Sebastian Aho, Defenseman/New York Islanders
Alright, let’s talk about some defensemen who wouldn’t cost Briere too much against the cap, but are high-potential players who would work best on bridge deals. Sebastian Aho has almost always looked good playing bottom-pairing minutes with the New York Islanders, and he’s someone who knows and understands his role in this league.
Aho isn’t physical on the bottom-pairing, but he’s excellent at getting in front of scoring lanes multiple times per game. Although the Isles and goaltender Ilya Sorokin are struggling through a down season defensively, Aho’s on-ice save percentage at 5-on-5 sits at 92.3, and he’s been out there in the same situation for just 31 goals against this season.
That number is 91.9, with 33 allowed at even strength, and it’s worth noting his xGA at even strength is 33.2. Therefore, it’s safe to say Aho has more than done his job in the defensive zone this season.
If there is a major downside, it’s that Aho may not help the Flyers play so well in the offensive zone, as his xGF at even strength is a healthy 37.3, but his on-ice actual goals for in that same category is just 24. Regardless, it’s clear Aho would provide plenty of help in the defensive zone and at a reasonable cost.