The Flyers are in desperate need of changes this offseason and the 2021 free agent class is one they should really dip their toes into. There has been a few debates as to if the Flyers should go into a full on rebuild, but they just need a retool in my opinion. Grab a top pairing defenseman, a player with size and grit, and a middle-six or bottom-line center.
Dougie Hamilton – RD – Carolina Hurricanes
It’s no question that Hamilton is one of the best players in the free agent class. He has been one of the best defenseman in the league for a while now. The 28-year-old defenseman will look to get a hefty contract, but if signed by the Flyers, could make a huge impact. If he is paired with Ivan Provorov on defense, the duo could become one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL.
Hamilton has played for three teams in his career between the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and recently the Carolina Hurricanes. In 607 career games, the offensive defenseman has notched 106 goals and 235 assists for 341 total points. Hamilton is a tall, strong defenseman with good puck-moving skills and a strong shot on net.
Casey Cizikas – C New York Islanders
If the Flyers can snag Cizikas, they will get a centerman with speed and a good two-way game. He will bring a solid middle-six role to the Flyers and the ability to play in all types of situations. Cizikas has played with the Islanders the past 10 seasons and has managed to put up 81 goals and 104 assists for 185 points in 590 NHL games.
Jason Demers – RHD Arizona Coyotes
Right-handed defenseman, Demers, was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the seventh round, 186th overall, at the 2008 NHL Draft. He has played in 699 NHL games, posting 45 goals and 169 assists for 214 points. Demers is a good puck-moving defenseman who can also provide a physical role on the backend for the Flyers.
David Savard – RHD Tampa Bay Lightning
Savard would be a great signing for the Flyers. The 6’2, 229 pound defenseman has played 611 games posting 41 goals and 125 assists for 166 points. Savard is very good defensively. He can be physical, block shots, and play an overall good defensive game, taking away scoring opportunities from the opposition. He has some decent offensive tools as well. Savard could be a very impactful player for the Flyers if signed.
Mikael Granlund – C/W Nashville Predators
Finnish forward, Granlund, would be a perfect fit for the Flyers forward role. He was a 2010 ninth overall selection by the Minnesota Wild. He has played 591 NHL games and has posted 124 goals and 255 assists for 379 points. Granlund is a playmaking forward with strong vision and hockey sense. He can skate well and is a versatile player.
Potential goalie signings: Fredrick Anderson, Jonathan Bernier, Philipp Grubauer, or Linus Ullmark.
Get rid of Giroux, Voracek, Braun, Hagg, Myers, Sanheim. Sign Hamilton or trade for Dumba. Trade for Jack Eichel or Laine or both if you can do it. Sign Landeskog.
Go with a youth movement and let them grow. Bring up York. Build the D around Morin, Ghost, Provorov, York.
Sign a free agent goalie to back up Hart like Reimer or Grubauer.