Free Agency Rewind: Have the Flyers Improved Their Goaltending?

The Flyers Avoided Roster Churn in Goal, But Can They be Better with The Same Players

In what was expected to be a cap constrained and sleepy free agent season the Flyers have made more moves than the pundits originally thought. This was largely due to the retirement of defensemen Matt Niskanen, which created  unexpected roster needs and some found cap space.

The additional cap space allowed the Flyers more flexibility in dealing with their circumstance in goal, which started in a strong position but was accompanied by some lingering uncertainty. Carter Hart was still under his entry level contract as the unquestioned starter.

Both Alex Lyon and Brian Elliott were unrestricted free agents.  Either could have been cap casualties before Niskanen’s departure.  Further down the depth chart the Flyers had prospects Felix Sandstrom and Kirill Ustimenko under contract and in North America.

Lyon and Elliott both were re-signed, both taking a pay cut in the process. This was after an endorsement from Carter Hart for Elliott. This gives the Flyers the identical cast in goal as they had last season, eliminating any uncertainty regarding he position for the 2020-2021 season.  But does it make them any better?

Having the same cast, and in roughly the same depth placings is a net positive.   Individually, I expect Hart to get better.  Another season in the league with more experience should make the studious Hart more formidable than he was last season.

Elliott was a capable back up but is coming towards the end of his career. He played well last season as a backup and when he was elevated to the start when Hart got hurt. I have concerns that age may start to rob Elliott of some of his ability, but I do not expect a complete blow out like Steve Mason experienced in Winnipeg. Elliott will probably not be as effective as he was last season and this could be a problem if Hart misses extended duty due to injury.