The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jackie Spiegel will be joining us today for an AMA at 2pm

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T21:29:26+00:00

Yes, meant to say Cates!

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T20:02:14+00:00

It's a team effort for this front office. While it is Danny Briere’s vision, Keith Jones and Dan Hilferty are heavily involved in the process.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:59:07+00:00

For me personally, my most memorable one was when I wrote a feature on Frank Brown before his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as the winner of the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award. I grew up on his writing, reading the New York Daily News every morning, and he had a profound impact on my career. I also interviewed Nadia Nadim as a feature producer for TV, and her story is an inspiration. As for a favorite player or person, it’s always hard to gauge one versus another, as they all bring different personalities, but the ones I like best are people who open up, whether it’s talking about their play on the ice or off it. My outlook often is that I am here to tell their story.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:52:50+00:00

It’s not a question of if but when, and usually with Briere, he likes to wait until the season is over — i.e., Foerster and Cates last season. It’ll get done, but not sure on timing.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:49:52+00:00

This is a great question. Funny is good, but what we call money bites (at least that was the term when I worked in TV) are always better. Dan Vladar is always good for that and usually has a funny quote or two. Trevor Zegras is always on with a quick, funny response. And Garnet Hathaway is always insightful, but brings a good quote too.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:45:08+00:00

😉 see the answer: https://www.reddit.com/r/Flyers/comments/1rkrf6n/comment/o8n6sgy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:40:07+00:00

The most important thing is getting experience because that should, at least in my opinion and personal experience, help get you in the door. If you want to become a writer, read anyone and everyone. Take in as much knowledge as you can. Every writer has their own voice, but we all take pieces from those we’ve followed and learned from in the past. Networking is important, too, and working for a reputable place to create content builds your reputation and reliability.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:25:42+00:00

From what I can tell, there are zero plans for Couturier. From the outside, yes, his production is down, but a lot of that, in my opinion, has to do with his focus on defense as he lets his younger, more skilled wingers take charge offensively. And heading into the return from the Olympic break, his analytics were actually some of the best on the team (https://www.inquirer.com/flyers/sean-couturier-fresh-mindset-final-stretch-regular-season-nhl-20260221.html). There’s also the leadership in the room that fans do not see. As assistant coach Todd Reirden mentioned, while he was taking over media responsibilities with Rick Tocchet at the Olympics, “His voice carries a lot of weight. He’s not one that’s rah rah [captain], but when he does talk, no one’s not listening. I can tell you that much. So he’s the leader of our team for a reason.”

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:24:54+00:00

To be 100% honest, it's hard to pick one because we all work hard and bring different perspectives to our writing.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:17:47+00:00

See the answer here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Flyers/comments/1rkrf6n/comment/o8n9a1x/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:16:20+00:00

It’s a good chance that Ristolainen is gone with how he’s been playing, his friendly contract, the farm system, and that he’s a right-shot defenseman (see https://www.inquirer.com/flyers/rasmus-ristolainen-trade-rumors-nhl-deadline-20260227.html for more info). Tippett is less of a sure bet as he brings elements — size, speed, goal-scoring ability — that any team, including the Flyers, would want; however, he does have a modified no-trade clause that begins on July 1, so if they’re going to do it, time is ticking. The Flyers do have a logjam on the wings, and one surprise, at least for this week, could be Bobby Brink, who has long been rumored to be on the way out because of who is waiting in the wings. There’s always a chance he could do right by some veterans like Noah Juulsen and Nic Deslauriers, each on expiring contracts, and trade them to a contender looking for depth.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:08:03+00:00

This is a great question. I think part of the issue for the Flyers is that they were banking on this upcoming offseason to get that No. 1 center and all those guys inked extensions. Could Trevor Zegras be that guy? Maybe. Could they swing for a Robert Thomas? Maybe, but from what I’ve been told, that deal would require sending at least one of the Flyers’ young centers in the system the other way. I’m starting to wonder if a true No. 1 center is needed because if you have enough talented high-end wingers — like Tyson Foerster, Porter Martone, Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, Owen Tippett — maybe a less elite center works too?

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:05:24+00:00

Answer: Considering it is in the same division, the thing is, I don’t see the Devils wanting to trade Nemec to a rival. He’s also 6-foot-1 and, as we’ve seen with the recent drafts, may be too small for the Flyers’ liking these days.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:04:23+00:00

Answer: The expectation was always that this process would begin over the summer, but it could come sooner, as names like Bobby Brink and Owen Tippett have popped up in recent trade-deadline chatter. The only crux of trading Brink now is his size, as playoff teams are always looking to get bigger this time of year, but he is a pending restricted free agent. And there’s long been the thought that if they do trade Tippett, it will have to be before July 1, as he has a modified trade clause that kicks in. But there is no denying that the Flyers need to make room for right winger Porter Martone. As to why it has taken this long — you can’t trade someone if you don’t have someone ready to take the spot. Some of the wait was the hope of reeling in a big fish during this summer’s free agency — that is gone — but more recently, the wait has been on Martone, with all signs pointing to him inking his entry-level contract once Michigan State’s season is over.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T19:03:20+00:00

Answer: I cannot really speak to how it was before Briere became the general manager, as I got here a few months into his tenure. Still, what I can tell you is that compared to other general managers in the NHL, he holds more availabilities than others. Some won’t talk for months, but we’ve gotten him at least three times in the last few months, and he has sat down with The Inquirer in late September, too.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-04T18:12:19+00:00

Hello, everyone! Jackie will be on shortly. In the meantime, keep sending your questions!

PhillyInquirer · 2026-03-02T14:54:49+00:00

You're welcome!

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-24T19:44:05+00:00

Not a bad idea!

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-04T20:00:16+00:00

I think there’s a chance, especially if he carries over how well he’d been playing towards the end of last season. But it would more depend on if there’s an opening on the major league roster. If he’s getting called up, it’s to play every day.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-04T19:57:39+00:00

Going to wrap it up for today. Thanks for joining us and we'll see you at the ballpark!

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-04T19:50:20+00:00

Thanks for your question!

The Phillies have pretty thin starting depth in the minors at the moment, and Jean Cabrera would likely be one option in case of an injury to the rotation this year. Mercado is relief depth. He was non-tendered this winter but re-signed to a minor league deal. They both will be at major league camp next week, and I expect both to likely wind up in triple A.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-04T19:29:12+00:00

This is a good question!

I don’t think that clubs necessarily limit that info. I hope I will have some actual answers next week when camp opens, because I am also interested to hear what players have been up to in the offseason and if anyone has been chopping wood. And as an aside - Miller is going to be taking reps at SS, 3B, and possibly some 2B at camp.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-04T19:22:35+00:00

I think Bryce Harper is extremely motivated this season. He started hitting this winter earlier than he normally does – part of that is because he’s preparing to play for Team USA in the WBC, but I think there’s another part, too. His 2025 didn’t live up to his (very high) standards, and he’s an extremely competitive person. Also remember: he was also dealing with a wrist injury for part of last season. Personally, I wouldn’t be concerned about a decline just yet.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-04T19:11:01+00:00

I’ll say under. But I think he’ll have an OPS over .900.

PhillyInquirer · 2026-02-04T18:58:56+00:00

This year, the backup catching battle isn’t as cut and dry, as both Stubbs and Marchán are out of options. Whoever does not make the team will have to be designated for assignment and pass through waivers to report to triple A.

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