Claude Giroux likes the depth the Flyers had this season. And he believes it has made them a better team.
From the long-time veterans to the players on their first NHL deals, the Flyers have plenty of depth on their roster. The forward core, the defensive unit and the goaltenders are the perfect mix of youth and experienced vets.
And that is what Claude Giroux enjoys about the team he’s captaining. There are players like Jakub Voracek, Matt Niskanen and Brian Elliott who have been around the league a long time. And then there’s Joel Farabee, Phil Myers and Carter Hart who only have a small amount of time under their belts.
That depth is what makes this team better than what they’ve had in previous years. Of course that depth still needs to produce on a more consistent basis than it did this past postseason. But they are slowly starting to looking like a solid contender up and down their entire roster.
"“The other years we made the playoffs and we lost in the first round, we didn’t have the depth we have right now,” said Giroux, who likes the blend of veterans and youth on the current team. “… We just like the mix we have in the locker room.”"
Having that kind of mix is important. Especially for some of the Flyers who were experiencing their first taste of playoff hockey. And it helps when they excel more than they fail. One win away from the Eastern Conference Final, this team proved it was that close to having what it takes to make it all the way.
A few tweaks here and there is all the team needs. Players like Giroux have expressed that sentiment. They don’t think a lot has to be changed to make this team successful. Especially if they get some potentially key younger pieces back next season.
Oskar Lindblom appears to be on track for next season and Nolan Patrick is expected to take the ice at some point. Both youngsters have show promise and add that much more depth to the Flyers.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel was recently signed to a two-year contract. He is another player that has proven to be a strong option towards the bottom of the lineup. It’s players like that who add to the Flyers impressive depth.
Will that make the team a Stanley Cup contender? That were close to that this season so there’s no doubt the Flyers should be viewed as such very soon.