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2021 Free Agency: Five Defenseman The Flyers Should Consider Signing

By Jacob Modugno

Nov 21, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dougie Hamilton (19) shoots against the Philadelphia Flyers at PNC Arena. The Flyers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dougie Hamilton (19) shoots against the Philadelphia Flyers at PNC Arena. The Flyers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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ALEC MARTINEZ

Martinez has enjoyed a moderately successful season with the Vegas Golden Knights, posting eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points and a +27 rating in 50 games this year. Martinez also has a CF% of 52.5 and the Golden Knights maintain a 5v5 SV% of .915 with him on the ice.

His PDO is at 103.5 and Vegas’ on-ice shooting percentage at even strength is 11.8% with Martinez out there, a personal best for the veteran defender.

Martinez’s advanced numbers are actually towards the bottom of the list among Golden Knights defenders, which speaks to how strong Vegas’ blueline is, but they’re still a drastic improvement over most of the Flyers’ defensemen as well.

Martinez is 33 years-old and has been in the league for over 12 years, helping the Los Angeles Kings win two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. He would surely provide a solid veteran presence to complement the Flyers’ young defensemen with his extensive playoff experience and could add a Niskanen-esque vibe to the franchise.

Martinez’s seven goals are his most since 2017-18 (9) and his 20 assists and 27 points are his most since 2016-17 (30 and 39). Those are actually the third-highest assist and point totals in his NHL career as he’s still logging a hefty average of 22:28 played a game this year.

His possession metrics have improved this season from last year as his Corsi and Fenwick have increased drastically. And while in 10 games with Vegas last year he only made 37.7% of his starts in the defensive zone, that number has risen to 48.5% this year which is similar to his other defensive zone start percentages with the Kings earlier in his career.

Martinez also leads all Golden Knights skaters in shorthanded ice-time and has helped anchor a Vegas penalty kill unit that is clicking at an 85.8% clip, good for the second penalty killing percentage in the league only behind the Boston Bruins.

Martinez does not have the offensive prowess of Hamilton and isn’t as strong of a defender, but he is still stable enough on both ends of the ice despite his age to where he should be productive as a Flyer for the next few years of his NHL career should the franchise decide to pursue him.

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