The Flyers finished as one of the league’s seven worst teams the past two seasons, but it took until last March when Danny Briere was announced as the then-interim general manager for anyone in management to confirm they were embarking on a rebuild. Needless to say, Philadelphia is not planning a Stanley Cup parade. Despite their humble aspirations, Flyers fans are excited for what appears to be a logical front office and the opportunities that will be available for the organization’s young players this season as we bide our time until Matvei Michkov arrives.
Key Additions/Subtractions:
Briere showed he was more than just talk this summer. Kevin Hayes, who finished second on the team in scoring with 54 points last season, was dealt to St. Louis. James van Riemsdyk left in free agency. The team’s two leading defensemen in average time on ice, Ivan Provorov and Tony DeAngelo, are both out. Justin Braun announced his retirement after playing 51 games for last year’s team.
Unsurprisingly for a rebuilding team, the Flyers didn’t take many big swings in replacing any of the guys that left. Sean Walker was acquired in the Provorov trade and figures to play a role on the right side of the defense. Marc Staal, a 16-year vet, is a familiar name but is in Philadelphia as more of a mentor. Early in training camp, John Tortorella said Staal is “not going to get in the way of the kids.” The Flyers also reshaped the bottom of their forward group, as free agent additions Garnet Hathaway and Ryan Poehling appear as if they will join Nic Deslauriers on the fourth line.
Strengths/Weaknesses:
Someone in the Delaware Valley must have found a monkey’s paw, as the Flyers finally have a solid goaltender just as the skater group may be in worse shape than at any other point in franchise history.
To read the rest of our full Flyers season preview, head on over to For Hockey Fans, and while you’re there, check out the previews for the rest of the Metro Division to see what we’re up against this year.
