Matt Niskanen
Shortly after the NHL released the schedule, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher spoke to the media, covering a range of topics surrounding the 2020-21 roster and how the Flyers will manage things in a shortened season.
For Kevin Hayes, a newcomer to the Flyers last season, this was the reason he had signed in Philadelphia. He wanted a chance to win and saw the potential the Flyers really offered as a key part of their success, and he believes that last season’s playoff run is only scratching the surface.
Alain Vigneault’s second season as Flyers head coach will begin next month on Jan. 13, when the NHL opens the 2020-21 season. The 56-game condensed schedule, realigned divisions, empty arenas and shortened training camp present a new set of challenges.
The Flyers will be tasked with finding a way to replace Matt Niskanen’s 20 minutes or more a night and produced points at a solid rate. On the surface, newly-signed Phil Myers could see his role increase and play on the right side of Ivan Provorov on the team’s top pairing.
The Flyers announced that they have re-signed Myers to a three-year deal worth $7.65 million, a $2.55 million average annual value.
Re-signing Phil Myers could very well be the last order of business for the Flyers this offseason, outside of waiting for when the 2020-21 season will begin. The Flyers are limited on cap space and have some players waiting in the wings for a chance to earn a regular spot in the NHL.
Flyers forward Nolan Patrick has accepted the team’s qualifying offer, returning on a one-year, $874,125 deal.
The Flyers announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a one-year deal worth $3 million.
The guys talk about the surprising news of Matt Niskanen’s retirement and the Flyers response by re-signing Justin Braun. They also discuss how it affects the Flyers offseason plans. Additionally, they look at some of the roster moves around the league and more.
Free agency opened on Friday and many players are electing patience in making their decisions, hearing out offers. There was no tampering period as there usually is in free agency, so every team was able to make their pitch against one another at the same time. On Day 1, the Flyers elected patience as well and continue to wait for the right opportunity.
