Philadelphia Flyers Free Agent Targets: Matt Beleskey
By John Gove
Philadelphia Flyers Free Agent Targets: Matt Beleskey
This offseason, the Philadelphia Flyers are in desperate need of some left-wingers. On the current roster, the only two forwards whose natural position is left wing are Michael Raffl and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. Ron Hextall needs to acquire other talent at this position, and it is likely that he will do so through the free agent market.
Nov 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Michael Raffl (12) skates with the puck against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
While the Flyers are taking a gander at the list of available left-wingers, the name Matt Beleskey should catch their attention. This season was a breakout year for the 26-year-old from Windsor, Ontario. He provided the Anaheim Ducks with 22 goals this season, doubling his previous career-high of 11. Beleskey also provided some firepower on the power play, finding the back of the net 4 times. In addition, he was able to add 10 assists to his point total this season.
The Flyers are not only in need of left wing talent; they are also in desperate need of someone who can light the lamp consistently. If Philadelphia were able to sign Matt Belesky to a contract, they would have two left-wingers capable of scoring 20-plus goals a season (Raffl is the second). This my friends, is not a bad thing to have on your hockey team.
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In Matt Beleskey, the Flyers would not only be acquiring someone who can provide his team with offense. At 26, Beleskey is the perfect age. His 7 years with the Ducks have provided him with the necessary experience to make an immediate impact on whichever team is able to acquire his services for next season.. In addition, he is still considerably young, and Philadelphia could possibly get more than a few good years from him.
The only obstacle Philadelphia might face in attempting to sign Matt Beleskey is his cost. The Flyers have very little wiggle room when it comes to cap space, due to some awful contracts they have on their books. It is unclear how much money Beleskey will be able to obtain on the open market, and Ron Hextall can only hope that he is in his price range. Being able to dump one of those bad contracts would really help; but let’s not become overly optimistic about that.
It is more likely than not that Michael Raffl will be holding down the left wing position on the first line for the orange and black next season. However, Matt Beleskey would look pretty nice standing opposite Wayne Simmonds on line number two.
May 3, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) follows through on a shot attempt against the Calgary Flames during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Free Agent Targets: Back-Up Goaltender