The Philadelphia Flyers exceeded expectations this past season, going from a projected lottery team to the second round of the playoffs. The roster they have is set in stone, with a mix of young players with NHL experience and prospects.
This offseason, Flyers general manager made an effort to not only keep the top players on their roster under contract for the foreseeable future, but also looked to make a gigantic splash. Briere signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million offer sheet. By doing so, they would have given up four first round picks in the process if the Ducks not matched the offer. However, the Ducks did match it, making Carlsson one of the highest paid players in hockey in the process.
Briere's gamble did not go unnoticed. Sure, the fanbase and the NHL were surprised by such a move. But the Flyers locker room was flattered that the general manager would take such a risk to improve the roster.
Jamie Drysdale says Flyers flattered by Danny Briere's agressive pursuit of Leo Carlsson
Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale spoke with NHL.com's Dave McCarthy at the Circle of Champions event at Scotiabank Pond to benefit New Circles, a clothing bank in Toronto, and discussed a variety of topics. When discussing Briere's pursuit of Carlsson, Drysdale said that that move didn't go unnoticed in the locker room.
“I think everyone within our locker room and everyone that wasn’t in our locker room probably had the same reaction,” Drysdale said. “It was obviously a big splash and it shows our team, our management, everyone is looking to add and everyone is committed -- guys in the locker room, guys up top, guys in management -- that we are trying to make this work with our group and add where we can. I think the confidence is there and we showed last year we can be a team and make a splash.”
Any team would love it if their front office would do whatever it takes to add legitimate difference makers to the roster to improve their odds of winning a Stanley Cup.
The offer sheet is such a rare thing utilized by NHL teams in recent years. But considering that the unrestricted free agency class was severely lackluster after all of the stars re-signed with their teams before this season, using the offer sheet method would give anyone the chance to bring in a young, top player. So, that's what the Flyers decided to do with Carlsson.
While the effort fell short, the move was appreciated by Drysdale.
What is next for the Flyers after missing out on Leo Carlsson
For Flyers fans hoping that they will try to make another big splash before the start of the regular season, that doesn't appear to be in the cards.
There are no real opportunities to sign another player to an offer sheet. There have been some big names on the trade block this offseason in Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. However, Larkin doesn't have the Flyers on his limited trade wishlist, while Werenski expressed his commitment to the Blue Jackets heading into this upcoming season.
So, in reality, the Flyers are going to move forward with the roster they have currently heading into next season. They will be banking on some of their young players taking a leap forward, such as Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov. Plus, they are hoping that their playoff experience will help them as they prepare to make it back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2010.
For Flyers fans expecting a big move, maybe the trade deadline is the earliest that can happen, especially if they are in good shape in making the playoffs.
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