Flyers: Chuck Fletcher’s recent comments on Matt Niskanen will make you smile
By Matthew C
Flyers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Chuck Fletcher phoned into SiriusXM’s NHL Network Radio on Tuesday morning to talk all things about the Philadelphia Flyers. One specific player came up and that player was Matt Niskanen.
Matt Niskanen suddenly retired from the National Hockey League during this past offseason with the reason being, among several others, uncertainty around COVID-19. Niskanen had been considered the glue to the Flyers defense, and seeing how the Flyers defense has played this season – it makes a lot of sense. Prior to retiring, the 34-year old defenseman had thirteen years of NHL experience under his belt.
On Tuesday morning, Chuck Fletcher was asked a question regarding the possibility of Matt Niskanen’s return to the Flyers and the league. Fletcher said that he would have a roster spot open for Niskanen should he decide to return and change his mind. While there is no indication that Niskanen is considering coming out of retirement, it is a very nice gesture by Fletcher.
Fletcher joked after that saying, “He’s enjoying ice fishing.”
During his appearance on the radio show, Fletcher praised forward James van Riemsdyk and called him one of the best forwards right now on the team. van Riemsdyk has 13 points so far this season in ten games played. The play of James van Riemsdyk hasn’t gone unnoticed and it shouldn’t. Fletcher is right.
Having Matt Niskanen back on the roster can certainly prove to be beneficial to the team as their defense has been one of the biggest struggling points this season. Despite the defense issues among others, the Flyers have a winning record and are tied for first place in the East Division with 15 points. The Washington Capitals also have 15 points this season and are tied for first place with the Flyers.
But, this is all in a perfect world. Chuck Fletcher says Niskanen made it clear he has no plans to return anytime soon.