Photo Credit: @tierney71
A 28-year-old Center/Winger in Chris Tierney is an intelligent hockey player. He is strong defensively, and has an active stick. Tierney’s motor never stops running, and he is the prototype player that would fit well under Flyers new Head Coach John Tortorella. He was waived yesterday by the Florida Panthers, and with the Flyers lack of depth within the system at the Center position, most notably, he might be worth it to claim.
Now if Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher decides to claim him. He would have to play with the Flyers for the entirety of the season, while being liable for his $750,000 salary. With the orange and black decimated at the center position with losing number one Center Sean Couturier to at least start the season, it really weakens the Flyers down the middle. Fletcher brought in Artem Anisimov on a PTO, but he is currently on the shelf with an injury, which makes even more sense to claim Tierney. Especially since Tierney has a higher ceiling than Anisimov.
Tierney’s strong skating abilities allow him to change directions quickly. He is a two-way center that possesses puck skills, and has a keen hockey sense. For his efforts, Tierney is valuable on the penalty kill, and he can really score some big goals.
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This 28-year-old in Tierney is a solid versatile, bottom 9 player that can play both Center and Wing. He could also play in the top six if need be. Moreover, Tierney is a defensive first type of player, and that might resonate well under Tortorella. However, Tierney can pot a big goal or two, as well. Last season, he has registered six goals, and 12 assists for 18 points in 70 games played.
The one thing the Flyers miss the most with the loss of Couturier is his penalty killing skills, and that was made clear last season. Tierney would provide help in this area, and he could provide tutelage to the youth, as well.
With the uncertainty to Sean Couturier (Who began skating), and if another injury arises to a Center it really puts the Flyers in danger. They just do not have the depth at this position in the system to withstand multiple injuries to key players. Tierney could be a huge asset for this young Flyers team.
