Danny Briere meant business as soon as the off began, and he hit the ground running, “We have a chance to really kind of start building the team the way we want it, the right way that we’ve talked about.”
Briere continued, “We’re open for business. We’ll listen if it makes sense. If the value is there for us, definitely. That’s kind of the luxury of having a lot of picks, and unfortunately, in the situation we’re at when you finish a little lower in the standings, you have better picks. It’s good and it’s bad. You have to suffer for it. Nothing’s off the table on our side.”
Flyers fans do not expect the Flyers to be very active during free agency, as a matter of fact they may plug a hole after the frenzy begins today at noon. Look for the Flyers to add another veteran defenseman, and possibly a depth third/fourth line Center. Here are some names to look for to fill the voids in these particular positions:
Third/Fourth Line Center- Vladislav Namestnikov, Craig Smith, Mattias Janmark
Veteran Defenseman– Ian Cole, Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Cheap after a buyout from Vancouver), Carson Soucy
The good news is Briere wants to give the youth an opportunity to shine right out of the gate. Each prospect takes time, and yes this includes Cam York, Egor Zamula, Elliot Desnoyers, Tyson Foerster, and Ronnie Attard. It is better if that young prospect out plays the veteran for a spot in camp, rather than just banking on a young prospect to take the spot.
Briere said at the draft that the Flyers would not be very active in free agency, and he didn’t want to block the youth. He wants young prospects to win spots, and not be blocked by a veteran.
This philosophy above could help push the young players with competition. Competition is healthy and it can be a good thing in terms of production. The Flyers will add via free agency but do not look for a blockbuster type deal, or players looking for term contracts.
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With all the talk of turning over the roster- DeAngelo, Laughton,JVR, etc are all still here
Even though, I was very disappointed in the Hayes return( eep. with the maintaining 50%)I thought there would be more trades.