Photo: “Perreault Challenges Giroux For Puck” by clyde via Flickr
This past offseason has been an eventful one for the Philadelphia Flyers. The team is coming off of a disappointing 2018-2019 season in which they failed to qualify for the playoffs, despite high expectations. They finished the season with only 82 points, which is their lowest point output since the 2006-2007 season (excluding the lockout shortened 2012-2013 season). The Flyers underwent many roster and personnel changes this offseason that could potentially lead them back to their winning ways.
Alain Vigneault was brought in as the new head coach for the organization. Vigneault has built an impressive resume over the years as the coach of the Montreal Canadians, Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers. In 16 seasons as a head coach, he has amassed a total of 648 wins and two Stanley Cup appearances. He has been praised for his coaching style by players such as Hendrik Sedin, Ryan Kessler and Robert Luongo. He will be replacing interim coach Scott Gordon, who was hired last season after the firing of previous coach Dave Hakstol. The Flyers organization and its fans are hopeful that Vigneault can lead the team to success for years to come.
Many new faces will be on the ice this season for the team including Kevin Hayes, Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun — while familiar faces such as Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Carter Hart, Nolan Patrick and James van Riemsdyk will return to the fold.
Hayes, who previously played for the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets, signed a seven-year contract with the team. He is coming off of arguably his best season, where he posted an impressive stat-line of 19 goals and 36 assists. His versatility played a large role in his signing, as he is able to play center as well as either wing position.
Niskanen, a defenseman, was acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals. He is coming off of a down year, but perhaps the change of scenery will improve his play. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia, his plus-91 is fifth best among current NHL defenseman. This means that when he is on the ice, his team has scored 91 more goals than they have given up. He will look to boost the Flyer’s defensive unit which already includes talented players such as Shayne Gostisbehere, Ivan Provorov and Justin Braun who was also acquired this offseason in a trade with the San Jose Sharks.
The team will rely on goalies Carter Hart and Brian Elliott in net this season. Hart, who will be entering his first full year in the NHL, showed flashes of dominant play last season. He finished the season with a 16-13 record, and will look to build on his performance in the upcoming campaign. Elliott is entering his third season with the team. He provides veteran leadership and over 10 years of experience to the club, and is a solid counterpart to Hart.
Another player who will provide veteran leadership to the team is center/left wing Claude Giroux. He is entering his twelfth season with the club, and will assume the position of captain this season, a position he has held since 2013. He has been dominant so far in his career, totaling 762 points in 820 career games. He will look to revitalize the team in a positive direction.
After an offseason that saw many personnel and roster changes, the Flyers are ready to get back to work. The team is loaded with talent and depth, and should experience a resurgence this upcoming season. Expect the Flyers to contend for a playoff spot this year, and rebound from a tough season a year ago.
Erick Klambara is a first-year student majoring in Media and Culture. EK924666@wcupa.edu