The Flyers may have a log jam of Defensemen, but they need the right one to get them over the hump. The Defense was lossey-goosey, for the most part, all year, and down years from Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov didn't help matters by any means.
Enter Alain Vigneault. Vigneault promises to make this team a consistent hockey team in the future with the hopes of winning a Stanley Cup with the orange and black, "We’ve got some real good players here," Vigneault said. "These good players, in certain phases of seasons, have performed at an extremely high level. Now it’s my job, and I know I can do that, I can get them to be more consistent. The way that I prepare a team for games I believe permits a player to understand what he needs to do against that team to be successful. I’m also very adamant that a player has his part to do in that. At the end of the day this is a team sport, but you’re accountable to your preparation and to your performance."
Vigneault continued, "What I was looking for in my new opportunity to coach were three things. First thing I was looking for was an opportunity to win. An opportunity in the short term to win a Stanley Cup. When I look at and analyze the parts we have here in Philly, when I look at and analyze the options that we have in improving this team, it gets a check mark from me."
Defense wins Championships. Make no mistake about it, this is one main reason the Flyers as a whole remained inconsistent. Furthermore, the Defense was far too inconsistent to propel the Flyers into the playoffs. The Flyers Defense is a young Corps. that needs a Top 4 Veteran Defenseman to aide the youth movement. Here is a list of some possible free agents/restricted free agents Defensive targets that the Flyers may pursue:
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Tyler Myers
At 29-years old, Myers ended his 2018 season with his highest +/- rating since his rookie year ten years ago, tallying over 30 points for the second season in a row. He's expressed an interest to stay with the Winnipeg Jets, recently stating "“I really do believe we have some pieces in the room that can do something here.”
However, testing the free agency waters would likely open up a deep market. He's the sort of player who can create an opportunity out of nothing if paired with the right defensemen. The 6'8 mammoth blue-liner would be a strong fit and although he doesn't have the puck-handling of an offensive defensemen and is prone to a few errors, Myers would add a well-rounded option into the fold, allowing players like Gostisbehere to find a more well-matched partner.
Erik Karlsson
A first-round pick 10-years ago, Karlsson is known for his offensive prowess and that hasn't changed much in the last decade. His passing is exceptional and vision beyond the blue-line is just as much...but defense isn't his strong suit. But with 42 assists last season, that's never been his calling card.
There aren't many who blend the size and skating ability with sheer vision that Erik Karlsson has, and we all knew that the Flyers new Head Coach loves veterans. Karlsson would inject an All-star presence onto the team and a defender who can manufacture attacking moves, as evidenced by the fact he had the most assists of any defensemen in the playoffs last season.
Marc Methot
At 33-years old, the road is getting darker for Methot. He's been battling knee injuries since last year after originally being traded to the Stars and there's a chance he hangs up the skates for good. But with 13-years NHL experience, a team will come running.
Methot isn't the offensive mastermind he used to be. He doesn't score anywhere near as he did during the early stages of his career and aside from one goal against Anaheim last season, his last came in the 2015-16 season.
Methot would be a cheap signing, if he decides he wishes to play one more season and would play a limited role in the Flyers defense. They wouldn't ask him to be a top defenseman, but someone that could play during a pinch who can lead what is still a very young core, could be valuable.
Anton Stralman
He's been as consistent at they come since earning the 'A' in Tampa Bay, notching 16+ assists in both of his last campaigns. Stralman has an impressive shot from the point, but it's his vision and ability to shine on the power play (a tremendous area of need for the Flyers) that really stands out.
Stralman could be a little more pricey than some of the other options here, but he's a reliable defensive free agent...which is hard to find these days.
Alexander Edler
Notably, Edler has previous experience with Vigneault and has posted a total of 34 points in each of his last two seasons.
Edler is an assist machine who can very much become the playmaker in a defensive pairing, without becoming a liability on the other end. He's now played in over 800 career games and has clearly not lost a step. Edler could come in right away and help the Flyers generate consistent attacks that end in goals, as opposed to waves of messy play. With experience of the scheme and coaching style, he could be a valuable piece to help the younger guys get to grips with the things.
Jacob Trouba
Another Jets defenseman uncertain about his future, Trouba has the frame and smooth skating that coaches covet. Arguably the most aggressive on this list, Trouba is a tone-setter and at 25-years old, still has a very high ceiling. He's coming off a 50 point season and given his age, this may see his price spike, but there's nothing stopping the Flyers sprinting and writing out an offer sheet for the perfect blend of youth, upside and production.
Anything can happen to include a trade for a top 4 Defenseman. What I can say is Chuck Fletcher is definitely looking to acquire one this off-season. Fletcher has hinted at submitting an offer sheet for RFA's, as well, to improve this team. In the end acquiring a top 4 Defenseman is one of Fletcher's top priorities this off-season, as it will make the Flyers a consistent hockey team in the future.
