-way contract and will need to clear waivers to be moved to the Phantoms. And imo, none of those three would clear waivers if placed on them. So, that means losing a younger defenseman for a guy who's 31 years old, and has never been a solid defensive defenseman. I don't like that outcome. And other teams realize the situation that the Flyers are currently in. So, if the Flyers choose to trade that one player who Berard outplays(if it's Eminger, Vaan, or Kukks), it's unlikely that they'll receive proper value in return for them. I don't like that outcome either.


Yes, it does look like Hatcher will go on LTIR. And maybe the Flyers could use another "pressure tested" player back there. However, I don't believe for a second that that player is Berard. Not by any stretch of the imagination. If they need anyone at all back there, it's a SOLID defensive defenseman. And Berard is simply NOT that type of defenseman.

Again, as I said, I have no problem with this invite. But that's only because no contract has been given to him yet. I respect Berard for what he's been able to overcome in his career. That's great. But I don't feel he's a player that this organization needs at all at this point.


Those types of steroids are corticosteroids, not anabolic steroids. BIG difference there.

I don't know how realistic it is to expect Berard to make the team, but it can't hurt to bring in a talented player. Even if he does only have one eye.

Like I said, it's a tryout. I doubt Homer would trade long term talent to get Berard short term. As you said, don't need him. But there's no loss in taking a look - sort of like kicking the tires when you don't really need a vehicle. And, as I said, his presence might push the others into playing a little bit harder.

It's a no risk move with a medium reward potential. No reason to overthink it.

I can only imagine what type of career he would have had if he had full vision.

hey, i'm syked we're giving this guy a chance. if he works out he obviously isn't going to demand a huge price and last i checked our defense wasn't the best in the league.

i know we have somewhat of an urgency for our defense, but where are we going to fit all the d-men we got this offseason?

Coburn Timmonen
Eminger Berard
Parent Jones

i didnt put any thought into those pairings but if hatch goes on LTIR then really we're only not using 2 NHL caliber defensemen which is helpful incase of injuries or if somebody starts stinking up the place.

The fact that our defense isn't good makes the fact that he would actually make it worse harder to swallow.

Parent is starting on the Phantoms.

Vaanaanen

+1

I think it would be pretty stupid putting Eminger on the top 2 pairings. Ease the guy in. Its not like he's proved anything anyways.

what?! why?! come on parent should be an everyday defenseman with the flyers


like i said, i didnt put any thought into them, and i'm not suggesting we do that, i just put what i thought would be our top 6 guys into a list

Yes, I think he is a good defensemen but there's no room for him yet.

I'm also hoping to see Parent making the team from the start, and while I thought highly of Berard earlier in his career hes 30+ and still hasn't learned how to play defense. However, if he is willing to sign a two-way contract, that could be a good deal for us. Then he could be called up if Timmonen or Coburn would go down with an injury and be a more "natural" replacement than Kuks, Väänäänen or Parent would be for those two. He could also teach Bartulis, Ratchuk a thing or two about playing on the PP (and be a warning example of what will happen with your career if you don't pay attention to the play in your own zone). Don't know if he's willing to accept such a deal though.

It would be great if he signed a two way deal, but at that age he might rather go to Russia than AHL.

Very good skater, kind of a defensive liability but hes a power play specialist, perfect for the 2nd PP. Add experience and would fit nicely with Parent or a stay at home defencemen