A Look At The Flyers Restricted Free Agents
The Flyers have ten players that will be free agents this summer. Let’s take a look at those who will become restricted free agents at the season’s end.
The Flyers have five players that will become restricted free agents whenever the season comes to an end. Most of them will likely see a contract come their way. Some of their situations are more unique than others, though.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Before this season, there was a chance Nicolas Aube-Kubel could fall out of favor with the team. It seemed as if the previous management staff didn’t trust him. He’s completely changed that this season.
Under a new GM and coach, Aube-Kubel has shown both that he’s more than capable of holding down an NHL spot. He’s appeared in 36 games, collecting 15 points after going pointless in nine games last season. He had a goal and two assists in the Flyers’ last five games.
Coming in one a $700K deal, he could see that bumped up a bit after this season. And possibly on a multi-year deal.
Robert Hagg
Robert Hagg appears to be a player that is beloved in the locker room and by the coaching staff. His advanced numbers don’t paint a pretty picture and have actually gotten worse since he debuted full time in 2017-18. But he’s always been there to stand up for his teammates. He’s fifth on the team in blocks and first in hits.
Does there come a point where that isn’t enough, though? He’s seen the least amount of time on ice per game among regular defensemen. The contract isn’t an issue as he’s making only $1.15M. It would have to be a similar deal if the team brings him back. The cupboard isn’t exactly stacked with defensemen right now.
Phil Myers
Phil Myers had been coming into his own on the second pairing with Travis Sanheim. A fractured patella cut his season short as he would be out at least four weeks. Myers had improved on parts on his game that had limited his opportunities before. That’s included his composure with the puck and overall discipline.
He’s brought a physical style of play while also being able to jump in on the offensive side. Myers has 16 points in 50 games this season, just two in the previous 21 games he appeared in. He was making around $678K on an entry-level contract. Expect that number to bump up quite a bit.
Nolan Patrick & Oskar Lindblom
We won’t go into too much detail with these two. Nolan Patrick has been on the shelf for the whole season as he was diagnosed with a migraine disorder. Oskar Lindblom was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma a few months ago.
Lindblom did appear in 30 games this season, collecting 11 goals and seven assists. It was looking like he had a bright future ahead of him. Now, the most important thing for him is to stay safe and fight his battle.
The Flyers have been there for both and given them all of their support. The contract talks can most definitely wait, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to have both back next season.
Notable Minor League Free Agent
The Flyers have three restricted free agents in the minor leagues. Only one of them truly has a case for a contract next season and beyond.
Mark Friedman
It would be hard to see the team not re-sign Mark Friedman. It will likely be easier as the Flyers hold his rights. He is also arbitration-eligible, meaning the team could potentially take him there if they couldn’t agree on a contract. It shouldn’t end up going that far, though.
In his limited time in the NHL, Friedman has held his own. He grabbed his first NHL point in six games with the team this season. He could battle with Robert Hagg, who is also a restricted free agent this offseason. Friedman is coming off his entry-level contract, worth just over $749K. He could get slightly more this time around, but the Flyers wouldn’t be breaking the bank for him.
If he’s able to beat out Hagg for a contract, Friedman could break into the NHL next season. Though he could do so even if the team decides to bring back Hagg, as Braun is likely not returning.