Brian Elliott AKA “The Moose” has stepped up in time of need time and time again, even with all his prior injuries with the Flyers. When healthy Elliott is a solid, good goalie, who might not be able to start 40-50 games a season, but he’s a darn good backup. The problems that he has had in the past with being unhealthy seem to be a thing of the past.
He played well in the playoffs, and at times didn’t see rubber for about a week at a time. Elliott finished the playoffs with a 1-0 record, 2.15 GAA, and a .911 Save Percentage in three games played. Moreover, “The Moose” put up solid backup numbers this season before it was halted due to the Coronavirus, compiling a 16-7-4 record, 2.87 GAA, with a .899 Save Percentage. Not eye popping numbers by any means, or Vezina Trophy numbers, but it showed he did his job.
Elliott carried the load for the Flyers when Carter Hart was hurt in January-February, and he compiled a 6-2-2 record for his efforts. He also provided mentorship to the young Carter Hart, “Me and Moose, we get along really well. I love playing with him. He’s been a great mentor to me. He’s obviously a veteran goalie in the NHL and has a lot of experience. He’s taught me a lot. We have a lot of fun playing together,” Carter Hart said yesterday.
If I’m Chuck Fletcher my first priority this offseason would be to re-sign Elliott. The Flyers have until October 7 at 5pm EST to submit qualifying offers to their RFA’s. This gives Fletcher ample amount of time to possibly resign their RFA’s, and re-sign Elliott in the process. I would do everything in my power to keep Hart Happy, as a happy Hart would go a long way for his development, “I love playing alongside him. I really hope he’s back. I think he definitely wants to come back as well. I love playing alongside of him and we have a great relationship. We have a lot of fun together and he’s taught me so many things. I’m very grateful to play alongside him this year and I hope next year as well,” Carter Hart said.
If Elliott wants to return, Fletcher should have a verbal agreement in place sooner rather than later before free agency opens on October 9th. Elliott appears to love the City of Philadelphia, and has embraced the fans of Philadelphia. This is a match made in heaven, let’s keep Hart Happy.
