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 Staal found himself on the Injured Reserve list (IR) with a fractured rib.
Yesterday, he clear the air with the injury and how he dealt with it originally. Stall is set to return, and could very well play today against the New York Islanders. He said his injury was painful at first. Staal also added that he had to sleep on his back and restrict himself from moving forward the first four or five days. He will wear an extra pad for protection.
Originally, 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 rotated with Andrae and Zamula, with Rasmus Ristolainen on the shelf. 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 had the depth to overcome this injury, as opposed to years past.
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, “A little bit of the mentor thing is a bit overblown,” Staal said after practice yesterday.
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 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, “We have a lot of guys that can score goals and make plays. I think they are starting to realize that.”
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Rasmus Ristolainen
Ristolainen has been cleared for contact, as he is wearing a regular Flyers jersey at practice today.
Hi flyersnittygritty.com owner, Excellent work!