Let the games begin. That’s right folks the NHL free agency period opens up at noon tomorrow. The hype and fun of the offseason will start with a buyers frenzy for most teams. However, folks, just don’t expect the Flyers to be one of those teams looking to make a major splash, or one of these teams looking to make multiple additions.
Newly crowned General Manager Chuck Fletcher and the Flyers made a flurry of moves in the weeks leading up to the free agency period opening, signing and trading for players like Kevin Hayes, Matt Niskanen, and Justin Braun. Let’s keep in mind Fletcher wants to save some of the $15.146 million in cap space (According to Capfriendly) to re-up Travis Konecny, Ivan Provorov, and Scott Laughton. With that being said, the Flyers are looking to add a possible third line winger, and that would be it. Here are some solid third line wingers that may or may not wind up with the orange and black.
FORWARDS
Mats Zuccarello
Zuuuuuuuuuuucccccc as Flyers fans know him from his days of being a member of the New York Rangers, potted 12 goals, and registered 28 assists last season for the Dallas Stars. He still has wheels, and Zuccarello would be a fine addition for the right price on the third line. Zuccarello made $4.5 million last season.
Justin Williams
Williams is a former Flyer, and boy would the Flyers like to go into the past, and undo that trade to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2004. He is a machine, the guy has wheels, and Williams can pot a big goal or two. Williams became part of the “Storm Squad,” and he would lead the Hurricanes to cheers following a victory. Wouldn’t that be intriguing in Philly? Williams made $4.5 million last season. More than likely he re-signs with the Hurricanes though, but his name is still worth noting.
Gustav Nyquist
Nyquist is very talented offensively, but he’s not the best defensive player. He is fresh off a career year, in which Nyquist cracked the 60 point plateau for the San Jose Sharks. Nyquist could help the Flyers immensely on the power play, and pot a huge goal for sure. Unfortunately, Nyquist may be looking for term and money, none of which the Flyers would like to give him. In the event he would sign a cheap deal, then Fletcher will be interested for sure.
Michael Ferland
At age 27, weighing 217 pounds, while standing at 6’1,” Ferland could help the Flyers in many ways. He can board battle with the best of them, which is a dire need for the orange and black. Moreover, Ferland possesses size on the wing, while still potting 17-20 goals per year. Let’s not forget about standing up for his teammates. Ferland can throw down the mitts with the best of them. He will do it all for his team to win, and Ferland does it well.
Jason Pominville
Pominville is clearly one of the greatest Buffalo Sabres in their franchise history. He still has some gas in the tank and has some wheels, as well. Pominville was a fan favorite for many reasons. He plays his heart out on every shift. Regardless, of how the Sabres were doing throughout the season, he is one that never complains and goes about his business. For his career as a Sabre, Pominville has registered 217 goals, and 304 assists for a total of 521 points in 733 games played.
At the ripe age of 36, Pominville still managed to pot 16 goals for the 2018-19 season. That’s quite impressive for the number of miles Pominville has on his tires. Pominville may be on Fletcher’s radar for the right price for on the opening day of free agency if Pominville doesn’t re-sign with the Sabres.
The players that are looking for short-term deals are the ones that Fletcher wouldn’t mind adding. However, this does not mean Fletcher won’t try to upgrade via trade, as he is always looking to improve his roster. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
Mandatory Credit: Jose F. Morena/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP
