The Flyers may be in a rebuild/youth movement right now. Still, this past season, they almost made the playoffs. Even with some young stars lurking on the horizon, there are some free agents that this team could make that could, hopefully, help them make that leap from pretender to contender.
However, these signings would probably cost them a pretty penny. Most of these players would likely be out of their price range. But if they could sign just one of them, this team would be better. And if the team makes some other moves (i.e. trades), it is possible they could sign two or more of these players.
Sam Reinhart
The Flyers need a high-power center. They haven't really had one since Eric Lindros. Reinhart would give them everything they'd need. He scored 57 goals for the Panthers this year. After playing three years in Florida, maybe he might want to help the Flyers become relevant.
Reinhart would be a huge signing, probably the biggest name to arrive here since Jeremy Roenick. Having him center a line with Travis Konecny and someone like Owen Tippett or Joel Farabee...woooo! Watch out.
Jonathan Marchessault
One of Florida's biggest mistakes was letting Marchessault reach the NHL expansion draft. The Vegas Golden Knights snagged him and he took off. He's 33 and set a career-high with 42 goals this year. Last year's Conn Smythe Trophy winner is not showing any signs of slowing down.
Ok, his age is an issue. However, that could be an advantage. Someone like Reinhart may want a four or five-year contract to get him to sign. Marchessault may settle for a good two or three-year deal. That wouldn't impede the Flyers' youth development. He could provide some much-needed leadership as he's helped Vegas in their deep playoff runs every year.
Steven Stamkos
Yeah, ok. Stamkos would've been better to pick up 10 years ago. The two-time Stanley Cup winner is part of an aging Tampa Bay team that is not as feared as it once was. They may need to move on from some players. Will they part ways with their star forward? We'll see.
If he is available, the Flyers should try to acquire him. He scored 40 goals this year. He will be 34 next season. Signing him to a two or three-year deal would benefit this team. A player like Konecny could learn a lot about being clutch from Stamkos. His drive would also help elevate the games of a lot of the younger players.
Jake Guentzel
The Hurricanes paid a high price to acquire him at the trade deadline. Likewise, Guentzel is one of several players that the Hurricanes will have to re-sign. A lot of reports say that Guentzel likes playing in Carolina and wants to stick around. But if he hits the market...
Guentzel scored 30 goals this year after missing quite a few due to injury. Eight goals, with 17 assists, came after the trade from Pittsburgh. He's shown he can play well without Sidney Crosby. Besides, nothing would get under the skin of a Penguins fan more than seeing him and Konecny skating down the length of the ice and combine on a goal.
Tyler Toffoli
Toffoli has bounced around a lot, playing on five different teams in five years. It may be a hard sell to get him here as he badly wanted off of the Flames. The 32-year-old winger has had back-to-back 30-goal scoring seasons despite the turmoil.
Much like Guentzel would rankle Pens fans, Toffoli donning orange and black wouldn't sit well in New Jersey. He also had a championship with the LA Kings when he was younger. That experience could be invaluable for a team trying to get back into the playoffs.
Vladimir Tarasenko
Tarasenko's best years might be behind him. Don't tell him that. He scored 23 goals this year, including seven with the Panthers after a trade deadline deal. He's been on four teams in the past two years as he signs with a team and gets moved at the deadline.
Maybe he'd take a one or two-year deal. He's a two-time All-Star and was a major part of St Louis' Stanley Cup run. His leadership would help out this team a lot. And if he wants off, the Flyers can move him for prospects or draft picks.
Brady Skjei
Sticking with the Canes, they have a lot of players they have to re-sign. Skjei is one of their better defenders but is more of an offensive scorer. He's a solid, two-way blueliner.
He could immediately slide into the top defensive pairing with Travis Sanheim. This could become one of the best defensive duos in the NHL. Or, if you'd rather.....
Brett Pesce
Pesce would cost less than Skjei. He would be a better defensive defender. Still, there are fewer better shutdown defenders than him. He would be a steal for the Flyers.
More than that, if there were a way for Daniel Briere to sign Pesce and Skjei, and trade off Rasmus Ristolainen, this team would immediately have the best defensive corps in the league. John Tortorella is all about fundamentals. These guys learned from Rod Brind'Amour. They could both be super successful here in Philly.
TJ Brodie
Much like the Hurricanes, the Maple Leafs have a lot of potential free agents that will cause headaches in the front office of Toronto. Every year, there are very high expectations for that team and every year they fall super short. They may have to clean house.
Brodie is one of their top names ready to hit the market. He's not flashy, but like Pesce, he's super dependable. With a few top-level blueliners available, it's possible one could end up a Flyer. He'd be a perfect fit next to Cam York.
Shayne Gostisbehere
It wouldn't be a Flyers' off-season article without someone suggesting the team picks up Gostisbehere again. He is still popular in Philly and could make fans happy. He is a more offensively-minded defender, but someone like Brad Shaw might be able to iron out the rough edges of his game.
Plus, he signed with Detroit on a one-year deal. He could return to Philly on a two-year deal. If he is good, he could be re-signed. If not, the Flyers could move him at the trade deadline.