The key to a rebuild is to count on a bevy of young prospects and rising stars to help pull you out. The hope is that with a lot of homegrown talent, the players can learn to grow together and stay loyal to the team that developed them. And if that worked all the time, Buffalo would be the kings of the NHL.
Sometimes it’s beneficial to add veteran players alongside your younger talent. They can teach valuable lessons and help younger players improve their skills. Additionally, you can sign veterans to contracts ranging from one to three years, spending less than you would on a 26- to 28-year-old sharpshooter. This strategy also allows you the flexibility to trade them at the deadline to replenish your assets.
Here are six veteran free agents who could be signed. Some may be cheaper than others. Several have won Stanley Cups, while others are eager for their first.
Brad Marchand
I get it. He's been a thorn in the side of the Flyers and other teams for 13 years. He's feisty, a jerk, and a great competitor. You love to hate him, but be honest, if he wore orange and black for his career, you'd love him, and his jersey would be a must-have in most people's closet. And let's be honest, who can forget this great moment?
That will never get old. At least it's better than the one with him licking people.
He's not the player he used to be. He can still score over 20 goals, deliver his fair share of hits, and averages over 18 minutes a night. He's going to be 37 this fall. I assume he would take a pay cut to stay with a team like Florida if they want him. After all, he was a solid third line center during their Stanley Cup run. Injuries haven't really taken a toll on him, and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down yet.
But be honest, if you could sign him for 5-6.5 million for two years, wouldn't you do it? Can you imagine the things he could teach Noah Cates or Jett Luchanko? If Florida doesn't re-sign him, I'd inquire about him.
Patrick Kane
Much like Marchand, Kane is a future Hall of Famer who's best days are behind him. Unlike Marchand, he's had to deal with injuries the past few seasons. Despite that, and playing on a slew of bad teams, he can still score over 20 goals as a winger. He's slowing down some, but still has a quick enough wrist to make you pay if you underestimate him and his abilities.
Many Flyers fans haven't forgiven him for the OT goal in 2010. I get it. That ended the Flyers Cup dreams and began a dynasty in Chicago. Kane will turn 38 this November. He won't be getting a big contract or a long-term deal. However, he made $4 million in Detroit this year. That's not a bad price to pay for him and his leadership.
Jamie Benn
Benn is another player whose production has slipped, but he still offers plenty as a leader. It also helps that he is an ace in the faceoff dot, even as a winger. He's attempted 529 of them with a 56 percent success rate. That would be just .1 percent behind Sean Couturier. It's always helpful to have someone who can step in and take a faceoff when needed.
The sixteen-year vet has only played for Dallas. Most likely, he'll be a Star for life. But once upon a time, Kane was supposed to remain in Chicago and Marchand in Boston. Anything is possible. Kane is younger than the previous two guys, but has had more injuries. His skills are also rapidly declining.
With the Stars on the verge of a Stanley Cup, Benn could be a free agent. He's not going to make the $9.5 million he's making now. He'll probably take a hometown discount to remain in Dallas. He'd probably want to help the Stars become a dynasty right now. If he becomes available, he might be someone to take an interest in.
John Tavares
In 2018, Tavares became a free agent. Many Flyers fans hoped he'd come. Instead, he went home to Toronto, and the Flyers ended up signing James van Riemsdyk instead, and the next year was Kevin Hayes. Sigh.....
All indications from Toronto suggest that the team wants to re-sign Tavares and Mitch Marner. Tavares wants to stay there. If he walks, the Flyers should kick the tires on soon to be 35 year old center. He scored 38 goals last year and won more than 58% of his faceoffs the last four years running.
His pricetag was $11 million that year. Most likely, Marner will want to go past that this year. Can Toronto afford both? Maybe, maybe not. How much would he cost the Flyers? Unsure. I'd at least check on it.
Kyle Palmieri
It's always fun to steal a top player from a divisional rival. Flyers fans have seen Palmieri perform well for years with the Devils and the Islanders. Does he want off the Island, where he is from? Would he travel south on 95 to be with the Flyers?
He wants to stay there and took a discount to play there at $5 million. However, if the team and he drag things out, the Flyers could sweep in and snag a right winger who can still pop up for 25+ goals. The thought of luring him away from his hometown team brings a smile to my face.
Dmitry Orlov
Then there is Orlov. The soon-to-be-34-year-old defender seems to be making the rounds in the Eastern Conference, having played for the Capitals, Bruins, and Hurricanes. He is a playoff vet who seems to be coveted every year around deadline time. He's a big guy who loves to hit, take a block, and can even score. He's also a big-time guy when it comes to the playoffs.
The Hurricanes have a lot of top-quality defenders. Orlov and Brent Burns are the two top vets heading into free agency. Both are older, with Burns over 40. Burns, if he doesn't retire, will likely remain in Raleigh. If he doesn't remain in Raleigh, I'd snag Burns in a heartbeat.
Orlov is younger and experienced. He is feisty and dependable. If Carolina doesn't or can't re-sign him, he would be a great addition to the Flyers' defensive unit. He could make a great pair with Cam York or Jamie Drysdale.