Photo Credit: Zack Hill
For as long as I can remember, the Flyers Defense was built on free agency. Signings like Derian Hatcher, Mike Rathje, and even Chris Pronger. Guys that have proven themselves in the league and were given
opportunities here in Philadelphia to bring the cup back home. Players like these three
brought memorable moments to the team.
Hatcher, knocking out Sidney Crosby’s teeth and sliding him across the ice as he lays on Hatcher’s stick his first year in the league. Pronger, a Hall of Famer, standing tall against any one in the league. A true shut down defenseman, and Stanley cup
winner who can provide leadership in any locker room. Rathje, a true defenseman with grittiness to his play. This was the Flyers defense for years, but oh the times have changed in Philadelphia, and all around the league.
The organization has finally provided the Defense with a different approach- growing young, skilled, homegrown talent. Players like Ivan Provorov, who has 27 points in 56 games this year, who is also one of the top “shut down” defensemen in the league. Travis Sanheim, 17 points in 56 games. Bringing a youth edge, who is learning every game but providing such an accelerated defensive ability. Players like
“Ghost” and Hagg who continue to impress. Although, “Ghost” has been on a slip and slide due to injury and lack of play, but we all remember his freshman year where he showed us all why he is here, and here to possibly stay for an extended period of time.
Now not all players on the Defense are from the Flyers minor league affiliates, trades transpire, such as, the Matt Niskanen deal- a proven offensive Defenseman and a Stanley cup winner who is still at the top of his game. Showing the youth the way with leadership, but also brings great skill to the young core.
The Defensive group the Flyers have been showing up with lately during games have been nothing short of impressive. For so long, the Flyers always looked for the “big signing,” and gave no chance for the young
players to develop or get a chance. I thank former General Manager Ron Hextall for this.
Going forward, I think the Flyers are in for a great future with a young core that is developing every practice, every game, every chance they get. Those days of signing of players that are “past their prime” seem to be over. Although, in the past, players have led the way for great moments with the franchise, and will not be taken for granted. However, it’s time for the present and the future of the Flyers new Defense to take over, and continue to show us why they are here to stay. Lets go Flyers!!!!!!
That’s my story and I am sticking to it
Loved Pronger! He was a great asset to the team! While having a “seasoned” player on the roster does make for good locker room presence and overall experience on the ice… the younger guys are the ones who will provide longevity and stamina to the defense! Great read!
#crosbysstillab*tch🙌🏼
You are right about defense wins championships! We have now a great top-four in defense, which is enough to win, like Nashville and especially Chicago has show”d us! But our GM must have a plan to replace Niskanen, when his contract is up either via trade or draft! That is why i was surprised, when we chose last summers draft to trade back in first round, and let Arizona draft right shooting Victor Söderström in our turn, whom they were so high on, that they traded up for him! Söderström would have been great option to replace Niskanen, when his contract is up! Instead we drafted Can York, who is sadly lefty, and even if he is going to be first pair talent, we don”t have room for him in our top-four! So we must have some kind of plan to replace Niskanen long term, because that is how our championship-window stays open! Otherwise when Morgan Frost is ready to take second-line center position with success, then our championship-window opens, and stays open for a long time! So Chucky you must make some kind of minor trade, and give example three prospects to get one great right shooting defense-man back, or draft next summer Braden Schneider or Justin Barron in first round, in order to keep our championship-window open for years to the future!
Such a great point you bring up. Well done. Niskanen will not be here forever, but seeing what he has provided the team in stats and leadership for a young core. It’s hard not to be appreciative of that. Management believes they can win NOW, you bring a guy already proven in the league to fill a void (Not that it was hard to fill McDonalds spot) and the team has a greater chance to win now, instead of developing another player. You make a great argument and I appreciate you reading the article. Means a lot.