The Philadelphia Flyers still are trying to sign several restricted free agents, including Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov, but with the two sides being far apart so far in negotiations, there is quite a bit of concern when it comes to Provorov. While it’s likely that the two sides will eventually come to an agreement, especially since Provorov’s camp is waiting for Boston’s Charlie McAvoy and Columbus’ Zach Werenski to sign first to provide some new comparables, the team could find themselves with too much depth on defense.
The Athletic’s Charlie O’Connor (subscription required) writes that if Provorov signs, the team will have eight NHL-caliber defensemen on their roster and unless the team is willing to roll with just 13 forwards next season, the Flyers will have to make a move to get to seven. Some forwards are obviously going no where. The team has two top-four defenseman already in Shayne Gosthisbehere and Provorov, while the team traded for Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun to add veteran leadership to their defense. The team is also really high on youngsters Travis Sanheim and Philippe Myers, which leaves the team just two potential candidates to move.
The most obvious choice would be to send down Samuel Morin. He has potential, but has struggled to make an impact with Philadelphia so far. The problem is that the Flyers would be required to put him on waivers this season and risk losing the 24-year-old for nothing if another team puts a claim on him. While he only has eight games of NHL experience on his resume, there are some teams that would be quite interested in a 6-foot-6 defenseman who might be ready to become an NHL regular.
The only other option for the Flyers would be Robert Hagg, who already has two years of NHL experience and put up 20 points last season. While the team likes him, the team acquired a very similar player in Braun, who is more experienced and better defensively. Many have already wondered if the acquisition of Braun was meant as a sign that the team intends to move on from Hagg. However, Hagg is also no longer waiver-exempt and would almost assuredly would get claimed if Philadelphia put him on waivers, suggesting the team’s only option would be to trade him.
Regardless, no matter what, if the team doesn’t end up in a holdout situation with Provorov, which could be what the Flyers are waiting to find out before making a decision, the team must make a move at some point.
unless provorov is willing to go one year, deal him. he’s not nearly as good as he was cracked up to be but may have some solid trade value. use that cap space to go after Marner.
Good thing they brought in those expensive veterans /s
who does that really apply to besides Hayes? Niskanen was a good deal and Braun is on a one year contract. Elliott is making too much but isnt dragging them down on his own.
Niskanen and Braun. If they have to move players, who are likely going to be cheaper, are they really in a better spot? I do like both of them but it seems pretty unnecessary if this is the case.
^ you don’t move guys you just signed or brought in (aka: Braun)
Who said they were lol?
Robert Hagg on the maple leafs would be a nice fit. Send Andreas Johnsson to Philly in return.
So one down season makes him “not as good as he was cracked up to be”?? Come on man
They’re both proven vets who have played top 4 minutes with consistency,on winning teams.And they’re both Rh shots.The Flyers defense has consistently had holes,and Gudas was their top Rh guy on the back end.They can both be on ice coaches,and having them in that role over MacDonald will be an improvement,and should have positive effects beyond their time here.
im willing to be patient, but not at a premium price tag and not if there are better players to be aquired with that money.
Acquiring 2 veteran defensemen is a move to push into the playoffs,they’re not moves that require patience.Going with a group of dmen in between their 1st and 4th seasons,that would’ve been a decision that would’ve required patience.Having veteran dmen should benefit the guys in place,now and in the future.Now Hayes is another issue.
No way the Leafs part with Marner unless the offer includes a boat load of talent signed at a cheap price. In other words it ain’t happening.
Flyers have actually carried 8 dmen the last few years,and they’ll have a group of forwards who could be called up and sent down without waivers,so roster wise they really wouldn’t have to move anyone.
And cap wise,the 13.3 or so they have,subtract the contract cost of a prospect who could be the 13th forward,they should have about 12.5 in space.They should be good for signing Provorov and Konecny.