Flyers sign Staal to help reinforce the defense

It’s been two days since the NHL Free Agency began. The Philadelphia Flyers signed Ryan Poehling, Rhett Gardner, and Garnet Hathaway on the first day. Daniel Briere isn’t forcing his hand to sign free agents, keeping his tone of making sensible depth signings.

“We’re going to keep looking the next few days; whatever’s out there. I’m not saying something’s going to happen. We’re keeping our eyes open. If it makes sense and if it’s something that can help us, we’ll dive into it, but at this time today, I don’t expect anything else.”

Daniel Briere; 7/1/2023

Today, the Flyers announced they signed Marc Staal to a 1yr/$1.1mil deal.

“We did look into more of a veteran presence in the lineup, both up front and on defense. We just didn’t find the proper fit today. We’re going to keep looking. If it makes sense at some point, we might add in that direction.”

Daniel Briere; 7/1/2023

Staal is a proper depth fit. On a 35+ NHL contract, Staal is a very affordable option who could appear as high as the second pair in the lineup. Additionally, there isn’t any reason to fret about Staal taking minutes away from Egor Zamula. Zamula will likely make the Flyers roster, competing with Nick Seeler and Sean Walker for ice time.

What about Ronnie Attard? He is waiver exempt with all the other defensemen with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms except for Louie Belpedio.

“There’s a few guys that are right there. A lot of [the] time, as an organization, you get eager, [and] you go out and sign some guys, and it blocks your young guys. We’re trying to be understanding of that, and make sure before we move too far in that direction that we know what we have now.”

Daniel Briere; 7/1/2023

Adding a veteran will help with development. Staal is a competitor, and part of the Flyers seeing what they have in their prospects includes how they compete against seasoned NHL skaters. Not only does this signing benefit younger skaters like Attard, but the same applies to the youth breaking into the lineup. Cam York, the youngest defenseman on the roster, could work alongside Staal. Last January, Staal turned 36 but played every game in 2022-2023; there is a wealth of knowledge to share about preserving health during an NHL season.

“A little bit of veteran presence to help our young guys. We never thought that a player like Marc Staal would have any interest in coming here. We were pretty excited when we found out there was a mutual interest. I think it almost makes too much sense to add a guy like that who played for Torts, understands what Torts is all about, [and] is willing to pass that message. Where is he going to fit in the lineup? We were very clear with him in what we’re doing here and where the process is going, and he wants to help out. He’s also a competitor, he’s going to play hard and try to push our guys; play more and more like what he did in Florida”

Daniel Briere; 7/3/2023

Briere could flip Staal for a late-round selection near the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. Acquiring a veteran to challenge the younger skaters helps the Flyers rebuild. This signing could have a mutual payout, sending Staal to a postseason-bound team.

Until then, he will keep the 18 stitched on his sweater. Tyson Foerster selected that number yesterday, but he’ll choose 71 instead.

Last season, Staal took to the ice for the Florida Panthers. He totaled 15 points (3G, 12A) with a +10 rating in 82GP. The Panthers marched onward in an incredible push for the Stanley Cup, ultimately losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Staal averaged nearly 21 minutes a game over 21GP during the postseason but didn’t contribute a point.

(AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker, File)