What the Flyers could look like next season
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O. EngApril 16, 2022 (10:09)
Dan Esche of the Brotherly Puck recently came out with a new article predicting what an extremely hopeful 2022-2023 Philadelphia Flyers roster could look like.
"Rolling with the assumption everyone under contract is healthy and ready to go on opening night in 2022, which is a major question in and of itself, here's what the roster could look like to start the season."
The first line according to Esche could be : Johnny Gaudreau � Dylan Larkin � Alex DeBrincat. This would see all-star caliber players enter the team either via trade or free agency. Gaudreau is going to be an UFA come seasons end and depending on Calgary's cap situation, could be pried away from them.
"Larkin is the dynamic center the team desperately needs, DeBrincat is the pure goalscorer, and Gaudreau is the top playmaker to tie the three together. It's the caliber of moves that need to be made to give the Flyers a fighting chance next season."
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In the case of Dylan Larkin, moving from one struggling team to another may not be too ideal. He is still signed until 2022-23 with a no-movement clause. This means if the Flyers peg him as the Giroux replacement, this year's draft is the place to make a splash.
Lastly, DeBrincat is on the trade block. We all know Chicago will trade everyone and anything that moves. Considering what the return for Brandon Hagel was, getting the sniper may cost an arm and a leg. The 39-goal scorer won't come cheap by any means.
"The second line consists of the best Flyers still on the roster from this current team. The talent gets put together, but dropped to the second line to better utilize the pair of 30-year-olds, and it keeps Farabee and Atkinson together."
Second line minutes definitely seem more suitable and comfortable for Farabee who could potentially move up in the lineup. Responsible vets like Couturier and Atkinson will ensure his continued growth.
The third line will be : Scott Laughton � Dylan Strome � Wade Allison.
"Allison finally makes his fully healthy jump to the NHL. The new 3C is Dylan Strome, whose rights were acquired in the DeBrincat trade"
This line will provide energy, grit and dynamism with a solid scoring touch. Strome and Laughton can also take turns playing center.
If the Flyers do intend to compete next year, paying Gaudreau and trading for DeBrincat are vital. However, Gaudreau has 101 points in 74 games, DeBrincat can easily hit 40+ goals and Larkin is a consistent 30 and 30 player. In hockey terms however, the issue may not be skill but size. According to my calculations, it will be the if not one of the shortest first lines in the league.
Just something to consider.
Credit: Brotherly Puck
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