Analyzing the Philadelphia Flyers Salary Cap: The Defensemen
As mentioned, there are seven defensemen on NHL contracts for next season. Samuel Morin is still on the injured reserve list. Though, he is most likely spending the entire season in the AHL. With limited game time the past few seasons, he will need a long stay down there to get back into game shape.
The key contributors in this group are 24-years-old or younger. So while they still have time to group, the Flyers have gotten great value out of that group and should continue to receive that for the next few seasons at least.
One Year Remaining
Travis Sanheim ($3.25M)
Erik Gustafsson ($3M)
Sanheim is poised to become a top defenseman in this league if he continues to develop the way he has. He is expected to take on an even bigger role next season, especially after the loss of Niskanen. While it may not end up with him on the first pairing, the Flyers will be relying on him once again.
Gustafsson is likely only here for this season and was brought in to potentially fill the hole left by Niskanen. The offensive numbers have been good while he has lacked a bit on the defensive end. Maybe the young players around him can help block that out.
Two Years Remaining
Justin Braun ($1.8M)
Robert Hagg ($1.6M)
When Niskanen retired, it became the Flyers’ mission to bring Braun back. In fact, they seemingly did it moments after the announcement was official. He provides veteran leadership to a young group of players. He’s a solid depth option on the third-pairing.
The same can be said for Hagg. He has done what has been asked of him and you can’t expect much more than that. He’s serviceable and that’s what you need out of your bottom pair defenseman.
Three Years Remaining
Shayne Gostisbehere ($4.5M)
Philippe Myers ($2.55M)
Gostisbehere has trended in the wrong direction in the past two seasons. The once offensive-minded player hasn’t been able to find himself in the lineup on a consistent basis. Maybe it was the knee injuries that slowed him down. At least that is what the Flyers are hoping. He can still provide the team with value. He just needs to find a way to stay in the lineup.
It took a few months after the season to get Myers re-signed. There was no hurry though as the Flyers owned his rights and he was not arbitration-eligible. The young defenseman, like Sanheim, is expected to have a large role next season. Could that be next to Provorov on the top pairing? It is more likely than you think.
Five Years Remaining
Ivan Provorov ($6.75M)
Provorov is one of the best young defensemen in the league, there is no way around that. Playing alongside Niskanen was exactly what he needed after what was considered a down year for him. He should earn every penny of the remaining five years on his contract.
Total Cap Space: $23,450,000
This large group of young players could help lead the Flyers if they all continue to develop as they have. And with not much currently ready in the minor leagues, they will have plenty of time to do so.