By Robert Masusock
It’s October, and the smell of pumpkin spice coffee and hockey equipment is filling the air. After a third straight first round pick used on a defenseman, Ron Hextall now has a stable of young defenseman in the system many general mangers around the league would kill for. Add to that mix former University of North Dakota coach, Dave Hakstol, and the future seems extremely bright, especially given his reputation for developing top tier talent such as Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Toews and Team USA hero TJ Oshie.
Unfortunately for the Flyers, a new coach only meant more of the same for Vinny Lecavalier as he is listed as a healthy scratch for the opening game against his former team, the Tama Bay Lightning (quite a blow to the ego I’d imagine). To go along with that $4.5 million dead cap weight, Paul Holmgren’s final parting gift, Andrew MacDonald, and his nearly $5 million cap hit have cleared waivers. That’s nearly $10 million of dead weight on the cap but this year is more about progression, similar to that of every other team in this town lately, than it is about wins.
There remain many reasons to be optimistic, including Jake Voracek and Claude Giroux continuing to be one of the best pairings in the league having posted a combined 302 points over the past two seasons. They have continued to show that they can be the center pieces of this Flyers team today and for years to come.
The progression of Sean Couturier on the offensive side of the puck will also be a development to watch as this season unfolds. At only age 22 last season, he was able to post 37 points with a plus 4 rating. These numbers may seem pedestrian, but on a team that has struggled as much defensively as the flyers did a plus 4 defensive rating is an accomplishment. Making it even more noteworthy is the fact it was the first time since his rookie season, which he had an astonishing plus 18 rating at age 19, he was able to get above a plus 1. Most important for any defensive center is the ability to win a key faceoff when your team needs one and Couturier displayed growth in that aspect of his game as well last season, posting a career high 48.7 winning percentage. That in itself is a full 1 percent increase over his previous career high, set during the 2014-15 season. The 37 points however, was a 2 point decrease from the previous season but his goal total was a career high 15, along with a 10.1 shooting percentage; double his percentage the year before.
Heading further down the roster yet another reason for optimism on Broad Street is bruiser Radko Gudas. Gudas is a bruising defenseman who isn’t afraid to lay someone out or to drop the gloves afterwards (as evidenced in the video in the link). His play style is just what Philadelphia loves and he’ll surely bring an extra edge to the ice. What makes Gudas valuable is his ability to contribute offensively. This doesn’t mean he can do the heavy lifting on offense but he managed a very solid 22 points in 73 games in 2013-14 with the Lightning, so he is certainly no slouch. Making the 22 points all the more impressive is he paired that with 152 penalty minutes. Philadelphia should be salivating to see this man play. Oh and let’s not forget Gudas just turned 25 in June.
Arguably the biggest signing the flyers pulled off this off season was that of Evgeny Medvedev. Medvedev is a solid two-way defenseman who absolutely shined during the preseason, displaying his powerful shot and ability to move the puck that made him so highly praised coming out of Russia. Medvedev isn’t a typical rookie at age 33, after having played years professionally overseas in the KHL, so expect him to catch on quickly to both ends of the ice and help the team immediately this season.
The biggest issue the Flyers have had for years since the departure of their current general manager, is goaltending. Ilya Bryzgalov was the answer, until he wasn’t. Now it appears the man acquired off the scrap heap, and who lost his job to former Flyer Sergei Bobrovsky, is the man in Philly. Ever since Steve Mason was acquired he has shown what made him the rookie of the year and he has looked like the guy who helped lead a helpless Blue Jackets team to their first playoff berth in franchise history. In fact, I would go as far to say that Mason is the Flyers X-factor this season and his overall health will determine whether this team sees the postseason or not. No disrespect to a very solid backup in Michael Neuvirth, but Mason seems to posses another level of talent.
The Flyers are a long shot to win any championship (66/1 for you gamblers out there) but that doesn’t mean this year can’t be a fun one. Watch for growth from players like Couturier as mentioned, Scott Laughton who looks to make a bigger impact than last season, and maybe Brayden Schenn will finally become the Mike Richards type player we were promised(minus the oxcontin). Don’t forget Gudas and the physical play style he brings to the ice or the skill/grinder combination Wayne Simmonds has brought us for years now. Most importantly, just watch and enjoy seeing two of the leagues best forwards in Giroux and Voracek play together and be thankful that the Flyers future Stanley Cup odds are sure to improve in years to come.
Follow me on Twitter: @President_Rob51 Instagram: @RMasusock
Chuckles Sports 