Photo Credit: Frankie Steskal
The Flyers are three games into their pre-season and have a record of 1-1-1. Their record would show that the team is average, but they have shown that they are in fact, a team. With the addition of some proven leaders and skilled players, the Flyers are looking to contend, and contend now. How have some of the newly acquired players been able to help, and what do they provide? Let’s get into it with our first player.
Rasmus Ristolainen-D-acquired from Buffalo
A trade that had many Flyers fans in disbelief and confusion. A trade that sent the 1st round pick(14th overall) of the 2021 draft, a 2nd round pick of the 2023 draft, and Flyers Defenseman Robert Haag to the Buffalo Sabres to acquire the “Tower of Power” (Thanks Jesse Bell of @Flyersalley for the nickname) to Philly. I was hesitant on this move, but after seeing some of the games and what he brings, I am sold on Risto. He brings such a physical presence to this team, something that has been lacking for some time now. In two games played thus far, he has two assists and seven hits, while adding in three shots. A solid player at the blue line and a physical player that the Flyers have needed.
Derick Brassard-C
One of the later and most surprising signings of the offseason was the signing of former Islander Derick Brassard. A solid skater who can play both ends of the ice, has some scoring ability, and can make plays for other players. A solid center that adds depth to any lineup. He has dealt with some injuries in the past but getting him for $850,000 on a one-year deal was much worth it. Leadership, a former Assistant Captain, Chuck Fletcher can’t go wrong for this bargain price player.
Cam Atkinson-RW-traded from Columbus Blue Jackets
Possibly one of the best moves made by Chuck Fletcher this offseason was trading a long time Flyer Jakub Voracek, that sent him to Columbus for scorer Cam Atkinson. A deal that Columbus retained all of Voracek’s contract, in exchange for Cam. A “shoot first” player that has shown he can still score goals. Recently scoring a goal in the last game against the Capitals, he finished with one goal, three shots on net, and registered two hits. A much needed acquisition to say the least, especially for a first shoot mentality player.
Martin Jones-G
Flyers management knew they would be losing Brian Elliott to free agency, a solid backup goaltender, and a player who has mentored Carter Hart through his young career. A big move that was needed was finding the new backup goaltender for Hart, that would be former Shark goalie Martin Jones. Jones has excellent playoff experience winning a Stanley Cup in 2013-2014 with the Los Angeles Kings (was the backup to Jonathan Quick) and played 24 games with the San Jose Sharks going 14-10, while taking them to the Finals in the process. A goalie who also is looking to compete and prove something. This will keep Carter Hart staying strong and wanting to get better and better. Now early in the pre-season, Jones did not look great in his first outing. Playing 30:42 minutes, registering only eight saves on 11 shots faced, while allowing three goals, one of which he should have saved. The talks had started before Saturday’s pre-season game, could he be the guy to backup Carter? He received another shot against the Caps and played extremely well. Jones played the entire game, saving 21 out of 22 shots faced with a .955 Save Percentage. Great game for sure.
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The Flyers bulked up the roster with some key players, these are just a few of them. Keep an eye out for more and lets get at it. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
