The NHL playoffs are among the most exciting periods in the sports season. And while the Philadelphia Flyers have missed the playoffs for the third straight season, there is a lot that both their fans and the Flyers' management should be paying attention to.
The Hurricanes advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the fourth year in a row and for the fifth time in the last six seasons. This came after a long stretch of nine seasons in a row where they missed the postseason. (Please God, don't let the Flyers' streak get that long!) They have built their team over the years with a proper mix of a youth movement and solid veteran acquisitions, much like the Flyers should be.
However, all is not pleasant in Raleigh right now. This team has some major decisions to make for next season. First of all, head coach Rod Brind'Amour's contract is up. The team is allegedly closing in on re-signing him. The team also has 15 free agents that they must decide on. Nine of these are UFAs with the remaining six being RFAs.
For a team as talented as the Hurricanes have been over the last few seasons, this leaves them open to being poached by many teams. If the Flyers could snag some of them and, thereby, cripple a division rival, it might be worth it. Some players aren't worth going after, but let's look at some that Daniel Briere should look at.
Flyers could snag upcoming free agents from a divisional rival
Antti Raanta
While the Flyers are probably okay on goaltending with Sam Ersson and Ivan Fedotov, it might not be a bad idea to keep him in mind for a potential one-year deal as a serviceable backup in case someone gets hurt or if Fedotov struggles and needs to start the season in Lehigh Valley.
Teuvo Teräväinen
He's not the most exciting player out there. However, Teräväinen scored 25 goals this year with 28 assists. His 53 points would tie with Owen Tippett for second on this team. He's a good, steady forward and has won a Stanley Cup with Chicago. He'd be a great pickup for this team and would probably be a cheaper alternative to some of the other players on this team.
Jake Guentzel
Supposedly, Guentzel loves playing in Raleigh and wants to re-sign. But if the former Penguin hits the market, the Flyers should look at him. He's scored 30+ goals the last three years running. He'd be a great scoring threat to add to this team. He'll be 30 when the new season starts. However, signing him to a two or three-year deal should provide some offensive power until Matvei Michkov arrives.
Jordan Martinook
Martinook is not going to light the lamp a lot. However, he is a gritty, hardworking player. He's a great third-line forward who can assist on the penalty kill. He's cheap and reliable. He's one of Brind'Amour's favorites and would easily become a favorite of John Tortorella.
Martin Nečas
Nečas has become one of the best forwards in Carolina. He scored 53 points this year, but that's down from his 77 last year as he battled through injuries. He's a hardworking center who would fit in great here. He is an RFA. A bid for him could cost draft picks or cause Carolina to match the price if it is high enough and stymie their ability to sign their other free agents.
Seth Jarvis
Jarvis had a breakout year with 33 goals and 34 assists. He also just turned 22 years old. He could be a great player in this league. At that age, the Flyers could and should take a chance on him as he would be part of this youth movement they are trying to build. He is also going to be an RFA this summer.
Brady Skjei
Skjei has been one of the best defenders in the Eastern Conference over the last few years. Surprisingly, he doesn't get enough attention. The 29-year-old set a career-high with 34 assists and 47 points. The year before, he had a career-high with 18 goals. Besides his offensive skills, he is a great defensive-minded blueliner. If you are looking for a replacement for Sean Walker, he'd be great to add to this team.
Brett Pesce
On the other side of the ice from Skeji is Pesce. You aren't seeing him in the playoffs due to an injury he sustained before the season ended. Offensively, he is not as good as Skjei. He is, however, a better defensive player. He was second to Jacob Slavin on the team with 113 blocked shots. He'd be a great steadying influence for our young crop of blueliners that are coming up,
The Hurricanes have a lot of good players that could be available come June. They could sign them all, but it is unlikely. If Briere has any chance to sign any of these players, he should attempt it. Any of these guys would fit the team well and be a great addition to the roster.