While the Flyers aren't expected to make any big moves this offseason, they have added another depth player to their roster. They have signed Rodrigo Abols to a one-year, 775K contract. Abols has spent the last four years in the SHL but is familiar with the North American game.
Abols was first drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2016 but never signed with the team. After two seasons between the WHL and QMJHL, Abols left to play in SHL for Örebro HK. He spent some time in HockeyAllsvenskan with BIK Karlskoga while on loan during the 2017-18 season. Abols was an invite to the Leafs development camp in 2018, but he earned an NHL deal from the Florida Panthers after a decent showing in 2018-19 where he put up 18 goals and 26 points in 45 games.
However, he would only play in the AHL for the Springfield Thunderbirds and ECHL for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The numbers were rather impressive for his professional debut. Abols posted 10 goals and 27 points in 40 games between the two teams. He would end up back on loan in the SHL during the second year of his contract with the Panthers, which would eventually be terminated in 2021.
Rodrigo Abols adds more depth to the Flyers roster
Since then, Abols played three more seasons for Örebro HK. He hit the 20-goal mark for the first time in his first year back, with a career-high 35 points. Abols would be named captain the following season, dipping slightly to 14 goals and 34 points. He hit a career-high 41 points during the 2023-24 season and just missed out on another 20-goal campaign.
Moving to Rögle BK this past year, his regular season numbers dipped once more to 14 goals and 26 points. He saved his best for the playoffs, though, recording five goals and 12 points in 15 games. Abols finished second in scoring during the SHL playoffs.
Abols also has extensive experience playing for Latvia. He has been named a top player for his country during the last two World Championships, helping his team win a bronze medal in 2022-23. He had five goals and seven assists in 10 games that year.
Rodrigo Abols. 4-0 for @lhf_lv.🇱🇻🔥 #KAZLAT #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/RdWfTbe5tz
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 20, 2023
Like the Flyers signing of Oscar Eklind back in April, this is another move to add depth to the roster. Abols will have a chance to fight for a spot during training camp, but starting in the AHL with the Phantoms is his likely destination. It's a low-risk move for the Flyers and allows Abols to showcase himself for another NHL team.
Abols has two years remaining on his deal with Rögle, so if things do not work out, he could return to the SHL. At 28, his NHL options may be running out, though. This could be one of his last chances to show he has what it takes to make it in North America.