Wow! I hardly recognize this team.
Following such a crazy off-season, this will be one of the bolder predictions on the chart. I know everyone has their own opinion – and not all will agree with mine – so feel free to express yours in the comments or submit a question via Twitter @HolyJumpin40.
My favorite quote from this entire ruckus comes from Paul Holmgren himself: “What we did today was make two good hockey trades…Both these trades were very difficult for us to make, but at the end of the day, we do think we made good hockey deals.”
And he is absolutely correct. I’ll get into the roster in a second, but first I want to break down the two trades.
In: Voracek, Simmonds, Schenn, Couturier and Bryzgalov
Out: Richards, Carter
Now we can start. The Flyers’ offense is still going to be extremely productive this coming year. As productive as 2010-2011? Probably not. But, the Flyers obtained some help in other departments to easily cover for the offensive shortcomings – if there are any. The first two centers on the depth chart are both capable of handling the production lost by the trades. As the case with Paille, I was fortunate enough to consistently watch Briere play in Buffalo. I used to think Briere was a slacker who never put his nose in the corner. After watching the previous two playoff runs, I’ve discovered he hustles very hard – and to the net! I can’t say enough about Giroux. He’s a terrific playmaker with a deadly shot. Hartnell is a large pest with a scoring touch who has a knack for finding and creating open ice. Jagr, welcome back. This should be an interesting situation. Even though he hasn’t played in the NHL for a few seasons, I’m sure he can still put up decent numbers with this squad, especially on the power play. Marking my calendar:
Voracek came in to provide a big body with offensive creativity on the wing. I predict he’s going to flourish in Philadelphia with his new cast. By the way, crazy stat about this athlete: 101 points in 53 games playing for Halifax in the QMJHL. In addition to Talbot’s hockey smarts and charisma, his veteran leadership will help the developments of Schenn and Couturier as they ease into the spotlight. When these two youngsters are ready for the NHL, they will be READY for the NHL. When that occurs, the Flyers will be supersaturated with centers. Van Riemsdyk will be a forward I watch closely. I cannot wait for him to pick-up where he left off last year. There is a reason he was drafted so high and he will showcase why this year. Simmonds is another player who hopefully translates last year’s playoff success into this season. He works and hits hard, without sacrificing scoring. Nodl was a big surprise for me last year and I picked him again this year, although I how he will play with Richards gone. He may stumble. Betts and Shelley bring both determination and sacrifice. Betts kills penalties like nobody’s business. Shelley does the same, except replace “kills penalties” with “protects teammates.”
Offensive Score: A-/B+
The Flyers' defense is as strong as ever, assuming Pronger comes back healthy as an ox. After all, that’s exactly what he is: an ox. Pronger tortured the West with his booming slapshot and physical play before moving to the Atlantic Division. Now his torment falls to the Eastern Conference where he will continue to dominate and direct play. Timonen is a solid, offensive defenseman. He has his mental lapses, but presents a valuable skill set to the team. Carle came into his own with this organization and his growth will only progress. Meszaros resurrected his career after Tampa Bay and found a niche on this deep roster. Coburn is a bruiser and I love to watch this guy play. He makes sound decisions and throws his body around at will. Lilja and Bartulis round out the bottom two defenders. Both serve the same purpose with their big bodies: eating up space.
Defensive Score: A-
Gettin’ Bryzy with it! I don’t agree with the length of his contract, but I do agree with his value. Bryzgalov has had an interesting career with success in both Anaheim and Phoenix. One saw post-season success, the latter regular. With a new squad in front of him, Bryzgalov will soar alongside his trusty fellow Russian, Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky has seen NHL action and is going to be ready when needed.
Goaltending Score: A
Change can be good.
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