You've probably read that article title and thought I just had some massive head trauma. After all, the Flyers are a (mostly) young team that is on the verge of making the playoffs. Why would they want to re-sign a man who will turn 37 at the end of April and doesn't add much scoring value? He is solid at faceoffs and can eat up minutes, but that's pretty much it.
Yet, if Luke Glendning isn't interested in retiring after this season, why would it make sense for the Flyers to sign him to a cheap one-year deal? There are actually a few reasons.
1: He's Fit in Really Well in Philly
Yes, he is not a scoring threat. He has only eight points all season. However, four of those points, that's half of his season total, have come in the 12 games he's played in Philadelphia. This includes his lone goal of the season.
I know. "One goal.....ooooooooooooh! Big deal." Well, his eight points are his highest in years. He's also won 56.5% of his faceoff totals. Yes, he is playing in a bottom-line role and has been used as a penalty killer, but winning any faceoff during this time of year can be the difference between a goal and not a goal. That can be the difference between a win and a loss.
2. Mentor
Faceoffs are one of those things that we take for granted. Having a guy who can win more than half of his faceoffs is big. There is a skill level there that sometimes is lost. That is something he can help a young center like Jett Luchanko or Trevor Zegras get better at. That is something that can help both young centers elevate their games and become more complete and elite players.
3: Insurance
In hockey, nothing is ever certain. Philadelphia was riding high in the fall, and then Tyson Foerster was dealt a critical injury. Just before the Olympics, Rodrigo Abols got hurt, which probably necessitated the acquisition of Glendening.
If Luchanko isn't ready yet or if Abols can't return to form, Glendening's return to the Flyers gives a bit of insurance as a bottom-six center. He's not going to be a game changer, but he is one of those depth forwards that it doesn't hurt to have around. He's going to be a guy who can help the younger players learn how to stick around for over 13 seasons in the NHL because he does the small fundamental things right.
Likewise, Glendening is someone you need when you need to find veteran leadership. Having been on teams that have made deep playoff runs, he can help be a calming influence to a group of rowdy youngsters. In case of injury, he can step in and perform his duties.
Now, I wouldn't throw the bank at him. He's not someone to overpay on. However, if he's willing to come back for one more year, I'd take a chance on him. The Devils signed him for $775,000 before this season. A one-year deal for $750,000-$850,000 wouldn't be unreasonable, wouldn't cripple the Flyers' salary cap status, would still allow them to extend young stars like Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, and give them some security in the lineup.