For fans of a team that is not in the playoffs, the offseason can be a time of hope and anticipation. For the first time in years, the Flyers have money to spend. The last time, they spent money on Kevin Hayes and James van Riemsdyk. Oops.
With some dead money coming off the books, the team should have at least $17 million to spend. This amount doesn't include any potential trades. As trades can happen at any time, we will focus on what additions could be made after re-signing Cates, York, and Pelletier. To remain realistic, we'll take a conservative approach and assume there will be $15 million left after extending the RFAs.
Also, we won't be looking at the RFA market. That's a different set of rules, but it could cost less. It all depends on what RFAs they could target and what they'd have to give up to acquire them.
Best Case: Sign Aaron Ekblad
In my opinion, the most important unrestricted free agent the Flyers could get is a solid defender. The best one on the market is Aaron Ekblad. Ekblad is 29 and currently making $7.5 million. Florida would love to keep him, but they may not be able to afford him as they have several other free agents to sign.
A top-quality defender would be the best thing the Flyers could do to change this team's fortunes. Ekblad would instantly be the best defender this team has had since Chris Pronger. To sign a player of this caliber, it would have to be long-term term five or six years, and for probably about $9-$10 million to start, as this would put Ekblad in the upper tier of paid defenders. We'll chop that down the middle, say $9.5 million. That leaves them with $5.5 million, barring trading any players.
With that money, they could sign Patrick Kane for $5 million on a two-year deal. That saves another $500,000 that we can use for RFA signings, trades (offseason or deadline additions), or an emergency pickup if someone gets hurt.
Next Best: Sam Bennett
Ok, so Ekblad decides to stay in Florida. However, the Panthers couldn't sign everyone. Sam Bennett could use a nice payday. He's making just under $4.5 million. After floundering in Calgary, as many players seem to do, he's come on strong in Florida. He's not going to be paid as a top-tier guy, but will command money being on a Stanley Cup winner. A four-five-year deal could entice him. As the Flyers could use a solid center, you're going to have to overpay for him. But paying him between $8-9 million should be enough.
Again, splitting the costs, that is $8.5 million of the $15 million. With $6.5 million left, they can add some valuable pieces. You could see if Ryan Lindgren would love to come back East and face off against his former teammates on Broadway. That would probably tap out the rest of that $6.5 million.
Third Best: Sign Multiple Players
Ok, let's say all the best players (Marner, Bennett, Ekblad, John Tavares, etc.) are gone. Maybe they cost too much, or just didn't want to come to Philadelphia since they've been struggling over the last few years. What can the Flyers get for $15 million?
First, let's get a solid defender. Brian Dumolin is older, but he is dependable. He'd probably settle for $4 million, and a two-three-year deal could suffice. He's got experience in the playoffs and could help the younger corps of defenders.
Add another $3.5 million to add Jeff Skinner. He had a down year in Edmonton, but has been a solid center. He could probably come on a one or two-year deal. That would leave you about $7.5 million to go. Nikolaj Ehlers could probably be signed for that for a three-year deal.
Those are three decent vets would could come in and make a difference. They might not be flashy names, but they could help out where the Flyers need. Also, the experience they provide could be invaluable to the future of this team. Making these contracts shorter term also means they aren't locked into contracts that will drag them down for years to come.