Claude Giroux’s legacy, gamers to maneuver on the commerce deadline, odds of incomes the highest decide within the draft, and extra

The Flyers (15-25-9), who’ve misplaced 17 of 19 video games, are within the midst of certainly one of their worst seasons in franchise historical past. Given how poorly the crew has carried out relative to expectations important modifications seem like on the best way. With simply over a month till the NHL’s March 21 commerce deadline, we requested our beat reporters Giana Han and Olivia Reiner to reply some key questions surrounding the crew and its future.

GH: Giroux is the longest tenured captain in franchise historical past. He’s additionally the longest tenured skilled athlete in Philadelphia. He handed Flyers legend Bobby Clarke for energy play factors and did it in 177 fewer video games. He’s behind Clarke in all-time profession factors. The numbers say quite a bit, however they don’t say all of it. In a time the place the Flyers have been struggling to seek out their id, Giroux has been probably the most notable identify. Some might leap on his visibility and blame him for the challenges, however in the event you discuss to anybody within the locker room, he’s an enormous motive the Flyers have been aggressive at everywhere in the previous few years. He’s revered across the locker room and across the league, and he’ll depart an influence that retains on giving lengthy after he’s gone.

OR: As among the finest gamers to ever put on a Flyers jersey. No, Giroux doesn’t have the identical star energy as different Philadelphia sports activities legends, however his stats communicate for his significance to the crew and the town. The longest-tenured captain in Flyers historical past, Giroux is second all-time in franchise factors (896) and assists (607). Consistency is troublesome to realize on this league and Giroux has continued to supply at a excessive stage nicely into his 30s.

GH: Justin Braun, whose contract is ending quickly, has been a dependable defender all season regardless of the challenges. Though they only traded for him, Rasmus Ristolainen has raised his inventory this season. Though he, together with the remainder of the crew, haven’t been doing nicely, he appears higher than he did in Buffalo, and he’s obtained extra years of hockey forward of him. Martin Jones, Travis Konecny, Travis Sanheim and truthfully anybody and not using a no transfer clause might be traded. Dave Scott did say every little thing is on the desk (nevertheless, see subsequent query).

OR: Defenseman Justin Braun and goalie Martin Jones. Each gamers are within the ultimate years of their respective offers. If basic supervisor Chuck Fletcher doesn’t view both of them as part of the Flyers’ future, it is smart to flip them on the commerce market. Each might present worth to playoff contenders at a comparatively low value. Particularly concerning Jones, Fletcher might really feel like Carter Hart’s future backup is already within the Flyers’ system between the Phantoms’ Felix Sandström and Russian prospect Ivan Fedotov. Whereas stepping right into a top-pairing position from his unique spot on the third pairing, 35-year-old Braun has performed nicely and may present depth to a contender.

GH: Joel Farabee is a younger participant with years of excellent hockey forward of him. Earlier than he was injured, he was scorching for the Flyers, and he has probably the most NHL expertise of the Flyers younger gamers. Assuming his damage isn’t persistent, he could be constructing block for the longer term. And naturally Sean Couturier, when he comes again, would be the anchor of the crew if Claude Giroux leaves.

OR: The youngsters are trying fairly good, amongst winger Joel Farabee, defenseman Cam York, and Hart. Earlier than a shoulder damage stored him out for 16 video games this season, Farabee was on a .55 points-per-game tempo by way of 33 video games. In a 13-game stint with the Flyers this season, York confirmed he’s able to competing at an NHL stage each at five-on-five and on particular groups. Regardless of a wildly inconsistent protection round him, Hart has been stable in web (2.96 targets in opposition to common, .910 save proportion). Add in a wholesome defenseman Ryan Ellis and heart Sean Couturier, and the Flyers have a core for the longer term.

GH: Whether or not or not it’s appropriate, Flyers administration says it believes it’s only one or two items away from crew somewhat than a complete rebuild. Meaning most of the gamers nonetheless underneath contract, corresponding to Cam Atkinson, Ivan Provorov and Oskar Lindblom, amongst others, are prone to return. Yeo has talked concerning the significance of constructing good habits and studying the way to play to win somewhat than to not lose. Video games have gotten extra aggressive, however it might be good to see these prone to return present consistency and discover a strategy to win. That might be a optimistic signal for subsequent season when this one is already principally decided.

OR: The Flyers have to proceed to see what they’ve in ahead Morgan Frost. Drafted within the first spherical, twenty seventh general within the 2017 draft, Frost might be a big a part of the Flyers future, however he nonetheless seems to be getting comfy taking part in on the NHL stage. He’s spent most of his time this season on the second, third, and fourth traces. As Frost builds his confidence up, taking part in him with a number of the crew’s prime expertise might permit him to higher showcase his playmaking talents.

OR: All groups that miss the playoffs are within the draft lottery. The less factors a crew has, the extra probabilities they’ve at successful the drawing. Solely the highest 11 groups are eligible for the primary decide as a result of a crew can solely leap a most of ten spots. Based on Tankathon, the Flyers at present have an 8.5 % probability of being awarded the primary general decide. They’ve a 8.8 % probability on the second, a 21.6 % probability on the fifth, a 44.4 % probability on the sixth and a 16.8 % probability on the seventh.

GH: Longtime Flyers followers appear to be ready to listen to Rick Tocchet is returning to Philadelphia. Whereas that’s actually an possibility, if the Flyers need to break from the mildew and take a look at one thing new, two different names have popped up in lists of up and coming coaches. Lane Lambert, the New York Islanders assistant coach, has been in lots of profitable packages and has helped develop numerous gamers. Swedish coach Rikard Gronborg has had success on the world stage however has been held again as a result of NHL groups appear hesitant to rent a European.

OR: After the Flyers fired former head coach Alain Vigneault on Dec. 6, Day by day Faceoff reported that Flyers Corridor of Fame member Rick Tocchet can be excessive on the crew’s listing of head teaching candidates. Tocchet has six seasons of head teaching expertise, most lately with the Arizona Coyotes in 2020-21. The Flyers must pry him away from TNT and persuade him to go away broadcasting and turn into a coach once more, nevertheless it might be match. In spite of everything, they positive do like hiring former gamers to fill entrance workplace and training roles.