Photo Credit: Yong Kim, Philadelphia Inquirer
Matt Niskanen Player Profile
Episode 13 – The Flyers Got Exactly What They Needed In Matt Niskanen
Matt Niskanen is aging like a fine wine and when his career is over he will be seen as a vastly underrated defenseman. Since coming over in a trade that sent Radko Gudas to the Washington Capitals, Niskanen has been exactly what the Flyers have been looking for over the past recent years. Over the past few seasons the Flyers have been looking for a veteran Top-4 talent that could compliment their young defensive prospects. As the Flyers are now on their way to being a mainstay prominent Stanley Cup contender, Matt Niskanen has come in to fill that role. It is crucial that with any young defensive core, regardless of how talented, that a veteran become tightly integrated with the group.
Leadership matters. As the up’s and downs of an NHL season rocks the boat of every players development process, players like Matt Niskanen make that boat feel steady through treacherous waters. His career numbers have only progressed as he’s gotten older and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down as he hits his mid-30’s. With an excellent history of success with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, Niskanen is poised to bring that same success to Philadelphia. As he leads the way in the top pairing Defenseman role, along with Ivan Provorov, it is clear that Niskanen is earning his keep as he looks to find a home to end his career. If he keeps it up, it’ll probably be Philadelphia.
On Episode 13 of the Flyers Nitty Gritty Player Profile series, Yariv (@Ywolok) goes through Niskanen’s career history and potential. If you enjoy this content please hit that like button, hit that subscribe button, and always stay gritty. (twitter: @ywolok)
