The NHL free agency season is coming up soon. With the Flyers' season over, thoughts are going to come naturally to "how can we improve this team?" So, now we look at the free agency and trade markets to see what's up.
Earlier this year, I looked at centers the Flyers needed. The idea was that the team desperately needed a center. However, the center combos that the Flyers had of Trevor Zegras, Christian Dvorak, Noah Cates, Sean Couturier, Rodrigo Abols, Denver Barkey, and Luke Glendening did well enough going down the stretch and into the postseason. And with Jett Luchanko assuredly coming online soon, the need for a center is less and less important. I mean, hey, if you want to go and take your chances on an over-the-hill Evgeni Malkin, Jonathan Toews, or Patrick Kane, go spend your money unwisely.
If the team needs to spend a lot, you could argue that defense might be the spot where money could be spent. Cale Makar is available, but the Avs are probably not going to let him go. After that, there are a lot of defenders who are either really old or RFAs. Some are good offensively, but poor defenders, or good defenders, but can't contribute on offense.
Flyers may not have to make a big splash in the offseason
To be honest, the Flyers may lose a few depth pieces and may have to pick up a few scraps. There could be holes that could be filled by some of the prospects from the Phantoms. Say, replace Emil Andrae with David Jiricek, Helge Grans, Spencer Gill, Oliver Bonk, or Christian Kyrou.
For the most part, this team came together at the right time. Team chemistry can be hard to build and easy to ignore. The Flyers rode the 3.8% down the wire and into the postseason. It became more than a mantra. It was their rallying cry, similar to how the Phillies used "Dancing On My Own" a few years ago, or how the Eagles used those dog masks. They rallied around each other.
This team doesn't need a major shake-up. Perhaps the backup goalie situation needs addressing. Maybe you can find some pieces that fit well. However, this team is young and growing. It could be argued that the best money that Daniel Briere can spend this summer might be keeping what he already has built intact.
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