It is easy to get bummed out about not signing Maxim Shabanov. It felt like the Flyers might have unlocked an inside track with Russian players thanks to the success of Matvei Michkov, but it wasn't meant to be. The Flyers didn't make any big splash moves, not that they could this year.
Frankly, that might end up being a blessing in disguise for the Flyers, and especially for Danny Briere and Keith Jones.
Right now, the Flyers have two needs at forward. They'll need someone to adopt the 13th forward role (or someone who officially pushes Nic Deslauriers into it) and someone who will replace Tyson Foerster, who is almost assured to start the season on the IR. With the opening, it is easy to get gaga-eyed about Porter Martone making the team, but the Flyers have a lot of options for these two spots.
We have, and frankly, should be a touch embarrassed that we've all seemed to have forgotten about Nikita Grebenkin, who came over in the Scott Laughton deal. This is a perfect opportunity to see him at the NHL level, and you don't have to make it permanent.
Shabanov was an undersized winger. We've got one of those at home in Denver Barkey. He was bitten with the injury bug a bit this year, but still won a Memorial Cup with the London Knights, and put up 82 points in just 50 games in the regular season, and 20 points in 10 playoff games. His aggressiveness and skill are perfect for a bottom-six spot.
Alex Bump got a little taste of pro hockey last year and wants to push up the the NHL level this year. His ability and his size were shown off at the NCAA level last year, to the tune of 47 points in just 42 games. He'll be in the running.
Plus, there's Jett Luchenko. We could and should see all of these players don a Flyers uniform this season, and that's because we didn't sign Shabanov or anyone else.
There are some spots on the defensive end, too. Noah Juulsen and Denis Gilbert are journeymen. Rasmus Ristolanien is starting the year on the IR, and he's often injured. The same goes for Jamie Drysdale.
Spencer Gill is a really solid prospect, and he's got a mean streak. That might put him ahead of Oliver Bonk, who might have some more offensive flash, but either should deserve a pro look. The first crack might go to Helge Grans. He's big, but is a fantastic skater and distributor of the puck. Last season he seemed to evolve his game at the pro level and this year we'll see if there is still a peak coming, or if Grans plateaus.
All of this could, should, and has a real chance of happening this season because of the lack of moves made this offseason. Getting a look at these players will clear up the lingering questions for Briere and Jones, as well as the fans.