With NHL free agency more than a month in, most of this year's top UFAs have signed their new contracts. Still, there are some intriguing UFAs available that the Philadelphia Flyers could consider targeting.
Interestingly, one remaining UFA who played for the Flyers just last season is forward Luke Glendening.
The Flyers claimed Glendening off waivers from the New Jersey Devils in March, and he ended up being a solid addition to their bottom six. In 18 games with the Flyers after being claimed off waivers, he posted two goals, five points, 31 hits, and a 57.2 faceoff win percentage. He also played in all 10 of the Flyers' playoff games this spring, where he posted one goal and a plus-3 rating.
Overall, with how well Glendening fit into the Flyers' lineup last season, they should strongly consider reuniting with him. While they brought in Noel Acciari through free agency, Glendening could still be good to have around for more center depth.
With Glendening being a veteran bottom-six forward and still a free agent at this stage of the summer, it is likely that he could be had at a very affordable price. Due to this, there would be no real risk in the Flyers bringing him back on a one-year contract.
However, it also could make sense for the Flyers to give him a look on a PTO before deciding to sign him for the season. This would allow them the chance to see if he could still be a fit on their roster before committing to signing him for the season.
What could Glendening's role be with the Flyers if he were brought back to Philadelphia?
If the Flyers signed Glendening for the season, he could be a very useful 13th forward for them to have around. He could slot into the Flyers' bottom six when injuries arise or when the Metropolitan Division club's lineup needs a shake-up.
Glendening would also give the Flyers another very effective penalty-killer to work with when used in the lineup. It is no secret that the Grand Rapids, Michigan native works well on the penalty kill because of his smart defensive play. Due to this, he would not be a bad player at all for the Flyers to bring back to their forward depth.
It will be interesting to see if the Flyers decide to bring back Glendening. While he would not be the flashiest of pickups, he could once again be a solid player for Philadelphia if brought back.
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