|
Kraken Expansion Draft - Philadelphia Flyers |
|
|
|
|
|
We are back at it with another Expansion Blog. We are down to the last 10 teams with today being the Flyers.
Today I am joined by a Flyers fan who sent me the post below. Please enjoy!
---
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS EXPANSION LIST
FORWARDS
Claude Giroux (NMC) - LW
Kevin Hayes (NMC) - C
Jakub Vorachek - RW
Travis Konecny - RW
Sean Couturier - C
Oskar Lindblom - LW
Nolan Patrick - C
DEFENSE
Ivan Provorov - LD
Travis Sanheim - LD
Philippe Myers - RD
GOALIE
Carter Hart
For the Flyers, I’ve decided to go with the 7F/3D/1G approach. This could change if the Flyers land another top-4D, but, at the moment, we’ll stick with that approach.
Forwards:
Claude Giroux – While he’s not the same player he was 8 years ago, he’s still the best playmaker on the team. That, plus his NMC, make him a lock.
Kevin Hayes – The contract may be a killer in 4 years, but right now, his 2-way play and attitude (plus NMC) keep him on the list.
Sean Couturier – Reigning Selke Trophy winner. Need I say more
Travis Konecny – led the team in points this year and is one a fine deal.
Oskar Lindblom – Emerged as a top-6 winger until his cancer diagnosis. Also signed to a fair deal assuming he comes back fully healed.
Jacub Voracek – Can be incredibly frustrating at times, but his production and playmaking would be hard to replace despite his cap hit.
Nolan Patrick – If Nolan Patrick comes back from his migraines to play a full season, he gets the final spot. So let’s just assume he does.
Defense:
Ivan Provorov – By far the team’s best defender. May never win a Norris Trophy (field is stacked right now), but is a legit top-pair defender.
Phillippe Myers – Assuming he gets resigned (he’s an RFA), he has emerged as a top-4 RHD, with top-pair potential.
Travis Sanheim – he will be an RFA next offseason, but he’s also shown top-4 potential and took a big step forward this regular season.
Goalie:
Carter Hart – I mean c’mon.
Options:
The two players currently on the roster most likely to be taken are Scott Laughton and Shayne Gostisbehere. However, since Laughton’s a UFA next year, the Flyers could have a handshake deal in place to sign after the expansion draft. Depending on whether or not Gostisbehere bounces back make him an interesting option. He’s also likely to be traded soon.
Other options include Robert Hagg (solid physical bottom-pair defender), James Van Riemsdyk (high cap hit but still good for 20 goals), Nicolas Aube-Kubel (4th line energy player with some decent hands), and Mark Frideman (has 7 NHL games as a depth defenseman). The Flyers would love to have Seattle select JvR, and I’d be willing to include up to a second round pick and B-level prospect (Carsen Twarynski or German Rubstov) if Seattle would take him.
---
Thanks so much for the insight!
Let's take a look at some options.
Scott Laughton - Spoiler alert I will not be selecting Laughton here (yet) as he is set to be a free agent next summer. Philly does need to expose two forwards that have met the required game mark though and should he re-sign I would take a long look at the 26 year old.
James van Riemsdyk - The 31 year does still produce at above a 20 goal pace but recent injuries, combined with his age and contract (7 million x3 years) should give Seattle pause.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel - The 24 year old right wing had a decent first longer stint with the Flyers this season, putting up 15 points (7 goals 8 assists) in 36 games. Will be a player to watch this season to see how he can improve.
Shayne Gostisbehere - Once looked at as one of the most dynamic offensive D-men in the game, Ghost Bear has had a dip over the past few years, seeing his icetime slashed and relegated to more third pairing duties. If he can bounce back, Gostisbehere can be a production force from the blue line.
SEATTLE SELECTS.....
Nicholas Aube-Kubel
Kubel looks like he should be a permanent fixture for the Flyers next season (albeit in a bottom six role) and even though it is a small sample size, there is real reason to be excited about his future. Despite averaging the 25th most icetime a game at 5 on 5 last season, Kubel produced at the 8th highest ESP/60. He produced at a higher rate compared to his icetime than the likes of Hayes or Giroux.
At best Kubel may only be a middle six forward but at 24 and still an RFA after his contract expires in 2022 he is a worthy pickup.
LINEUP
Bailey-Henrique-Hornqvist
Tierney - Strome-Kunin
Compher-Bennett-Aube-Kubel
Lizotte-Nielsen- Merkley
x-x-Stenlund
Klefbom-Dumba
Zadorov-Miller
Bean-Lauzon
x - Fleury
Khudobin
Hill
Seattle Kraken Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»