Hockey is almost back folks…Can you believe it!!!! Finally, we have been given a date of January 13, 2021 as a target date for a return. Both the NHL and NHLPA have put aside their differences economics wise, which means the greatest sport on Earth will resume sooner rather than later. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.
Flyers subtractions- Matt Niskanen (Retired), Tyler Pitlick, Nate Thompson, Derek Grant, Kurtis Gabriel, Andy Welinski, Reece Willcox
Flyers Additions- Erik Gustafsson, Derrick Pouliot (AHL Contract), Don’t forget the signings of Linus Sandin, Wade Allison, Tanner Laczynski, Linus Högberg, and re-signed Goaltenders Brian Elliott and Alex Lyon
The Flyers finished second in the Metropolitan Division last season with 89 points, and won a playoff round. Even with some of the media and fans alike not believing they would do such before the season began.
Unfortunately, the loss of Matt Niskanen is a big one, but fortunately the Flyers have a plan in place with using a defense by committee with two young defensemen in Travis Sanheim and Philippe Myers. Both of these young players can and will fill in for Niskanen admirably. Will it be a bunch of roses…no, but Sanheim has proven he can be trusted with playing with star defenseman Ivan Provorov, as he had to do such in 2018-19.
Even with Niskanen retiring the Flyers should improve upon last year’s second round playoff exit. I firmly believe the Flyers should make the Eastern Conference Finals. They have lot’s of budding young prospects that are chomping at the bit to get a shot in the NHL, and the Flyers have the Veteran leadership to be a Cup contender this coming season. On paper the Flyers will have four solid lines, and the best additions the Flyers could have made this offseason is a healthy Nolan Patrick and Oskar Lindblom. Patrick would be a huge asset as a third line center.
Even with Matt Niskanen retiring the Flyers appear to be in good shape heading into the upcoming 2020-21 season, at least on paper. Travis Sanheim and Philippe Myers appear to be a defense by committee as both will likely be paired with star defenseman Ivan Provorovat times throughout the course of the season. Don’t forget Sanheim was paired with Provorov in 2018-19, and he did it admirably.
The Flyers finished second in the division with 89 points to the Washington Capitals last season. Something that seems to be forgotten is the Flyers scored at a rate of 3.28 goals per game. The Flyers also had the 4th best goal differential in the league with a +36. This season the Flyers can even perform better in this department as they will be getting a healthy Nolan Patrick and Oskar Lindblom at some point.
Lindblom and Patrick were the two best offseason additions by Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher. The Flyers seem to be strong at the 3C position even if Patrick isn’t ready to start the season. Morgan Frost could be inserted into his spot…Claude Giroux or Scott Laughton could also fill in temporarily.
I believe the Flyers can finish with 70-80 points. Carter Hart, depth on Defense, a healthy Patrick and Lindblom, and the young budding prospects are my main reasons for this inflated point total.
@jaclyn311- Are we doing bubble hockey again?
From the information that I am receiving both the NHL and NHLPA do not want to do a bubble(s). This is their plan B option with the hopes that they do not have to utilize it. Unfortunately, the coronavirus will dictate how the NHL needs to proceed moving forward, and this may be causing the delay in the BOG vote.
Trade Patrick Sanheim jvr to jets for Laine retain salary if need be
Zamula is ready to replace Sanheim frost is ready and better then Patrick jvr stinks but would fit the jets
Flyers suck always will gm sucks monkey balls.
You suck Patrick whartenby