The Flyers are in the midst of the offseason while they await the outcome of the draft lottery, and finish with interviews to fill their vacant Hockey Ops positions. One would think they like to have a front office in place by the draft, so without further delay here are the answers to your questions.
I am hearing a quality list of names, and most have experience in such. Dan Hilferty would like to right the ship, so I believe he would like some experienced mind running the ship, at least for a bit.
Ray Shero
Scott Mellanby
Dave Poulin
Doug Wilson
Kevin Weekes
Émilie Castonguay was included in such, but she has since pulled out and will stay with the Vancouver Canucks organization
Anthony DiMarco has heard that Cammi Granato and Eddie Olscyk are included, but I have not personally heard that. I’m sure he is accurate though with his information. Olscyk was rumored early to be involved with such, but soon after that it went cold, so let’s see what happens.
Assuming that Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson return next season to full health. I would expect this current team as molded to compete for a playoff spot. I would place them on the playoff bubble next season, so realistically they could make the playoffs in the 2023-24 season. Tyson Foerster would make the team after losing James van Riemsdyk, and of course there will be some shuffling of the cards at the defensive position. Carter Hart should return next season, and put forth another solid season. All recipes for success next season, especially after having a year of experience under Head Coach John Tortorella.
The Flyers will need a lot of work in becoming a contender. Unfortunately, they just do not have enough talent or high-end talent to move the needle. They lack a true superstar, or superstar caliber player. Until this changes, they will continue to be on the playoff bubble. I presume they could move into contention within the next two-three years.
Dalibor Dvorsky. I actually think he has one of the most underrated shots in the draft, coupled with good skating. He can be a force to be reckoned with for years with the orange and black, as they continue to search for pure shooters. This is it, however, don’t be surprised if Zach Benson falls to the Flyers.
Firstly, the Flyers should shed some long-term contracts. One player the orange and black should start with is Kevin Hayes. After trading Hayes, I would then re-sign Owen Tippett and Carter Hart to get both of those out of the way, and give them confidence for the coming year while saving cap in the same token especially if both have big years.
Secondly, the orange and black need high-end talent and one who’s a good skater. The Flyers are very inconsistent with scoring goals, if they added a pure shooter, then things could change. That said player could be coupled with 30 goal players in both Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett. Moreover, Morgan Frost potting 20 plus goals helps on this front, as well. It is not easy to obtain some of these said players overnight. It may take another two to three years to get back into contention because the easiest way to obtain a high-end talented player is through the draft. That would also be the cheapest option.
Thirdly, the Flyers could use one more quality defenseman. A top pairing/middle pairing defenseman. I do not expect Ryan Ellis to ever play again, there are no sources behind this, that is just my personal belief. However, signing or obtaining a good quality defenseman via trade is needed. It would sure make Carter Hart’s life easier with less shots faced.
Dalibor Dvorsky. I actually think he has one of the most underrated shots in the draft, coupled with good skating. He can be a force to be reckoned with for years with the orange and black, as they continue to surf for pure shooters.
I said this earlier, and I’ll say it again. There could be a chance Zach Benson drops out of the top 6. In the event this happens, look for Benson to get selected by the Flyers at pick 7.
It does seem like a great idea, but the idea is to go with the best player available, not need. This draft is top loaded with good offensive talent, it’s just too good to pass up. If the Flyers decide to move back, and recoup picks. Look for the Flyers to select David Reinbacher (RHD).
CSKA President Igor Esmantovich says Ivan Fedotov will return to CSKA, and they are ready to take him back. This is not good for Fedotov in Philly, but THANKFULLY he’s safe and ok.
It appears Danny Briere will be aggressive, and one that won’t hope and pray things fall in place. I think he will take a risk or two, whether that’s moving up or back in the draft. Hey if teams are offering high-end talent for pick 7, why not move back and then also recoup a pick or two in the same process.
Briere said that they may move up in the draft, and of course this depends on Monday goes at the draft lottery, but it’s great to hear a Flyers General Manager be aggressive for once.
The center ice double logos at the Wells Fargo Center and other home arenas were an Ed Snider Tradition. Snider thought it looked neat and distinctive, and I’ve come to understand he didn’t particularly care for just one logo. In the end, the Flyers switched to just one logo which is what the rest of league has, nothing more, nothing less.
If you would like to see your questions submitted in our weekly mailbag. Just submit your question on our Twitter page @flyersknitty using #Flyersmail, or @JameyBaskow. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag.
