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5 players the Philadelphia Flyers could sign to a PTO

By Jonathan Bailey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 19: Wayne Simmonds #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Nashville Predators at the Wells Fargo Center on December 19, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 19: Wayne Simmonds #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Nashville Predators at the Wells Fargo Center on December 19, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Derick Brassard warms up during his time as a Flyers player. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Derick Brassard warms up during his time as a Flyers player. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

#3. Derick Brassard, C, Flyers, 2021-22

At the age of 35 (soon 36), former Flyers center Derick Brassard is still kicking it in professional hockey. The 16-year NHL vet most recently played for the Ottawa Senators for the second time in his career, after earning a contract from a PTO he signed with them last year. Perhaps the Flyers could follow that same path.

Brassard was a decent addition for the Flyers in the 2021-22 season, scoring 16 points in 31 games before fetching the team a 2023 fourth-round pick (Alex Ciernik). It could be wise for the team to pursue Brassard again to see if he has enough juice left to be flipped to a contender once more. It is likely the player himself would be open to the move, as he maintains a close relationship with current Flyers winger Cam Atkinson, who is expected to be healthy and ready to play again in 2023.

It is worth noting that Brassard is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, and has played for a jaw-dropping eight different teams since 2018. If the 35-year-old is heading towards retirement, he might feel more inclined to ply his trade with a contender for one last rodeo, effectively eliminating the Flyers from the conversation. It never hurts to ask, though.

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