- The Flyers don’t have a second-round pick next summer as a result of the Rasmus Ristolainen trade. However, as Charlie O’Connor of The Athletic notes (subscription link), it is possible for Philadelphia to get one next summer for Jay O’Brien. Assuming they don’t sign the 2018 first-rounder, they’d receive the 19th pick of the second round as compensation. Normally, since O’Brien plays in college, his free agency wouldn’t start until mid-August which would push the compensatory pick to 2024. That said, if Philadelphia wants the 2023 selection, there is an appeal process that could play out which would allow O’Brien to become a free agent in June, allowing them to get the second-rounder a year earlier.
Flyers Rumors
Andreas Johnsson Clears Waivers
Dec 29: Johnsson has cleared waivers and was immediately assigned to Utica.
Dec 28: According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the New Jersey Devils have placed Andreas Johnsson on waivers once again, after he previously cleared at the beginning of the season. He joins Max Willman today, who the Philadelphia Flyers already announced would be on waivers.
Johnsson, 28, has played just two games this season in the NHL, after scoring 13 goals and 35 points in 2021-22. As the Devils improved their forward group, he was pushed further down the depth chart and now finds himself on the outside looking in when it comes to NHL minutes.
Given the team also was forced to move Ondrej Palat to long-term injured reserve just to fit in today’s recalls, burying Johnsson in the minor leagues can also be beneficial to their cap situation. His $3.4MM cap hit can’t be entirely buried, but $1.125MM will come off the books while he plays for the Utica Comets.
That is of course assuming he clears waivers, though it seems very likely given that contract situation.
Carter Hart Placed On Injured Reserve; Max Willman Placed On Waivers
After saying that Carter Hart was good to go less than 24 hours ago, the Philadelphia Flyers have now placed their starting goaltender on injured reserve, according to Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The team has also recalled Olle Lycksell from the AHL, and will place Max Willman on waivers later today.
Despite the IR placement, Hart was a full participant in practice today for the Flyers according to Charlie O’Connor of The Athletic. Even if the team has made the placement retroactive to his last appearance, it means Hart will not be able to play in tomorrow’s game against the San Jose Sharks. He could potentially return in time for Saturday’s match against the Los Angeles Kings, if deemed healthy. Head coach John Tortorella explained that Hart is still in concussion protocol but is expected to play this weekend.
It’s an odd situation but protecting their young starter is critical if the Flyers want to have any success in the second half of the season. The 24-year-old leads the league in appearances from a goaltender with 27, and has posted a 10-11-6 record with a .911 save percentage so far. Given that the team has won just a single game without Hart’s help, he is arguably the most important player on the roster at the moment.
Willman, meanwhile, has played in nine games so far this year and doesn’t have a single point. The 27-year-old last played on December 13, and will likely clear waivers without issue.
Philadelphia Flyers Recall Samuel Ersson
The Philadelphia Flyers have brought up an extra goaltender, recalling Samuel Ersson from the AHL. Felix Sandstrom is dealing with an illness and will not travel with the team for tomorrow’s afternoon game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ersson, 23, has never appeared in an NHL game, but has been playing well for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms so far this season. A fifth-round pick in 2018, the Swedish netminder has a .910 save percentage in 18 games.
The team hasn’t indicated whether Sandstrom will meet them in Carolina for Friday, but if not, it would mean that either Carter Hart will start back-to-back games or Ersson will get to make his debut. With the club off after Friday until December 29, one can assume Sandstrom will be back to full health by the time they resume the season.
What Your Team Is Thankful For: Philadelphia Flyers
With American Thanksgiving now behind us and the holiday season coming up, PHR continues its look at what teams are thankful for in 2022-23. There also might be a few things your team would like down the road. We’ll examine what’s gone well in the early going and what could improve as the season rolls on for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Who are the Flyers thankful for?
Carter Hart, Kevin Hayes, and Travis Konecny
There’s plenty to take issue with as the Flyers stand right now, seventh in the Metropolitan Division, 27th in the entire league and after a strong first month of the season too. Not many expected Philadelphia to compete for the Stanley Cup, but a myriad of injuries and poor play that persists wasn’t exactly what the team had in mind when they began this season or when they hired veteran bench boss John Tortorella to shake things up. All of that said, one thing the organization has to be thankful for, likely for different reasons as to each, is the play of their top players.
Carter Hart’s emergence is not necessarily a surprise to many, even if it is a bit later than he or the Flyers were hoping, however he finally seems to be the bona fide number one netminder the team had expected. His base numbers don’t necessarily strike the eye as elite, a .913 save-percentage and 2.82 goals-against average coming into Monday, but contextually, considering the play of the team in front of him, they seem better than at first glance. Also consider Hart’s numbers from the previous two seasons, a combined .895 save-percentage and 3.34 goals-against in 72 games over the two seasons, it stands to reason the Flyers can feel confident in the young goaltender as a building block going forward.
The Flyers’ signing of Kevin Hayes to a seven-year, $50MM contract during the 2019 offseason raised a few eyebrows at the time, and continued to draw criticism as the veteran never seemed to fully meet expectation. With three more seasons after this one with a cap hit just over $7.14MM, it seemed as though the Flyers would be saddled with Hayes, an otherwise fine player, and his large cap hit. However, this season has been a turnaround for Hayes, who is on his way to a career year, with 29 points in 31 games to date. There’s been controversy recently, Hayes listed as a healthy scratch against the New York Rangers, his former team, this weekend, but in the bigger picture, it seems at this point the Flyers might at least go from having the cap hit be a liability to something more along the lines of an asset, or perhaps even be able to deal Hayes and his hit altogether.
Finally, the 25-year-old Konecny is having a career-year of his own with 26 points in 26 games thus far. Always a reliable source of offense, the goals haven’t been there for Philadelphia this season like they have been in the past, but that’s been a non-issue for Konecny, who’s been able to drive offense nonetheless. Signed through 2024-25 at a relative bargain of $5.5MM AAV and just entering his prime, the Flyers may choose to utilize the forward as part of their long-term plans. But, given his control at a cost-effective price, the organization may just have a fantastic trade-chip on their hands either at the trade deadline or this offseason, should they choose to go that route.
What are the Flyers thankful for?
The Farm
As tough as things look right now for the Flyers, their group of young players and prospects appears to have them set up for a bright future. On the roster, Morgan Frost, Owen Tippett, and Noah Cates all appear headed in the right direction, while the recently-recalled Cam York is off to a strong start in the NHL with a pair of points in five games. After getting into 30 games with the Flyers last season, recording 10 points, York was sent back to the AHL to start this season, but his 13 points in 20 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms were enough to show he’d earned a recall.
In addition to York, players like Tyson Foerster, Olle Lycksell, Elliot Desnoyers, and Ronnie Attard have been developing nicely and contributing as key members of that team. Of course, there’s still plenty more for that group to work on to be ready for the NHL game, but it does appear to be a wave of talent that, when ready, will be able to lift the Flyers rather quickly. Currently injured, but expected to joint hat wave of talent is forward Bobby Brink who, after dominating in three years at the University of Denver, turned pro and joined the Flyers at the tail end of last year, adding four assists in 10 games in the NHL.
Perhaps the most exciting name in the farm right now is forward Cutter Gauthier, who the team drafted fifth overall in 2022. The forward, who brings size and elite offensive ability, already has 16 points, including 10 goals, through 13 games as a freshman with Boston College. Also of note, given their place in the standings this year, the Flyers will find themselves with another high pick in an incredibly strong NHL draft, giving them another name to add to this mix, as well as a strong lottery ticket in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.
What would the Flyers be even more thankful for?
The long-term health of Sean Couturier
The last we heard of Couturier, the center had undergone back surgery and was expected to miss three to four months from that point. That was on October 29th, which puts a February return as a likely possibility if all goes well. The issue there is, when it comes to injuries and recovery, all has not gone well for Couturier in recent years, costing him 53 games last season, and likely at least 50 at minimum this year.
Whether Couturier can return to regular, healthy action and contribute as he had in the past is still a question to be answered, but with the perennial Selke candidate signed for $7.75MM through 2029-30, much of the Flyers’ long-term future hangs on what they will get out of Couturier. If he can return to the player he was beforehand, it will give the organization another big building block to try and turn things around quickly, one they can combine with players like Hart and Konecny, as well as the young players discussed above. If Couturier can’t become that player again, they may be bound by another rather large contract for a very long time. Still, if Couturier isn’t able to come back at all, at the very least, they can keep his contract in LTIR going forward.
Much of this sentiment can ring true for defenseman Ryan Ellis, who the Flyers have signed at $6.25MM through 2026-27, though it would seem Couturier’s future is a lot more crucial. For instance, compare Couturier to Ellis, who is a solid top-four defenseman when healthy and has only played four games with the team, while Couturier represents arguably the face of the franchise after Claude Giroux’s trade, while playing on a much larger contract. That said, the long-term health and success of both players is incredibly important.
What should be on the Flyers holiday wishlist?
A rebuild, or at the least, a clear direction
Much has been made about the direction the Flyers are going in, whether that’s trying to compete now, taking a small step back to make some changes and wait for health, the possibility of going into a full rebuild, or something in between these. Many have wondered if the Flyers and their fans would even have the willingness to go through a full rebuild, something the organization has rarely, if ever, pursued in their long and storied past.
With the team making several, what felt almost contradictory, moves in recent months, the direction of the team grew more unclear, while the team remains towards the bottom of the standings. In previous years, the team has acquired and signed a number of star players to big contracts , such as Hayes, Ellis, James van Riemsdyk, and Rasmus Ristolainen. Then, last season, out of a playoff race, they dealt a franchise icon and pending UFA in Giroux, among others.
This offseason, the team appeared ready to make the moves to be competitive again, acquiring and extending Tony DeAngelo, but when the opportunity to sign hometown superstar Johnny Gaudreau presented itself in free agency, the team didn’t necessarily jump at the opportunity. On top of their somewhat confusing offseason dealings, the team also hired Tortorella, hoping he could change the team’s identity, getting more out of a cohesive group they believed they hadn’t had, perhaps sneaking into the playoffs, which doesn’t appear to be happening.
Whether a rebuild is the right move for the Flyers is something to be left up to the experts who actually run NHL teams. However, a clear “this is what we’re doing” direction, whether that’s a rebuild, a “retool” that goes a bit quicker using some of the pieces they have now, or simply doing all they can to turn the ship around now and be competitive as soon as possible, would seem to be a fair request from the fans and other stakeholders around the organization.
Cam Atkinson To Undergo Neck Surgery; Will Miss Rest Of Season
The Philadelphia Flyers continue to be haunted by mysterious injury issues, as Cam Atkinson is the latest to be ruled out for the rest of the season. The veteran forward will undergo neck surgery on Wednesday and is not expected back this season, according to Adam Kimelman of NHL.com.
Just a few weeks ago, it appeared as though Atkinson was well on his way to a return, joining the group for practice and competing in battle drills. Now it’s a lost season for the 33-year-old, who won’t play a single game in 2022-23. Unfortunately, that means both players involved in the 2021 trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets are out indefinitely, as Jakub Voracek’s career is in jeopardy because of head injuries.
The Flyers have been very vague on Atkinson’s specific issue, but Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet tweets that it is a “neck/upper arm” issue. Head coach John Tortorella told Charlie O’Connor of The Athletic today that Atkinson is confident this will not end his career.
After a decade in Columbus, Atkinson arrived in Philadelphia last year and continued his high offensive output, scoring 23 goals and 50 points in 73 games. That was good for second on the club in both categories, and set him up to be a key contributor under this new coaching staff. Tortorella has plenty of experience with Atkinson from their time in Columbus and has repeatedly spoken out about how much the team was missing him as a leader on and off the ice.
Signed through the 2024-25 season at a $5.875MM cap hit, he’ll hopefully be able to contribute in both areas next year.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Lukas Sedlak Signs in Czechia
Yesterday, Philadelphia Flyers forward Lukas Sedlak was curiously absent from practice, with it later reported that Sedlak had left the team and returned to his native Czechia. After a couple of hours, the Flyers confirmed that Sedlak had been placed on unconditional waivers for the purposes of terminating his contract. Though the decision was certainly surprising, Sedlak enjoying a solid season in his return to the NHL, one would expect he certainly has good reason to do so.
This morning, it seems Sedlak has already found his new team. HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga announced they’d signed the 29-year-old earlier today. For Sedlak, it will be his first experience playing in the Czech Extraliga. The forward had come to North America ahead of the 2011-12 season, playing two seasons in the QMJHL before turning pro, spending three seasons in the AHL, making his NHL debut in 2016-17 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sedlak would play three seasons with Columbus before signing in the KHL prior to the 2019-20 campaign. In three seasons with Chelyabinsk in the KHL, Sedlak would become a dynamic scorer, but opted to return to North American for 2022-23, signing with the Colorado Avalanche, ultimately claimed by the Flyers earlier this season. A solid NHLer and impactful KHLer, Sedlak should be able to become a star and a key factor for Pardubice while having the opportunity to play in his native Czechia.
Philadelphia Flyers Re-Assign Kieffer Bellows, Olle Lycksell To AHL
Late last night, after their game against the New York Rangers concluded, the Philadelphia Flyers announced a pair of roster moves. The team has re-assigned forwards Kieffer Bellows and Olle Lycksell to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, their AHL affiliate. Bellows, who had only been recalled earlier in the day yesterday, had already cleared waivers back on December 2nd and thus, didn’t have to clear them again. Lycksell is currently signed to his ELC and is not currently waiver eligible.
Bellows, 24, appears to have fallen off quite a bit since seeming to turn a corner in his development last season. Once one of the New York Islanders’ top prospects, Bellows struggled to put it together in the professional ranks, but his 19 points in 45 games in the NHL last season gave some sign of hope that the forward could finally put it together. This season however, Bellows has failed to record a point in 13 games, 12 with the Flyers and one with the Islanders, while averaging 11:30 per game. His time in the AHL, albeit brief, has been another story. There, the winger has seven points through his first five games, a promising sign in what seems to be a lost season already at the NHL level.
The 23-year-old Lycksell, a sixth-round pick of the Flyers back in 2017 is enjoying a solid start to his North American career with 16 points in his first 16 AHL games, as well as the opportunity to play in his first three NHL games. The forward spent the previous five seasons in the SHL, jumping between teams, but showing he can be a point-producer in a top league. Lycksell had a career-year in 2021-22 as a member of Vaxjo, putting up 34 points in 47 games in his only season with the team. Though being sent back to the AHL isn’t necessarily the best news for the player, Lycksell should have an opportunity to continue being an impact player for Lehigh Valley, which should help with his overall development as an NHLer.
James Van Riemsdyk Could Be Trade Chip; Flyers Could Retain Salary
One of those names, as pointed out by Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek during tonight’s 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night In Canada, is Philadelphia Flyers power forward James van Riemsdyk. The winger is in the final year of a five-year, $35MM contract he signed to rejoin the Flyers organization prior to the 2018-19 season. The veteran’s production has been up and down over the life of the deal, but his 10 points in 11 games thus far, while navigating through some injury issues, does make him an attractive trade asset. While he does carry a $7MM cap hit, Marek adds the Flyers would be willing to retain some of that figure. A number of teams would make sense for van Riemsdyk, but for the New Jersey native teaming up with the Devils might be an especially solid fit, given their need for a net-front presence, as detailed in our Thankful For series.
Zack MacEwen Out Saturday With Illness
- Philadelphia Flyers forward Zack MacEwen missed this evening’s game against the New York Rangers with an illness, reports The Athletic’s Charlie O’Connor. Of course, no forced absence is a good thing, however one would expect an injury to carry a shorter timeframe, which would be preferable to getting MacEwen back into the lineup. MacEwen has just eight points in 28 games this season, but with Philadelphia showing value in grit this year, the forward’s 38 penalty minutes are much appreciated.