The Flyers' offseason has started. While all the news focuses on the new head coach (obviously) and what the team may do in the draft, some business needs to be taken care of. Daniel Briere has several players who have expiring contracts. Well, at least he has two fewer players to worry about
After announcing their new head coach, the Flyers gave extensions to forwards Rodrigo Abols and Oscar Eklind. Abols appeared in 22 games for the Flyers, mostly in a bottom-six role. He scored two goals with three assists while averaging 9:11 minutes of ice time.
Ok, his numbers don't jump off the board. However, he did spend a lot of time with the Phantoms this year. In 47 games in Lehigh Valley, he scored 15 goals with 17 assists. Abols also scored two goals during the Phantoms' run at the Calder Cup. Eklind spent the entire season with the Phantoms, posting five goals and 22 points in 64 games. He had one goal in the playoffs.
What makes Abols valuable is what he brings to this team. First of all, he has experience. He spent several years playing in the Swedish leagues. His size would make Bobby Clarke proud as he boasts a sizeable 6'4", 205 lbs frame. Eklind is similar in that way, coming in at the same height and boasting a 220 lb size, the perfect size to add some physicality to the bottom-six.
Abols and Eklind can be very flexible, both listed as centers and wings. While playing the role of center at the NHL level, Abols became a wizard in the faceoff circle, winning 58.4% of the draws. Only Sean Couturier had more wins than he did.
Both contracts are of the one-way variety. Abols will see his salary rise to 800K, a reward for what he brought last season. Eklind originally signed his deal at 950K, but drops to 800K on this deal.
Abols and Eklind provide depth for a team that sorely needs it. While neither of them may be a top-line player in the NHL, they give the Flyers extra depth in case of injury.
For Abols specifically, the deal is also team-friendly as he only gets a 25K increase. This will help Briere as he looks to re-sign and extend other players and starts to prepare for the looming free agency market.
Abols' NHL Impact
It's hard to predict what Eklind can do at the NHL level, so what is the potential impact for Abols? Let's be honest. Twenty-two games are not necessarily a huge sample size. However, when you look at the way this season has gone, we may have a diamond in the rough. A few years ago, the Flyers made a low-risk signing when they brought in Nick Seeler, and he has turned into an important cog in defense.
Perhaps Abols just hasn't been utilized right by the previous coach, like so many others. Perhaps new head coach, Rick Tocchet, could unlock the secrets to his performance. Abols is a little heftier than Tocchet was, but still has a fairly good motor. He can race to the puck and grind it out. That could be useful in battling in the corners.
Maybe his success in the faceoff circle isn't an aberration either. For a team that is desperate to find some centers, he could be a cheap, affordable answer for now.
Finally, we look at his scoring touch. Wow...two whole goals. Doesn't sound impressive. But again, was he used correctly? In Allentown, he scored 15. In his last four years in Sweden, he scored 67 goals. That's an average of 16.75 goals. He never scored less than 14 there. Be honest, wouldn't you love to see a bottom-six forward scoring 15 or more goals? I'd be happy with that.
You have to start somewhere. With his size, speed, and experience, Abols could end up turning into a pleasant surprise under the Flyers' new hockey administration. If so, that is a cheap price to pay. Worst comes to worst, he's a solid, reliable depth piece that can be used until they can turn it over to some younger players. To me, Abols has a lot of heart and drive. That can mean quite a bit. Maybe he can connect with Tocchet and be the next breakout player and fan favorite.