The Friday Flyover is a one-stop shop to catch up on all the latest developments pertaining to the Philadelphia Flyers throughout the week.
Tony DeAngelo Unconditionally Waived
After trading for Tony DeAngelo on July 8, 2022, the Philadelphia Flyers have decided to unconditionally waive Tony DeAngelo with the intention to buy-out his contract.
Some clarity here: Philadelphia put Tony DeAngelo on waivers to buy out his contract. It is not a termination. So, assuming he clears tomorrow, DeAngelo will be a free agent.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 14, 2023
Signed to a two-year, 10 million dollar deal, DeAngelo was bought out after having played just one season. He would play in 70 of 82 games, recording 11 goals and 42 points, even leading the Flyers in Powerplay points with 19.
The DeAngelo trade made very little sense at the time as Johnny Gaudreau was available to sign via Free Agency and the Flyers already had little cap space. They then traded for and signed DeAngelo with a 5 million cap hit.
The Flyers ultimately tossed away a 2022 4th round pick (Simon Forsmark), 2023 3rd round pick (Brandon Svoboda), and a 2024 2nd round pick.
$1.67m will count against the cap this year and in 2024-25 for the Flyers before DeAngelo is erased from the books completely.
Hockey Canada Investigation and Carter Hart
We are inching closer to names being released in regards to the Hockey Canada Investigation and Carter Hart’s name has yet to be cleared.
Several team execs, sponsors and player agents tell me they are bracing for the NHL’s possible release of an investigation report re an alleged sexual assault involving as many as eight players on Canada’s 2018 world juniors team.
If NHL names and suspends players allegedly…— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) July 13, 2023
“Several team execs, sponsors and player agents tell me they are bracing for the NHL’s possible release of an investigation report re an alleged sexual assault involving as many as eight players on Canada’s 2018 world juniors team. said Rick Westhead
Below is a statement given on behalf of six players represented by Wasserman Hockey. The statement was given by Criminal Defense Attorney, Scott Fenton, who was representing one of the six players.
Carter Hart and Jake Bean are the only two players of the six represented by Wasserman Hockey to not make any personal statements on social media regarding the matter.
So obviously not great that Hart is connected with this in any way. We should assume innocence until proven guilty, but if you ask me, the signs that he could be involved are there.
Flyers Goalie Situation
The Flyers still currently have three goalies rostered in Hart, Cal Peterson, and Felix Sandstrom. You might say that it’s normal this time of year. I would disagree. The Flyers attempted to trade Hart just a few short weeks ago. Obviously to no avail. We heard teams wanted to wait to see how the Hockey Canada Investigation played out. Sure, makes sense.
If you are the Flyers though and you KNOW Hart’s name will be cleared, why wait to waive Sandstrom and clear his 775k cap hit off the books? Why wait to open another roster spot? If not Sandstrom, then why not Cal Peterson? If Carter Hart is your sure fire opening night starting goaltender, why does it matter if it’s Sandstrom or Peterson backing him up?
Unless they aren’t confident Hart is in the clear and the Flyers are covering their asses if a potential Carter Hart suspension happens.
For me there is enough smoke to sit here and tell you there is a fire but I can only speculate. I hope for the victim’s sake and Carter Hart’s sake that he is innocent in all of this, but if you ask me, it doesn’t look great right now.
Morgan Frost
Morgan Frost remains the only Restricted Free Agent that remains unsigned for the Philadelphia Flyers. If you’re like me, you’re wondering why they saved Frost for last.
Well for one, I assume they were waiting to unload DeAngelo’s cap. That’s done. So I assume we see a deal done here soon.
I asked Flyers beat reporter and official site contributor, Bill Meltzer, about Morgan Frost and the current contract negotiations.
“The impending DeAngelo buyout frees up enough cap space for the Flyers to sign Frost, and still have some cap space left over. The Flyers and Frost’s agent have been working on finding a contract term and cap hit that works for both sides.”
Now it should be mentioned that Frost lead the Flyers in scoring through the last 56 games of the season in 2022-23.
Let me say that again, MORGAN FROST LEAD THE FLYERS IN SCORING THROUGH MORE THAN HALF OF THE SEASON.
Raise your hand if you knew that.
I would say that a bridge deal is more than likely. More so because the cap is expected to increase exponentially in two years. Not because I don’t think Frost can earn a long term deal.
Honestly I would be happier with a longer term deal with a smaller cap hit, but I think that’s more a pipe dream than anything.
JIM IACOVONE IS A PROUD FLYERS MEDIA MEMBER AND FOUNDER OF HW HOCKEY
PHOTO: Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports
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Its good that Frost was the lead goal scorer, but I for one agree with Torts that Frost is like ” a toilet seat. He’s up and down.” He’s consistently inconsistent in his play – some nights you get his his A game, others not so much. His plus/minus rating of minus 12 could be better, and I hope he has a great season this year.
Great points, Gary.
Frost played well after finding himself. He did prove himself on the prove it deal, give him a bridge deal, like 2 or 3 years.