The big list of pending unrestricted free agents the Flyers can steal from their Metropolitan Division rivals

Brendan Gaunce, Forward/Columbus Blue Jackets

Brendan Gaunce is a journeyman, and he has a tiny sample size, but he’s the only pending unrestricted free agent on the Columbus Blue Jackets worth noting. This is a player who could come to the organization as a 13th or 14th forward, someone to fit the fourth line on a full-time basis, or even to provide organizational depth. 

If the Flyers were looking for someone who could provide a physical presence - one who can routinely land three body checks per game, Brendan Gaunce is their guy. In just 19 contests this season, Gaunce has 42 body checks, eight takeaways, and a 53.6 faceoff winning percentage, all of which are great attributes for a lower-liner. 

At even strength, he’s been better at contributing to scoring opportunities than many may believe, as his Corsi For sits at 48.0 percent despite 36.6 of his starts in the offensive zone. The Blue Jackets have allowed 10 goals when he’s in the game, but that’s one better than his xGA in the same situation. 

Gaunce has shown he could be a serviceable defensive forward with the big club, but he should also have no trouble moving between Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley if it’s the role he ultimately lands in.