The Flyers knew before the Kate Smith controversy that fans were growing impatient with the front office. This is the most critical off-seasons in recent memory, get it right and they could become contenders possibly within a year, get it wrong and this could set them back for about 5 years.
Fortunately, the orange and black have cap space to add, and make some solid splashes via free agency or trade. They will do exactly that, “We would like a veteran defenseman, more scoring forwards, and a goalie for Hart,” Fletcher stated at the exit interviews.” We will be active to improve the team. Everyone is tradeable.” One way to ease the tension is building a contender, and Fletcher intends to do just that this off-season. The Flyers will make this right, as they know the proud orange clad fans support them through thick and thin. They hear you loud and clear, and the Flyers will make this right in the end.
Terry Murray will more than likely figure into his Assistant role somewhere. He has a ton of experience as a Defensive coach, so adding him as a coach of the Penalty Killing unit wouldn’t be out of the question.
Scott Gordon. Yes, Fletcher did say he is more than welcome of being the Head Coach of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, but Gordon did a remarkable job of fixing the penalty killing unit of the Flyers. Moreover, Gordon had a great PK with the Phantoms, as well. This doesn’t seem like a long shot by any means.
Kjell Samuelsson may also figure into the mix, as well. Samuelsson is a Player Development Coach, and may want to eventually become a Head Coach or a reliable Assistant Coach in the NHL.
Another coach that would fit Vigneault’s system is Scott Arniel. He served as an Assistant for Vigneault for 5 years with the New York Rangers. Arniel is fantastic at grooming Forwards. Of course, he is currently serving as an Assistant Coach for the Washington Capitals, but anything could happen if the Flyers ask for permission.
Kevin Dineen would also be an interesting candidate. He was fired along with Joel Quenneville with the Chicago Blackhawks. Of course, Coach Q may want his services in Florida, but Dineen also has previous ties to the Flyers.
Lastly, I would love for Joey Mullen to come back as Head of the Power Play Unit. It’s a long shot, and one that may be unlikely but it would be neat. Mullen, in my opinion, shouldn’t have been terminated anyways.
The answer to your question is “Hell’s Yea.” Michael Ferland would be the big body player the Flyers need and Matt Duchene with his crafty playmaking skills. Not to mention Jacob Trouba and his Defensive prowess. This would make all Flyers fans happy for sure, and would hopefully bring a parade down Broad Street in the future.
By the time Fletcher extends our six restricted free agents in Justin Bailey, Ryan Hartman, Travis Sanheim, Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny, and Scott Laughton. This would leave the Flyers with approximately $14 million worth of cap space top add some UFA’s. Of course, the Flyers would start with approximately $35 million worth of cap space before extending the RFA’s.
I have information from my source that Provorov will resign before the World Championships begin. However, I have not heard anything on the remaining 5 RFA’s that the orange and black have.
I think Kevin Hayes will be our next 2C. He is familiar with a Vigneault system, and he played well under him. Hayes provides a big body down the middle, and Nolan Patrick would then slot as a 3C. Hayes would be able to win board battles, as well, as this was one area the Flyers really struggled in this past season with maintaining possession in both the Offensive and Defensive Zone.
The Flyers will add a top-four defenseman this off-season. Whether that’s via trade or free agency, Fletcher will definitely add one. Fletcher stated that he’s not a fan of buyouts, so to me that signaled that Andrew MacDonald will not be bought out. I think he will be stashed with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, much like the way Matt Read was.
I do believe that one of Robert Hagg or Ghost will be traded. They may be traded to acquire a top-four defenseman. The backend is kind of crowded right now, so something has to give. Samuel Morin will be given every opportunity to slide into an everyday role, so let’s hope he comes to Camp prepared. The Flyers haven’t given up on him, and he hasn’t given up on them.
Jacob Trouba would be an excellent addition to this club. I do believe that Fletcher would trade for his rights, rather than submit an offer sheet. Trouba is a defenseman the Flyers could use now, and he provides stability to a back-end that could use it until the youth take over.
