The Philadelphia Flyers didn't do anything big in free agency a few weeks ago, but that doesn't mean their current haul won't be valuable to the team. They each made at least a few jaw-dropping plays, so that's always a good sign that they can do the same when they suit up for the Flyers.
Still, there were no big names coming to town via free agency, something that became even clearer when you start looking at different takes. That said, role players comprise most of a team's lineup anyway, and enough of them will turn their fortunes north.
For Flyers fans that's a good sign, especially with players like Trevor Zegras arriving via trade earlier this year, and Matvei Michkov heading into Year 2 of his career. That's going to be a good one-two punch if they end up playing on the same line more often than not - Michkov is a shoo-in for the first line, but the jury remains out on Zegras.
What makes the Flyers role player-filled free agency class better than advertised?
As far as I'm concerned with Christian Dvorak, he'll win a lot of defensive-zone face-offs. That means more potential for the Flyers to create sequences and, subsequently, scoring chances. No, he won't produce many points, but that's what the youngsters are for.
With Dan Vladar, he's a proven vet who showed us he can be more than just insurance as a No. 2 netminder. He played in a career-high 30 games, and ended up notching two shutouts, a 2.80 GAA, and a 0.898 save percentage. I'll never call Vladar anything more than a 1B for teams that need more depth at goaltender, but this is the guy you need if Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov struggle.
Noah Juulsen knows Rich Tocchet's system, and he'll add an edge to the Flyers every time they call his number. No, he's not a full-time starter in this league, but if you want someone who can add an intimidating edge and get in front of shots, both of which struggling hockey teams need, Juulsen's who you want in your corner.
I'll go ahead and call Dennis Gilbert my favorite signing this summer, assuming the Flyers make no other moves. When the Flyers call his number, Gilbert's going to give them another dose of edgy play and he'll go to bat for teammates when needed.
That means he's racking up some penalty minutes and playing a high-energy role. Like Juulsen, you won't see him in every game. Also like Juulsen, expect Gilbert to more than make his mark every time he gets a chance to shine.
A much better class than one would think overall
Initial reactions may not have been the best, and maybe even mixed-to-low in terms of takes. But, when you look closer at this class, even if it'll never be flashy, it's got players who'll help this team win games. They just won't take center stage.
Instead, Dennis Gilbert and Company will come in and do the dirty work, so Trevor Zegras, Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny, and others can benefit. And that'll reflect this team's point total.
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