Photo Credit: Eric Hartline/USAToday
The Flyers announced their third signing to the big club via free agency in the Summer. Danny Briere decided to add a Veteran to the defense corps, that will be littered with youth, such as, Emil Andrae, Ronnie Attard, Adam Ginning, and Egor Zamula to name a few.
Staal knew the Flyers well, especially with playing with the New York Rangers over the course of 13 seasons. He was also a catalyst during the Florida Panthers improbable run a few months ago during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately, just four games into the season stall now it’s fine to himself on the Injured Reserve list (IR).
Last night, Staal headed up the tunnel in the second period and it was believed by the way the play was constructed along the boards that he hurt his arm/wrist. The Flyers announced later in the game that he would not return, due to an upper body injury. The Flyers will now likely rotate with Andrae and Zamula, in the event that Rasmus Ristolainen can return to full health tomorrow before the Dallas game. Some fans didn’t understand why the Flyers were carrying eight defenseman to start the season, injuries arise, they are inevitable. At least the Flyers have the depth to overcome this injury.
Some Flyers fans were upset by the Marc Staal signing. Listen if the youth can’t win a spot from a vet, then they need more time in the AHL, it’s as simple as that. Let the youth earn spots, not give them one. There is no risk in adding depth to a position that needs it the most.
Everyone knows the Flyers are not supposed to be a “Good” hockey club this season, however, that does not mean they should roll over and just lose miserably. Let the kids earn their spots, and if one outplays Staal throughout the course of the season, so be it let them play. Staal has only signed a one-year deal for $1.1 million. Zamula is no longer waivers exempt, so more than likely he will be up with the big club for good anyways.
Staal is a good depth signing, nothing more, nothing less. Staal shows leadership on the ice, and has tons of experience that he can pass onto the youth to grow their games.
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