The moves keep on coming. In the heart of developmental camp, the Flyers announced that they have re-signed goaltender Brian Elliott on a one-year deal.
“Brian has played well for us the last two seasons,” said Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher per the official announcement. “He is a proven, quality goaltender who competes and battles hard every time he has the net. We are excited to have him rejoin our team.”
It’s clear at this point that Carter Hart is the goalie of the future, but after years of instability at the position, retaining a proven veteran who is familiar with the locker room and can step in at a moments notice as a backup is valuable.
The Philadelphia Flyers set a franchise record last season for the number of different goaltenders who started games. Eight different goaltenders suited up, which is a statistic that simply has to stay an anomaly moving forward.
Since joining the Flyers as a free agent in 2017, Elliott went 11-11-1, with a 2.96 GAA and a .907 save percentage in 2018. The 34-year old was 5-3-1 when he returned from a major groin injury in February. The rise of Carter Hart, when partnered with the return of Elliott, were two major factors that the Flyers even had a shot at the playoffs as the season came to a close.
The deal is worth $2M, which is $750k cheaper than his last contract, more good news for a team preparing to pony up big bucks for two young stars in Konecny and Provorov.
If the veteran is unable to go the distance, the good news is, he no longer has to. Carter Hart proved himself worthy of an immediate starting role last season and that means Elliott’s usage will take a natural hit. His role is clear, to help mold Carter Hart into the next big superstar goaltender, and to provide relief and rotation when called upon, something his experience and .907 save percentage are more than capable of doing.
Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
