Now that a successful NHL Draft is behind us, it’s time to look ahead to what’s next for the Flyers.
Per the club’s General Manager Danny Briere post draft, Philadelphia isn’t expected to be very active when the NHL Free Agency begins at noon Saturday. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a few low risk, under the radar additions to be had.
Here’s five players the Flyers could sign when NHL free Agency begins:
Morgan Geekie C
– 2022-2023 season: 9 goals, 19 assists
On Friday, the Seattle Kraken opted not to extend a qualifying offer to the fourth-year pro out of Manitoba. This makes Geekie an unrestricted free agent on Saturday. Geekie, 24, is a quality face-off man and is versatile enough to lineup at either center or wing.
He’s still trying to rediscover the scoring instinct that he possessed at the junior and minor league level. His play away from the puck also still needs a bit of work. He may be worth a flyer (no pun intended) on a Philly team that should be searching for bargains, potentially to flip for assets later in the year.
Max Comtois LW
– 2022-2023 season: 9 goals, 10 assists
It’s never been a matter of talent or potential with Comtois, but consistency has eluded the 24-year-old left winger. A steady hand in all three zones, Comtois possesses good vision and with it he can set up his linemates. He could also be an asset on the power-play if given the opportunity.
Despite these qualities there may not be a litany of teams lining up for the former second round picks’ services until he is cleared of any involvement in the Team Canada world junior hockey team sexual assault investigation.
Ethan Bear RHD
– 2022-2023 season: 3 goals, 13 assists
Like Geekie and Comtois, Bear was not extended a qualifying offer on Friday and now has the chance to sign with a team of his choice. The mobile rearguard is best known for his puck moving ability and penchant for giving up his body to block shots.
He would be a welcome addition to a John Tortorella led Flyers team with a profile like that.
Adam Erne LW
– 2022-2023 season: 8 goals, 10 assists
If the Flyers would like to add a little more grit to their lineup they could look to add Adam Erne. With little fear of going to battle in the corners and at net front, Erne plays the kind of honest, hard-working game coaching staffs love.
At 28 years-old, he’s just now starting to show signs some signs of the offensive skill that made him a second-round pick. If he finds more consistency in that area, he could be a nice fit here on a short term deal.
Connor Clifton RHD
– 2022-2023 season: 5 goals, 18 assists
Posting a career season in a bottom pair role for the juggernaut Boston Bruins, Clifton should see notable bump in pay and role heading into free agency this summer.
The 28-year-old moves the puck efficiently, shoots it when necessary, and has a splash of grittiness to boot. As the Flyers continue to develop and break-in more younger defensemen, having a player like Clifton in the short-term to bridge the gap wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Honorable Mentions: Brenden Lemieux, Conor Sheary, Vladislav Namestnikov, Teddy Blueger, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Radko Gudas, Scott Mayfield.
MARK RAMOS IS A CONTRIBUTOR FOR HW HOCKEY
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