ESPN Praises Chuck Fletcher And Flyers.

"The Philadelphia Flyers and general manager Chuck Fletcher had a big offseason. After not doing much of anything to replace the departure of Matt Niskanen last year, Fletcher blew up his blueline finally getting rid of Shayne Gostisbehere along with moving Robert Hagg and Philippe Myers.He was also to move on from forwards Nolan Patrick and Jakub Voracek. Fletcher brought in Ryan Ellis, Rasmus Ristolainen and Keith Yandle on defense while adding Cam Atkinson up front. The Flyers GM also let Brian Elliott walk while bringing in the recently bought out Martin Jones. ESPN was a big fan of the Flyers work and gave the team an A-. Check out their reasonings below:Key additions: D Ryan Ellis, D Rasmus Ristolainen, D Keith Yandle, LW/RW Cam Atkinson, G Martin Jones
Key losses: C Nolan Patrick, LW Jakub Voracek, D Robert Hagg, D Philippe Myers, D Shayne Gostisbehere, G Brian Elliott
Remaining hole: The main piece of business left for the Flyers is a new contract for goalie Carter Hart, who is coming off his worst season as a pro. While a contract of around six seasons is possible, Hart's just as likely to sign something in the three- to four-year range.
Grade: A-. GM Chuck Fletcher was a busy man this offseason, and most of the work was good. Ellis more than fills the hole that Matt Niskanen left with his surprising retirement before last season. The price for Ristolainen was high (2021 first-rounder, 2023 second-rounder), but a change in scenery and defensive partner could make this a coup, which is the word we'd use for signing Yandle for $900,000 on a post-buyout contract. The swap of Voracek for Atkinson gives the Flyers a player with one more contract year (through 2024-25) but more goal-scoring upside.
The only misstep was Jones as safety net for Hart; even at one year and $2 million post-buyout, he's a goalie who has given up 6.7 goals below average over the past three seasons. Otherwise, the Flyers are trying to be this season's Canadiens: a team remade and revitalized by veteran additions to key areas in the offseason.What do you make of this?"