Philadelphia Flyers 2017 Offseason Acquisitions Evaluation
Jun 25, 2016 14:07:39 GMT -5
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Post by bjernagris (PHI) on Jun 25, 2016 14:07:39 GMT -5
Goaltenders
Tyler Parsons
Age: 20
Latest team: London Knights (OHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Parsons’ rights were acquired from Los Angeles in a trade, and he was subsequently signed to a three-year entry level deal. Having played the last two seasons for the dominant London Knights in the OHL, winning goalie of the year in 2016, Parsons now looks to take the step to senior hockey. Quite undeveloped, making it to the iNHL is a longshot.
Projected role – 17/18: ECHL – starting goaltender
Projected role – career: AHL – starting goaltender
Defensemen
TJ Brodie
Age: 27
Latest team: Boston Bruins (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Brodie had a chaotic 16/17 season, being traded no less than five times, including the trade that brought him to Philly. Flyers have indicated their intentions to keep Brodie on board long-term, and the skilled two-way defenseman is expected to fill the hole of Zdeno Chara, who went the other way in the trade that brought Brodie to Philadelphia. Look for Brodie to be one of the key pieces on the Flyers’ blueline this winter.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – top pairing two-way D
Projected role – career: NHL – top pairing two-way D
Jared Cowen
Age: 26
Latest team: Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: A stay-at-home defenseman that the Avalanche were not able to keep due to cap issues, Cowen was awarded a new 3-year deal in the days leading up to Free Agency. The former first round pick (9th overall in 2009) have so far struggled to live up to expectations, but will play an important role in covering behind the Flyers’ more offensive-minded defensemen this season.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – bottom pairing defensive D-man
Projected role – career: NHL – second pairing defensive D-man
Kenny Johnson
Age: 19
Latest team: Shattuck St. Mary's Midget Prep (USHS)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016: 1st round, 28th overall)
Evaluation: Johnson will begin his senior career this season. A big-body, defense-first guy and younger brother to Capital Jack Johnson, Flyers’ first round pick last year is regarded as the top D prospect in their system. Although expectations are high on Johnson, with a solid D-line like the Flyers there is no intention to rush him into the big league. Expect at least one full AHL season for young Kenny.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle/bottom pairing defensive D-man
Projected role – career: NHL – middle pairing defensive D-man
Brendan Guhle
Age: 20
Latest team: Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2015, 2nd round, 51st overall)
Evaluation: Guhle was acquired by the Flyers last offseason and was sent back to the juniors. Entering his first senior year, he will begin by working in the minors for a chance to prove himself in the big league. With a more complete and developed game than the other top Flyers D prospect, Kenny Johnson, Guhle is thought to be the first in line to be called up to the Flyers if needed.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top pairing two-way defenseman
Projected role – career: NHL – middle/bottom two-way defenseman
David Henley
Age: 20
Latest team: Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016, 7th round, 208th overall)
Evaluation: Big, physical, mean, offensive-minded defenseman Henley is coming out of the QMJHL after two impressive seasons, tallying 135 points in 128 games. Likes to throw the gloves and got a blaster shot to boot, Henley has been a fan favorite in Charlottetown – look for him to try and win the Lehigh Valley fans’ acclaim this season. The only question mark surrounding Henley is his attitude – if he learns the requirements on a professional hockey player, it is just a matter of time before he gets a call from the big league.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top/middle pairing offensive defenseman
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom pairing offensive defenseman
Joe Piskula
Age: 33
Latest team: Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Piskula was acquired from the Ducks to add some veteran blood to the young Phantoms’ D-line. Have no illusions that the career AHLer will see any NHL ice time this season, instead he will be counted on to teach the rookie-packed Lehigh Valley team the requirements on a professional hockey player.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – bottom pairing defensive D-man
Projected role – career: AHL – bottom pairing defensive D-man
Forwards
Dmitrij Jaskin
Age: 24
Latest team: Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: acquired as replacement for the departed Tanner Pearson, Jaskin fits the bill perfectly for a classic Flyers forward; big, physical and hardworking. After giving up a first-round pick to land him, expectations on the young Czech are high in Philadelphia. He will be given both ice time and line mates to reach the 50 point plateau for the first time, forming a punishing second line alongside Couturier and Simmonds.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – second line scoring winger
Projected role – career: NHL – top line scoring winger
Brandon Pirri
Age: 26
Latest team: Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: a two-way forward with a laser shot, Pirri has so far failed to establish himself as the top-six player, primarily due to his lacking physique. Rumours surrounding the winger about a trade to the Flyers had been on and off since last season’s trade deadline before finally materializing in the weeks leading up to preseason. Pirri will be part of a very competent third line for the Flyers and will also serve on the penalty kill.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – third line two-way winger
Projected role - career: NHL – middle-six two-way winger
Rocco Gimaldi
Age: 24
Latest team: Hartford Whalers (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: coming off a promising rookie season for the Whalers, Grimaldi will be looking to take the next step with the Flyers. A strong possession player, what the small winger lacks in size and strength he makes up with skill and speed. Competition for a roster spot is fierce, and Grimaldi needs to play his best game in order to keep his place in the lineup.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – 3rd line skilled winger
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd line skilled winger
JT Miller
Age: 24
Latest team: Boston Bruins (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Another well-travelled player who looks to have found a home in Philadelphia, Miller plays a solid yet unspectacular game, being responsible in both ends of the ice. Skates well despite his size, Flyers will count on Miller to play a checking role and kill penalties for them this season.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – 4th line checking winger
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd line checking winger
Iiro Pakarinen
Age: 26
Latest team: Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: The hulking Finn took great strides last season, securing a regular spot on the Canadiens’ team and developing his game significantly. A well-rounded winger with focus on the defensive game, Pakarinen also has some offensive upside when given the opportunity.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – 4th line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd line two-way winger
Patrick Sharp
Age: 35
Latest team: New Jersey Devils (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: The veteran forward is back with the team that drafted him (2001: 3rd round, 95th overall) and where he started his NHL career. Then a fringe player, now an established top-six player, Sharp will be counted on to revert back to a somewhat smaller role on the ice while acting as one of the team’s off-ice leaders.
Projected role – 17/18: 3rd line two-way center
Projected role – career: middle-six two-way forward
Denis Gorbunov
Age: 22
Latest team: Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk (KHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: A solid two-way center who played junior hockey in the QMJHL, Gorbunov signed as a free agent in the summer. A faceoff specialist, well-rounded and athletic, some questionmarks remain over Gorbunov’s intangibles after several stories have surfaced about his escapades in his home country. If he can show that he possesses the mental strength to be a NHL ice hockey player, he will surely get a chance with the Flyers at some point.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top line offensive center
Projected role – career: NHL – third line offensive center
Filip Rydström
Age: 21
Latest team: Jukurit Mikkeli (Finnish Mestis)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016: 7th round, 195th overall)
Evaluation: A well-developed big-body center, Rydström was drafted as an overage player by Edmonton last year before going back to Europe to play his first senior year in the Finnish second league where he dominated the league. Now he is back on North America trying to make his way into the iNHL, but expect him to remain in the minors this entire season at least.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle six offensive forward
Projected role – career: AHL – top line offensive forward
Inti Pestoni
Age: 26
Latest team: HC Ambrì-Piotta (Swiss NLA)
Acquired through: Free Agency:
Evaluation: A speedy, flashy winger, Pestoni has excellent puckhandling skills and does not back down from a fight if challenged. Needs to work on the defensive aspects of his game, and will have to begin the season in the minors to prove his worth in North American hockey.
Projected role - 17/18: AHL - top-six speedy winger
Projected role - career: NHL - 3rd line speedy winger
Juhani Tyrväinen
Age: 27
Latest team: Pelicans Lahti (Finnish SM-Liiga)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Tyrväinen was signed from the Finnish league after a strong season, finishing third for points and displaying impressive play throughout the year. Defensively very sound, look for Tyrväinen to get a slightly different role if/when he gets a chance on the Flyers team.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top-six two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom-line shutdown winger
Cooper Marody
Age: 20
Latest team: Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2015, 6th round, 158th overall)
Evaluation: an offensive prospect, Marody signed his entry-level contract this summer to leave college and start off his professional ice hockey career. The American winger is athletic and strong with the puck, but need to work on the defensive aspects of the game. Expect him to get plenty of time to develop in the minors before making the jump to the big league.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle-six offensive winger
Projected role – career: NHL – third line offensive winger
Tyler Soy
Age: 20
Latest team: Victoria Royals (WHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016, 6th round, 169th overall)
Evaluation: Another offensive prospect, Soy has two solid seasons in the WHL behind him and will be looking to build on that when beginning his professional career in Lehigh Valley. His main strength is his playmaking ability, and has good physique and intangibles to top it with. Needs to become more defensively responsible.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle-six offensive center
Projected role – career: NHL – middle-six offensive center
Tage Thompson
Age: 19
Latest team: Connecticut Huskies (NCAA)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: a big body, well-rounded winger who has gone undrafted through two drafts, Thompson is a physical prime example with excellent strength and stamina. Plays a clever two-way game and has shown he can produce offensively as well. Could become better at using his big frame. Needs time to develop, look for him to get that in the ECHL with a chance to move up if he plays well.
Projected role – 17/18: ECHL – top-line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom-six two-way forward
Samuel Dove-McFalls
Age: 20
Latest team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2015, 4th round, 98th overall)
Evaluation: The Flyers will be hoping that transitioning to senior hockey will boost Dove-McFalls’ development. Being touted as a promising offense prospect, his last season was ridden by injuries, missing 14 games in the Q’ and not developing according to plan. He did bounce back during the spring to lead the Sea Dogs to their second consecutive championship. Dove-McFalls needs to work on his offensive game and will be given time to do so in the minors.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top-six two-way forward
Projected role – career: NHL – middle-six two-way forward
Jordan Martinook
Age: 25
Latest team: Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Martinook was signed as a free agent to a one-year deal by the Flyers. The former 2nd round pick (2012, 58th overall) took a step back last season, spending it entirely in the minors. His chances of NHL ice time are slim to none, and Martinook will have to focus on helping Lehigh Valley with his clever, two-way game.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – bottom-six checking center
Projected role – career: AHL – middle-six checking center
Prospects signed who have been reassigned to juniors
Garrett Pilon, Skyler McKenzie, Ralph Jarratt, Alexander Katerinakis, Tyler Nother, Oliver Olsson, Jake Kryski, Drake Rymsha, Carson Dimoff, Brett Murray, Vojtech Budík
Tyler Parsons
Age: 20
Latest team: London Knights (OHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Parsons’ rights were acquired from Los Angeles in a trade, and he was subsequently signed to a three-year entry level deal. Having played the last two seasons for the dominant London Knights in the OHL, winning goalie of the year in 2016, Parsons now looks to take the step to senior hockey. Quite undeveloped, making it to the iNHL is a longshot.
Projected role – 17/18: ECHL – starting goaltender
Projected role – career: AHL – starting goaltender
Defensemen
TJ Brodie
Age: 27
Latest team: Boston Bruins (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Brodie had a chaotic 16/17 season, being traded no less than five times, including the trade that brought him to Philly. Flyers have indicated their intentions to keep Brodie on board long-term, and the skilled two-way defenseman is expected to fill the hole of Zdeno Chara, who went the other way in the trade that brought Brodie to Philadelphia. Look for Brodie to be one of the key pieces on the Flyers’ blueline this winter.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – top pairing two-way D
Projected role – career: NHL – top pairing two-way D
Jared Cowen
Age: 26
Latest team: Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: A stay-at-home defenseman that the Avalanche were not able to keep due to cap issues, Cowen was awarded a new 3-year deal in the days leading up to Free Agency. The former first round pick (9th overall in 2009) have so far struggled to live up to expectations, but will play an important role in covering behind the Flyers’ more offensive-minded defensemen this season.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – bottom pairing defensive D-man
Projected role – career: NHL – second pairing defensive D-man
Kenny Johnson
Age: 19
Latest team: Shattuck St. Mary's Midget Prep (USHS)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016: 1st round, 28th overall)
Evaluation: Johnson will begin his senior career this season. A big-body, defense-first guy and younger brother to Capital Jack Johnson, Flyers’ first round pick last year is regarded as the top D prospect in their system. Although expectations are high on Johnson, with a solid D-line like the Flyers there is no intention to rush him into the big league. Expect at least one full AHL season for young Kenny.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle/bottom pairing defensive D-man
Projected role – career: NHL – middle pairing defensive D-man
Brendan Guhle
Age: 20
Latest team: Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2015, 2nd round, 51st overall)
Evaluation: Guhle was acquired by the Flyers last offseason and was sent back to the juniors. Entering his first senior year, he will begin by working in the minors for a chance to prove himself in the big league. With a more complete and developed game than the other top Flyers D prospect, Kenny Johnson, Guhle is thought to be the first in line to be called up to the Flyers if needed.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top pairing two-way defenseman
Projected role – career: NHL – middle/bottom two-way defenseman
David Henley
Age: 20
Latest team: Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016, 7th round, 208th overall)
Evaluation: Big, physical, mean, offensive-minded defenseman Henley is coming out of the QMJHL after two impressive seasons, tallying 135 points in 128 games. Likes to throw the gloves and got a blaster shot to boot, Henley has been a fan favorite in Charlottetown – look for him to try and win the Lehigh Valley fans’ acclaim this season. The only question mark surrounding Henley is his attitude – if he learns the requirements on a professional hockey player, it is just a matter of time before he gets a call from the big league.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top/middle pairing offensive defenseman
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom pairing offensive defenseman
Joe Piskula
Age: 33
Latest team: Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Piskula was acquired from the Ducks to add some veteran blood to the young Phantoms’ D-line. Have no illusions that the career AHLer will see any NHL ice time this season, instead he will be counted on to teach the rookie-packed Lehigh Valley team the requirements on a professional hockey player.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – bottom pairing defensive D-man
Projected role – career: AHL – bottom pairing defensive D-man
Forwards
Dmitrij Jaskin
Age: 24
Latest team: Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: acquired as replacement for the departed Tanner Pearson, Jaskin fits the bill perfectly for a classic Flyers forward; big, physical and hardworking. After giving up a first-round pick to land him, expectations on the young Czech are high in Philadelphia. He will be given both ice time and line mates to reach the 50 point plateau for the first time, forming a punishing second line alongside Couturier and Simmonds.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – second line scoring winger
Projected role – career: NHL – top line scoring winger
Brandon Pirri
Age: 26
Latest team: Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: a two-way forward with a laser shot, Pirri has so far failed to establish himself as the top-six player, primarily due to his lacking physique. Rumours surrounding the winger about a trade to the Flyers had been on and off since last season’s trade deadline before finally materializing in the weeks leading up to preseason. Pirri will be part of a very competent third line for the Flyers and will also serve on the penalty kill.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – third line two-way winger
Projected role - career: NHL – middle-six two-way winger
Rocco Gimaldi
Age: 24
Latest team: Hartford Whalers (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: coming off a promising rookie season for the Whalers, Grimaldi will be looking to take the next step with the Flyers. A strong possession player, what the small winger lacks in size and strength he makes up with skill and speed. Competition for a roster spot is fierce, and Grimaldi needs to play his best game in order to keep his place in the lineup.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – 3rd line skilled winger
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd line skilled winger
JT Miller
Age: 24
Latest team: Boston Bruins (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Another well-travelled player who looks to have found a home in Philadelphia, Miller plays a solid yet unspectacular game, being responsible in both ends of the ice. Skates well despite his size, Flyers will count on Miller to play a checking role and kill penalties for them this season.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – 4th line checking winger
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd line checking winger
Iiro Pakarinen
Age: 26
Latest team: Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: The hulking Finn took great strides last season, securing a regular spot on the Canadiens’ team and developing his game significantly. A well-rounded winger with focus on the defensive game, Pakarinen also has some offensive upside when given the opportunity.
Projected role – 17/18: NHL – 4th line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd line two-way winger
Patrick Sharp
Age: 35
Latest team: New Jersey Devils (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: The veteran forward is back with the team that drafted him (2001: 3rd round, 95th overall) and where he started his NHL career. Then a fringe player, now an established top-six player, Sharp will be counted on to revert back to a somewhat smaller role on the ice while acting as one of the team’s off-ice leaders.
Projected role – 17/18: 3rd line two-way center
Projected role – career: middle-six two-way forward
Denis Gorbunov
Age: 22
Latest team: Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk (KHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: A solid two-way center who played junior hockey in the QMJHL, Gorbunov signed as a free agent in the summer. A faceoff specialist, well-rounded and athletic, some questionmarks remain over Gorbunov’s intangibles after several stories have surfaced about his escapades in his home country. If he can show that he possesses the mental strength to be a NHL ice hockey player, he will surely get a chance with the Flyers at some point.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top line offensive center
Projected role – career: NHL – third line offensive center
Filip Rydström
Age: 21
Latest team: Jukurit Mikkeli (Finnish Mestis)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016: 7th round, 195th overall)
Evaluation: A well-developed big-body center, Rydström was drafted as an overage player by Edmonton last year before going back to Europe to play his first senior year in the Finnish second league where he dominated the league. Now he is back on North America trying to make his way into the iNHL, but expect him to remain in the minors this entire season at least.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle six offensive forward
Projected role – career: AHL – top line offensive forward
Inti Pestoni
Age: 26
Latest team: HC Ambrì-Piotta (Swiss NLA)
Acquired through: Free Agency:
Evaluation: A speedy, flashy winger, Pestoni has excellent puckhandling skills and does not back down from a fight if challenged. Needs to work on the defensive aspects of his game, and will have to begin the season in the minors to prove his worth in North American hockey.
Projected role - 17/18: AHL - top-six speedy winger
Projected role - career: NHL - 3rd line speedy winger
Juhani Tyrväinen
Age: 27
Latest team: Pelicans Lahti (Finnish SM-Liiga)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Tyrväinen was signed from the Finnish league after a strong season, finishing third for points and displaying impressive play throughout the year. Defensively very sound, look for Tyrväinen to get a slightly different role if/when he gets a chance on the Flyers team.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top-six two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom-line shutdown winger
Cooper Marody
Age: 20
Latest team: Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2015, 6th round, 158th overall)
Evaluation: an offensive prospect, Marody signed his entry-level contract this summer to leave college and start off his professional ice hockey career. The American winger is athletic and strong with the puck, but need to work on the defensive aspects of the game. Expect him to get plenty of time to develop in the minors before making the jump to the big league.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle-six offensive winger
Projected role – career: NHL – third line offensive winger
Tyler Soy
Age: 20
Latest team: Victoria Royals (WHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2016, 6th round, 169th overall)
Evaluation: Another offensive prospect, Soy has two solid seasons in the WHL behind him and will be looking to build on that when beginning his professional career in Lehigh Valley. His main strength is his playmaking ability, and has good physique and intangibles to top it with. Needs to become more defensively responsible.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – middle-six offensive center
Projected role – career: NHL – middle-six offensive center
Tage Thompson
Age: 19
Latest team: Connecticut Huskies (NCAA)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: a big body, well-rounded winger who has gone undrafted through two drafts, Thompson is a physical prime example with excellent strength and stamina. Plays a clever two-way game and has shown he can produce offensively as well. Could become better at using his big frame. Needs time to develop, look for him to get that in the ECHL with a chance to move up if he plays well.
Projected role – 17/18: ECHL – top-line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom-six two-way forward
Samuel Dove-McFalls
Age: 20
Latest team: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2015, 4th round, 98th overall)
Evaluation: The Flyers will be hoping that transitioning to senior hockey will boost Dove-McFalls’ development. Being touted as a promising offense prospect, his last season was ridden by injuries, missing 14 games in the Q’ and not developing according to plan. He did bounce back during the spring to lead the Sea Dogs to their second consecutive championship. Dove-McFalls needs to work on his offensive game and will be given time to do so in the minors.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – top-six two-way forward
Projected role – career: NHL – middle-six two-way forward
Jordan Martinook
Age: 25
Latest team: Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Martinook was signed as a free agent to a one-year deal by the Flyers. The former 2nd round pick (2012, 58th overall) took a step back last season, spending it entirely in the minors. His chances of NHL ice time are slim to none, and Martinook will have to focus on helping Lehigh Valley with his clever, two-way game.
Projected role – 17/18: AHL – bottom-six checking center
Projected role – career: AHL – middle-six checking center
Prospects signed who have been reassigned to juniors
Garrett Pilon, Skyler McKenzie, Ralph Jarratt, Alexander Katerinakis, Tyler Nother, Oliver Olsson, Jake Kryski, Drake Rymsha, Carson Dimoff, Brett Murray, Vojtech Budík