Philadelphia Flyers Free Agent Targets: Martin St. Louis
By John Gove
Philadelphia Flyers Free Agent Targets: Martin St. Louis
So far this offseason, all of the talk involving the Philadelphia Flyers has been in regards to their vacancy at the head coach position. Although this subject deserves a great deal of attention, there are some roster issues that need to be taken care of before the beginning of next season if the Flyers even want to think about making the postseason.
When it comes making improvements to the Flyers rosters, all of the discussion surrounds the defense. This is for good reason because the defense of the orange and black was absolutely abysmal during the 2014-2015 regular season. Although defense may be the Flyers number-one need this offseason, it is far from the only important one.
Philadelphia is in desperate need of more goal scoring. They can be equipped with the best goalie and defense in the NHL; but they will not win hockey games if they cannot put the puck in the back of the net. This season, the Flyers ranked 21st in the NHL in goals per game averaging 2.58. In today’s game, not many contests are going to be won if you can only score two or three goals. Opposing offenses are just too talented, and expecting a goaltender to only allow a goal or two each game is unrealistic.
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Upcoming unrestricted free agent Martin St. Louis would be able to provide some offensive firepower to a Flyers team in desperate need of some. In his sixteen years in the NHL, St. Louis has tallied 1033 points, 391 goals, and 642 assists. This season alone he was able to provide the New York Rangers with 21 goals and 31 assists.
Martin St. Louis will be 40-years-old when the 2015-2016 season starts. Although this is not young when we talk about hockey players, the Flyers should not let St. Louis’s age deter them from offering him a contract. Philadelphia is a team full of young forwards and Martin St. Louis would serve as a fantastic mentor. In addition, he has proven that he can still put up impressive numbers even in his old age.
Martin St. Louis was able to rack up 52 points this regular season. The Philadelphia Flyers only had two players that were able to score more. St. Louis would definitely be able to make a huge impact for the orange and black next season.
The only issue in signing the sixteen-year veteran from Laval, Quebec could be his asking price. Although St. Louis is up there in age, he is still playing better than a large amount of players in their mid-twenties. He may feel that he is worth more than the Flyers are willing to pay. Ron Hextall cannot be careless and throw a lot of money at a guy with that many years under his belt.
However, if a reasonable contract can be agreed upon, the Philadelphia Flyers need to make Martin St. Louis the newest right-winger of the orange and black.
Jan 16, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers right wing Martin St. Louis (26) stick handles as Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dalton Prout (47) looks on during the third period at Nationwide Arena. New York defeated Columbus 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Free Agent Target: Mike Green