Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall rocked and rolled this off-season. For the first time as General Manager of the orange and black. Hextall was afforded some cap space. He brought home a much-needed high valued Winger, with beautiful hands in James Van Riemsdyk. Moreover, Hextall made a depth signing with RHD Christian Folin a few weeks later.
Some were skeptical of how Hextall would approach free agency before the market opened for business on July 1st. Hextall has become known to the fans as the drafting magician, and with the JVR signing it shows he means business this coming season. Flyers hockey is alive and well on Broad Street, and this team will make some headlines in the right way this coming season. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.
Which flyer/flyers do you think will have a break out 2018-2019 season?
— Philly’s Phinest Sports News (@PhilasPhinestSN) July 25, 2018
The Wayne “Train” Simmonds will rebound in a great way for the orange and black. A few months ago, Ron Hextall stated that Simmonds should be 100% by the time training camp begins. After a season filled with many injuries in 2017-18. Simmonds will pot 30-35 goals in 2018-19, and chip in about 20 assists. He will continue to stick up for his teammates, and play in any situation the coaching staff asks of him.
Honorable Mentions: Jordan Weal/Nolan Patrick
Thanks so much for your support. @PhilasPhinestSN is alive and well. They put out quality content for all four major Philly sports teams. Give them a follow Flyers fans.
Not so much a question as an observation: isn't it funny how hexy didn't make a splash by making a big trade or a massive signing, yet the flyers are in a damn good position heading into the year?
— Anthony Mazziotti (@AntMazziotti) July 25, 2018
It’s crazy to think that JVR would be the biggest signing in Philadelphia sports this off-season. However, that’s exactly what happened. JVR wasn’t the biggest name on the market, but he fills a glaring need from prior years on the Wing. This one signing seems to balance all four lines at least on paper.
I’m with you in that JVR isn’t a John Tavares type of signing. However, this was an insane, really solid, first big free agent signing by Hextall. This really shows that Hextall is ready to take the next step in the rebuild, and that he believes in this core. The Flyers are well on their way towards a first-round playoff series victory heading into this season.
Anthony can’t say thank you enough for your support. You’re simply the man. Philly Influencer is lucky to have you as a writer.
https://twitter.com/archangels1111/status/1022235281376739328?s=19
Artemi Panarin is the player I think you may be hinting at. I really don’t think Panarin will be moved before the season begins. If Panarin gets moved I believe it will be at the trade deadline (If he gets- moved at all). If the Columbus Blue Jackets are contending for the division by the trade deadline. I could see the Blue Jackets holding onto him, and risk losing him to free agency.
Panarin is a great option for the orange and black in the off-season, if he becomes a free agent. The Flyers are definitely interested in his services. However, he will take the house to obtain via trade. A move for Panarin could look like…Simmonds and maybe another player, multiple high valued prospects, and multiple picks. It’s really hard to gauge exactly what Columbus would ask the Flyers for, as both teams are in the same division. To move a high valued player within the Division, sometimes the other team has to give more. Make no mistake about it I would love to add Panarin, so I’m open for anything.
Michael thanks for your continued support. Without you this site doesn’t exist. I hope you and you’re family are doing well.
Should Simmonds and JVR be on the same power play unit? I think they should be on different units and then you have a strong net front guy on each unit. But I have seen people put them together on one unit
— Dan Carroll (@Dan_Carroll14) July 25, 2018
PP1: Giroux, JVR, Couts, Patrick, Ghost
PP2: Simmonds, Voracek, Konecny, Sanheim/Laughton/Weal, Provorov
I think JVR and Simmonds should be on seperate units, as well. JVR would look great on the top Power Play Unit. He could interchange in the slot area with Couturier, thus moving to the top of the point, if Voracek was moved down to the second PP unit. JVR is not only committed to a two-way game, but he has a blistering shot. He is also very good at redirecting shots. This would make our top Power Play Unit less predictable. The Flyers have to take advantage of these golden opportunities while being a man up. Most successful playoff teams have good special teams.
Dan thanks for your continued support. Without you this site wouldn’t be here today. You’re simply the man my friend.
In your opinion, and given how tight the Met is, what are the chances of the Flyers taking the division? I like your chances. Especially with the addition JVR. Your top 6 is scary good. Also some elite talent on your blue line. Determining factor will be secondary scoring imo
— Jeff Germann (@TBBoltsDoctor) July 26, 2018
The Flyers offense seems to be a well oiled machine at least on paper for the 2018-19 season. Anything can happen that’s for sure, but I still think the Flyers are a year away from the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers will need consistent goaltending to obtain that spot, and they may not have that this coming season. However, with that being said I think they can contend for the top spot. I will go on record saying the orange and black will win a first-round playoff series this coming season. To me the top three of the division will be as follows:
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Flyers
Jeff you’re a great person. Thanks so much for your support. Without you this site wouldn’t be here today. Good luck to Tampa, and the rest of your great fans this coming season.
#FlyersMail Do you think Hextall has one more move coming or are they going to Gillick and stand Pat?
— Barry (@TheRealCrowhuck) July 25, 2018
The Flyers appear to be done adding this off-season, and this includes a trade for Artemi Panarin. Hextall stated this past Wednesday that he’s confident with filling the third and fourth line positions in-house. He also referenced Jordan Weal as a possible third line Center once again. I think he’s hinting that Weal could very well be that guy this coming season. Look for a Panarin trade at the deadline, or next off-season when/if he becomes a free agent. I will say the Flyers are definitely interested in his services.
Barry you’re a hard-worker. One that lives and bleeds the orange and black. Thanks for your support. You’re simply the man.
https://twitter.com/Flyers4Cup/status/1022180264208990209
The Penalty Killing has been downright dreadful for a few years now. Hopefully, the Flyers will adopt the attack style system this coming season. The orange and black finally have the speedy personnel, and Forwards that are dedicated to a two-way game to pull this off. Gone…cross our fingers…are the days of the sit back style. Attack the opponents before they enter our Defensive Zone, thus making things a little more difficult for our opponents. Simply put, stand some of our opponents up at the blue line, thus not giving our opponents space to create. This would make our opponents more predictable with the dump and chase system, by clogging up the neutral zone. The Flyers must change their Defensive style heading into the 2018-19 season.
Ken you’re one main reason this site still exists today. I can’t thank you enough for your continued support. You’re simply the man.
Hey Jamey. Do you see Hart on this team next season?
— Tommy (@TheGreen_3) July 26, 2018
I firmly believe that Carter Hart will be on the team at some point this coming season. It’s not a matter of IF he will, rather WHEN he will. Hart is the goaltender of the future, and if he’s doing well with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Why not call-up the goaltender of the future when an injury occurs? Hart is the guy, and he will be the first call-up I believe. For his three-year career with the Everett Silvertips Hart amassed an 85-40-12 record, 2.13 GAA, and a .921 Save Percentage.
Tommy your continued support means so much. This site wouldn’t exist without you. Hope all is well with you and your family.
https://twitter.com/babzilla_/status/1022528144362926080?s=19
I firmly believe that Carter Hart will be on the team at some point this coming season. It’s not a matter of if he will, rather when he will. Hart is the goaltender of the future, and if he’s doing well with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Why not call-up the goaltender of the future when an injury occurs? Hart will be that guy. For his three-year career with the Everett Silvertips Hart amassed an 85-40-12 record, 2.13 GAA, and a .921 Save Percentage in 149 games played.
Pigeon thanks for your continued support. I can’t express how much it means.
If you would like to see your questions submitted in our weekly mailbag. Just submit your question on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #Flyersmail. This mailbag will continue throughout the off-season. Just because the season is over, we don’t stop here at this site. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag, and Let’s go Flyers. Without your support we wouldn’t be here today.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
