We were all confident that Brian Elliott would re-sign with the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2020-2021 season. The price was spot on for the aging, quality goaltender to stay with the Flyers. Today, Elliott signed a one-year, $1.5mil extension to stay in Philadelphia.
Brian Elliott was the best option available for his value. In 2019-2020, Elliott earned every bit of his $2mil price tag, but Chuck Fletcher kept negotiations fair once again. As Elliott turns 36-years-old this season, investing $2mil again would not necessarily help the Philadelphia Flyers cap situation. Fletcher did a great job of securing a veteran on a team-friendly contract.
No other available free-agent goaltenders would have served as a mentor to Carter Hart for $1.5mil. Throughout all of 2019-2020, the Philadelphia Flyers counted on Brian Elliott to be a reliable backup for Hart. Elliott was more than reliable; he kept the Flyers in the postseason hunt at times. When Hart was bitten by the injury bug, Elliott played well. On most occasions, Elliott was Philadelphia’s road warrior.
If the Philadelphia Flyers were unable to bring back Brian Elliott, they would have had to pay more money to lure a restricted free-agent from another franchise. For the 2020-2021 season, Elliott is a safe bet. Alex Lyon received a one-year extension worth $700k, but would not act as the insurance policy required for Carter Hart. Chuck Fletcher realizes that in the NHL, a successful franchise needs two quality goaltenders. The Philadelphia Flyers are aiming to make another postseason push, and Fletcher wants Elliott by his side.
Leadership and work ethic are two standout traits instilled in developing the young players. It is the correct signing to accentuate those qualities at the goaltender position. Brian Elliott and Carter Hart have proven to be a successful pairing. Hart is the franchise goaltender, and Elliott is the role-playing veteran hand. To come back to the Philadelphia Flyers on a $500k bargain means that Elliott wants to be a Flyer.
Last season, Brian Elliott started 27 games, posted a 16-7-4 record with a 2.87 goals-against average, and saved 89.9% of all shots. Next season will be his fourth with the Philadelphia Flyers. Signing Elliott to this value extension means that the Flyers have the goaltending situation solved.
Mandatory Credit – Alex McIntyre
