NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Arron Asham, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the New Jersey Devils)
Jean-Sebastien Aubin, G (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Anaheim Ducks)
Steve Eminger, D (Acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals)
Glen Metropolit, C (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Boston Bruins)
Ossi Vaananen, D (Signed as a free agent, previously playing in Europe)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Jesse Boulerice, RW (Unsigned Free Agent)
Jim Dowd, C (Unsigned Free Agent)
Rory Fitzpatrick, D (Signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers)
Denis Gauthier, D (Traded to the Los Angeles Kings)
Triston Grant, LW (Traded to the Nashville Predators)
Sami Kapanen, RW (Retired)
Jaroslav Modry, D (Will Play in Europe for 2008-09 Season)
Vaclav Prospal, LW (Traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning)
Jason Smith, D (Signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators)
Patrick Thoresen, LW (Will Play in Europe for 2008-09 Season)
R.J. Umberger, RW (Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets)
2007-08 Season Finish: 4th Atlantic Division, 6th Eastern Conference, 95 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Won 4-3 against the Washington Capitals in Quarterfinals
Won 4-1 against the Montreal Canadiens in Semi-Finals
Lost 4-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals
2008-09 Prediction: 4th Atlantic Division, 8th Eastern Conference
After finishing among the worst teams in the NHL in 2006-07, the Philadelphia Flyers had a complete turn-around in 2007-08, making it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals before being ousted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. While the Flyers lost a few of their players who were instrumental in getting the team to the third round of the 2008 playoffs, the Flyers still have a quality team set for the 2008-09 season. Mike Richards is quickly becoming the top player on the Flyers' roster. His superb offensive talent, toughness, and rising leadership skills will be valuable to the team for years to come. Jeff Carter is also fast becoming an elite player on the Flyers' team. His goal-scoring ability and offensive skills make him a vital part of the Flyers' offense. Simon Gagne and Daniel Briere bring lots of offensive skill, veteran depth, and goal-scoring talent to the team. Mike Knuble and Scott Hartnell bring plenty of toughness, veteran depth, and goal-scoring talent to the forward lines, while Joffrey Lupul provides lots of offensive depth. Arron Asham, Steve Downie, and Riley Cote give the Flyers three rugged and gritty forwards for their checking lines, while Scottie Upshall brings lots of toughness to these lines. Newcomer Glen Metropolit gives the Flyers a decent two-way forward for their checking lines as well. The Flyers have plenty of talented prospects who will look to make the team at training camp. Claude Giroux, James van Riemsdyk, and Andreas Nodl will look to make the team with their offensive talent, while Matt Clackson will look to crack the lineup with his rugged play.
The Flyers' defense looks to be as competitive next season as it was last season despite the loss of some veteran defensemen. Kimmo Timonen brings a wealth of offensive experience and skill to the Flyers' defense, while Randy Jones brings offensive promise to the blueline. Braydon Coburn and Ossi Vaananen bring lots of toughness and rugged play to the Flyers' defense, while newcomer Steve Eminger gives the team plenty of defensive depth. With Mike Rathje and Derian Hatcher on injured reserve, Ryan Parent and Lasse Kukkonen will likely see more playing time throughout the season. Prospects Kevin Marshall and Luca Sbisa could also get an opportunity to make the team at training camp given the injuries to the Flyers' blueline. However, the Flyers could choose to look to the remaining free agents or the trade market to acquire a defenseman to replace Hatcher and Rathje. If the team chooses this option, they should look to acquire an offensive defenseman, as they could use more offense on the blueline.
The Flyers will go with Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki as their goaltending tandem this season. Biron had a solid season with the Flyers in 2007-08 and will likely do so again in 2008-09. Niittymaki is solid backup to Biron and also has plenty of experience. Niittymaki will miss the start of the season due to an injury, so newcomer Jean-Sebastien Aubin will fill in as the backup until he returns. Aubin, a solid backup, will likely play in the minors when Niittymaki returns from injury.
STRENGTHS
- Lots of goal-scoring talent on offense.
- Plenty of physical defensemen.
- Solid goaltending.
WEAKNESSES
- Need more offense on defense.
- Operating close to the salary cap forces the team to sacrifice roster players to add depth to other areas.
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