The rumor mill is spinning fast as NHL free agency approaches, and the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves linked to one of the biggest blue liners on the open market.
After a brief stint with the Anaheim Ducks following a trade from the Washington Capitals at the deadline. Veteran defenseman John Carlson has reportedly informed the Ducks that he plans to test free agency on July 1. According to reports, he'd also prefer a return to the East Coast.
Right away, the Flyers were linked to him. They’ve been looking for more offence from the back end for years now. Their power play could also use help, as it has struggled to find any real consistency. Yes, Carlson is 36, but he showed that he can still produce at a high level, finishing with 14 goals and 60 points between Washington and Anaheim.
Is John Carlson a fit with the Flyers?
If Philadelphia were able to bring him in, he'd likely be given a large role. That would include running the top power-play unit. Which would make the Flyers a more serious threat, especially in the playoffs.
Carlson would also take on a mentor role. The Flyers also have a couple of highly regarded right-shot defense prospects working their way through the system in David Jiricek and Oliver Bonk. He could give the younger players someone to learn from before they're asked to take on bigger NHL roles themselves.
Reports suggest that he is looking for a two-year deal worth in the neighbourhood of $10 million per season. Luckily, Philadelphia is one of the few teams that could comfortably make that work. The Flyers are projected to have roughly $32 million in cap space this summer, which gives Danny Briere plenty of flexibility to be aggressive if he wants to be as long as his RFAs are signed.
Whether it actually happens remains to be seen. Free agency always has a way of producing surprises. Still, if Carlson is serious about returning to the East Coast, Philadelphia is definitely a potential landing spot.
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