10 Best Free Agent Forwards Under 30 For Flyers
By Scott Cole
It’s almost free agency time. The Flyers have to get prepared. They need to see if they want to retain any of their guys who could be on the move. They also have to prep for the draft and see if any youngsters deserve a call up.
Previously, we looked at veterans the Flyers might take a peak at that could assist in their youth movement. There are also a lot of guys under 30 who could make an impact in Philly. Here are 10 players that could that could fill the Flyers’ immediate needs.
Max Domi — Left Wing: I was big on him last year and I still am. He’s been on five teams since 2019-20. He’s been a trade deadline piece the last two seasons. There is something about him that teams want. He scored 20 goals as a part of two teams (Chicago and Dallas). He’s a grinder. He’s not going to be a star, but he’s going to be a hard worker. He made $3 million in his last contract. He could probably be had between $3-$4.5 and could be a fun addition to the Flyers second or third lines while adding a bit of a physical presence too. I think he’d get along great with John Tortorella too.
Ivan Barbashev — Center: He won a Stanley Cup in St. Louis and he just won one in Vegas. He’s a hard worker who is involved in every play. In effect, he’s almost like Kevin Hayes. The Flyers may have an opening at center this year and he’d fit the bill well. He made $2,250,000 this past season, scoring 16 goals and 29 assists between STL and LV. He could see a pay raise, but won’t command anything north of $5 million. There’s a good chance Vegas tries to keep him, but if he hits the market, he could provide some solid champion leadership this team needs.
Pierre Engvall —Left Wing: The 6’5″ Swede started off his career in Toronto and was traded to the Islanders this year. He set a career high with 17 goals. He might not be flashy, but he is a pretty decent player, especially if paired up with other good players. I could easily see him on a line with Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee and succeeding. He made just $2,250,000 this year. I would expect him to earn a contract in the $3.5-4.25 million range.
Michael Bunting — Left Wing: Toronto has a bunch of free agents they need to think about. Bunting is one of them and they may not be able to afford him. He is coming off back-to-back 23 goal campaigns. He made just $950,000 this season. He’s going to want and expect a big pay day. Minimum, he’s making $5 million. There is a chance some team could overpay for his services. But if the Flyers could sign him, he could be a great addition to the top six.
Ryan Donato — Center: The six year vet has had his best two years as part of the new Seattle Kraken. He’s not going to light the lamp all the time. He’s not a dynamic player. He is, however, one of the more fundamentally sound players in the NHL. He earned $1.2 million this year. He’s not a long term solution, but a two-three year deal for $2 million would be worth it for this guy who could center the third or fourth lines and keep it stable.
Nick Ritchie — Left Wing: He’s played on five teams in his eight year career. He’s a reliable guy making a relatively cheap $2,500,000 a year. He’s not a great player, but if you need a depth piece on the bottom six who could surprise you, Ritchie is your guy. And with the mess that is Calgary, he could be moving this year.
Tyler Bertuzzi — Left Wing: Bertuzzi is the oldest player on this list at 29. He was traded to Boston this year for a hefty price ( a first rounder). Last year, he scored 30 goals. The year before, back injuries limited him to nine games, but he still scored five goals. This year, he scored eight goals in 50 games between Detroit and Boston. Boston will probably re-sign him after the price they paid for him. He has skill and talent. Injuries are a big concern with him. The Flyers have a lot of guys who are injured often. He made $4,750,000. Somebody could pay him way over that amount or he may command less on the market because of the injuries. It’s hard to say. If he passes a physical, it may be worth kicking the tires on him.
Miles Wood — Left Wing: The New Jersey Devils have a lot of players to re-sign and they can’t keep them all. Someone is going to slip through the cracks. If the Flyers jump early, they could snatch him up. He posted 27 points a year after injuries limited him to four games. He earned $2,750,000 last season and is probably worth between $3-$4 million. He would be a decent addition to the team and it is always fun to steal a young player from a rival.
J.T Compher — Center: Compher won a cup with Colorado last year. He’s a steady reliable forward on a team that has lots of free agents to consider. He made $3,500,000 and might make close to $5 million on the free agent market. He had his best statistical year, registering 52 points. Philly could use his abilities and leadership.
Pius Suter — Center: The young Red Wings center may want to move on. He’s put up decent numbers, but nothing outstanding. Surround him with a great supporting cast and with a coach who demands the best, he could thrive. He made $3,250,000 and could earn close to $4 million. If the Flyers lose Hayes, he could be a good replacement.