Philadelphia Flyers Offseason: Targets on Offense
Philadelphia Flyers Offseason: Targets on Offense
We are now past the draft weekend. Young prospects will now try and make a name for themselves, and attempt to make an impact for their club. Unless, of course you’re McDavid or Eichel; then you’re basically NHL-ready and will most likely be in the lineup opening night. The Flyers drafted a great defensive prospect out of the WHL in Ivan Provorov. His 18th birthday was this past January, so he probably isn’t NHL-ready quite yet. However, he has shown a promising future due to his performance over the last several years.
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The Flyers are now committed to Steve Mason after draft weekend. After trading Nicklas Grossmann, the defense is set for now. What’s next for the roster? Offense. The Flyers have a good group in their centers and right wingers. The biggest issue on paper? Left wing.
Now, there have been reports about Sam Gagner possibly being bought out. The Flyers should look at keeping him around. Gagner has played on miserable teams his whole career. Yet, he’s still able to put up decent numbers. A big issue though, is the fact that he has rarely made it through a whole season. If keeping Gagner is something Philly wants to do, the four starting centers could look like (not necessarily in order): Giroux, Lecavalier, Schenn, and Gagner. That leaves Rinaldo as the odd man out. Maybe not something the fans want to see.
Jan 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes forward Sam Gagner (9) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Arizona defeated Toronto 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Right wing is in great shape. However, left wing is an area that can be improved. The left wing free agent pool is quite thin. There are not a lot of options outside of the expensive players. Erik Cole would be a good depth winger for the Flyers. He is coming off a season with the Stars/Red Wings where he made $4.5 mil. This is a little expensive for the Flyers due to their cap situation, but since he is 36, they might be able to offer him a 1-2 year deal for a little cheaper than what he made last year. His numbers are declining, but he still has a little juice left in the tank.
Mar 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Erik Cole (72) takes a shot on St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) in the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Since the LW pool is not that impressive, here are a few right wingers that could fill the LW role in Philly. That is of course if these players would agree to move to the other side.
Bring Justin Williams back. He has been reported by many outlets as most likely not continuing his career in Los Angeles. They have major cap issues, and with the recent acquisition of Milan Lucic, he is a goner. He’s a veteran that brings playoff and Stanley Cup experience to a team with great potential. Also, this is where he started his career. Williams was drafted by the Flyers in 2000, at 28th overall. Last season Williams made $3.6 mil. I think he would consider a reunion with the Flyers, and wouldn’t have a problem playing left wing for the team that brought him into the league.
Apr 6, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Kings forward Justin Williams (14) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Another right winger that could be moved to left is Jakob Silfverberg. He is coming off a career year with 39 points in 81 games, and made $850,500 with the Ducks. He is due for a pay raise, and the Flyers have some wiggle room to make a deal work. Silfverberg is young at 24 years old and seems to be a player on the rise. Grabbing him now before he becomes too expensive would benefit the team in the long run. According to several sources, Silfverberg is currently in negotiations with the Ducks, but if a deal falls apart, Philadelphia should go after him immediately.
Feb 23, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg reacts after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings in the overtime shootout period during the game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Last but not least we have Gustav Nyquist. At 25 years old, he made $950,000 with the Red Wings. He’s currently a RFA, and will probably resign with them. If they can’t make it happen, the Flyers have another good right winger that may play on the left side.
–All stats and numbers recorded from GeneralFanager.com and CapFriendly.com
Next: Making A Case For Keeping Gagner