CAMPUS CRUSADERS
WITH A READY-TO-GO
roster and plenty of youngsters already seizing spots, the Flyers have been able to invest in their longterm future by going heavy on college-bound prospects at the high end of the past two drafts. All five picks in the first three rounds have been NCAAaffiliated. The Flyers have also taken at least one goalie in the past five draft classes.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Carter Hart is the starter, but he’ll need a new backup next year, assuming UFA Brian Elliott walks. The Flyers could bring up another youngster from the minors, but given how well they’re built now, it makes more sense to find a Thomas Greiss type of goalie who can win games consistently and take the load if needed. LONG-TERM NEEDS: The Flyers’ defense was greatly improved this year thanks to Alain Vigneault behind the bench and a couple of veterans: Justin Braun and Matt Niskanen. Neither of those two are under contract for long and both will soon be in their mid-30s. Philadelphia needs the likes of Ivan Provorov, Shayne Gostisbehere and Travis Sanheim to really take over the blueline without those veteran safety blankets – or find someone who can. CAP SITUATION: GM Chuck Fletcher won’t have a lot to do in free agency as the most prominent UFAs are Elliott and Braun. Similarly, on the RFA front, D-men Robert Hagg and Philippe Myers won’t break the bank. The most interesting RFA is center Nolan Patrick, who lost his 2019-20 campaign due to migraines. A bridge deal surely suits him best.
IN THE SYSTEM 2020-21: Center Morgan Frost got a crash course in 20 NHL games and will learn from the experience. Power forward Wade Allison turns pro after four years at Western Michigan. He battled injuries but is farm-boy strong and can put up numbers.
DID YOU KNOW: Everett hometown hero Wyatte Wylie leaves his WHL squad tied for second all-time in Silvertips ‘D’ scoring. Wylie rang up 152 points in 272 games.