The Philadelphia Flyers have added some more depth to their defense, signing Victor Mete to a one-year, two-way deal. If in the NHL, he will earn $77K. Otherwise he makes $450K in the AHL. He is also receiving a $500K guarantee.
The defense is clearly an area that Danny Briere is looking to restock. This comes off the heels of Marc Staal signing a one-year deal as well. Staal is expected to provide a veteran presence while it’s likely that Mete will be around as a depth piece or in case any injuries happen.
Mete’s 2022-23 season was a bit of a lost year. He appeared in just 11 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also played six games for the Toronto
Marlies in the AHL. Mete suffered what ended up being a season-ending, lower-body injury in December. He was back on the ice a month later, but the team realized the injury was more serious than they originally thought.
After not being able to prove himself much to Toronto, he will be looking to show the Flyers that he is healthy and ready to contribute. In the limited amount of time he played for the Leafs, he posted two point, both assists. He also had nine blocked shots. With more than a few defensemen already ahead of him on the depth chart, there wasn’t much opportunity for him.
He may end up being in a similar situation with the Flyers. But he does have some experience in the NHL, having appeared in 247 career games to this point. It’s possible that Philadelphia may end up feeling their blue-line is too inexperienced and that’s where Mete can step in at times. He’s likely to be a seventh defenseman that the team can plug in when necessary.
It also wouldn’t be a surprise if Mete spends times in the AHL as well. Not having played since December, Philadelphia may want him to get him some action at a lower level just to get back up to speed. There isn’t much risk associated with this signing. If things don’t work out, it’s not as if the Flyers are hampered with his deal. And if Mete finds a way to contribute, it becomes a solid signing. It’s possible they could end up flipping him at the deadline to a team looking for depth at defense.
Briere is certainly loading the team up with as much depth as he can. The opportunity is there is win a spit just about anywhere in the lineup.