The Philadelphia Flyers checked off multiple tasks from their to-do list this offseason. The main things were retaining goalie Dan Vladar, forward Trevor Zegras, and defenseman Jamie Drysdale. But, they also went for a splash by signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million offer sheet. The Flyers were willing to give up four first-round draft picks to the Ducks and sign Carlsson to the richest contract in NHL history in terms of annual salary ($18 million). Ultimately, the Ducks matched the offer.
With the Flyers taking a big swing at landing Carlsson and missing, Flyers fans wondered if the team would pivot to make another huge move. That doesn't appear to be the case, according to The Athletic's Kevin Kurz, who reports that the team isn't expected to go for another home run move this offseason. The Flyers seem perfectly fine running things forward wth the roster they have.
That is probably the right decision for general manager Danny Briere, as there aren't that many quality options available this offseason. Besides, they'll have more cap space to work with next offseason.
Flyers have better player addition options to explore next offseason
When looking at the market, whether it's free agency or the trade block, there are no realistic options for the Flyers. It doesn't look as though the team will go down the offer sheet route again with a player like Columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli. Sure, the Blue Jackets have their hands full with the likes of Zach Werenski's and Kirill Marchenko's next contracts. Before the season begins, the Blue Jackets will have to lock Fantilli in on a new contract.
As for Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings, didn't have the Flyers on his preferred destinations wishlist, and it's unknown if he'd end up on it if he expanded the list. Other than those two players, there's no realistic difference maker available.
Next summer, there are going to be better targets for the Flyers. The forwards options are enticing, such as Alex DeBrincat, Drake Batherson, and even Nikita Kucherov are set to hit the open market. If the Flyers wanted to target a defenseman, particularly to replace Rasmus Ristolainen, there's a possibility that Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes could hit free agency. So yes, there are multiple quality options for the Flyers.
Flyers may hit the Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews lottery
There is also the chance that more superstars want out of their current organizations. The two big names that the NHL will be keeping their eyes on are Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. Those are two stars the Flyers should be targeting if they become available.
McDavid was one of many superstars set to hit free agency this summer, but they all re-signed with their current teams. Unlike them, McDavid agreed to a two-year, team-friendly contract to help the Edmonton Oilers continue building a Stanley Cup-winning roster. But this past season, the Oilers massively underdelivered, and the moves made by general manager Stan Bowman didn't pan out. With two more years left on his deal, one has to wonder if the Oilers fail to win a Stanley Cup next season, would he want out? A bunch of NHL teams are going to hope so. Let's not get it twisted, if McDavid wants out, every team in the league is going to try and trade for him. Flyers included.
Then, there's Matthews, who's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is not exactly etched in stone. After the team missed out on the playoffs and there was an overhaul of the front office and behind the bench, Matthews didn't commit long-term to the team. Yet, the Maple Leafs have had a strong offseason, adding the likes of Gavin McKenna, Darren Raddysh, and Sergei Bobrovsky. Like McDavid, if the Maple Leafs fail to make the playoffs or have a disastrous end to their postseason run, one has to wonder if Matthews will request a trade.
With the Flyers having a relatively young roster, they can afford to bring in a superstar on their current deals via a trade. If the team is serious about winning a Stanley Cup, adding one of the biggest stars in the league will help their chances.
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