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Philadelphia Flyers get off to a quick start in free agency

By Patrick Lawson

Mar 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Jordan Weal (40) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Jordan Weal (40) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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After an exciting draft last week, the Philadelphia Flyers gear up for the beginning of free agency with a checklist.

Free Agency for the NHL officially begins on July, but teams can have agreements in place prior to the date. The Philadelphia Flyers have two of those said agreements.

As of June 29, the Philadelphia Flyers have deals in place with Forward Jordan Weal and Goaltender Brian Elliott. Weal’s deal is reported to be two years and Elliott’s a three-year deal. Money wise, Weal’s dollar amount is reported to be $1.75 million per year and Elliott’s is reported as $2.75 mil AAV.

Elliott’s Deal

The signing of Elliott comes just a day after reports from Steve Mason’s agent said that the goalie would not be returning to the orange and black. Elliott’s signing can be seen as a like for like trade for Mason. With the only difference being his age the former St. Louis Blue and Calgary Flame has had similar numbers to Mason over his career.

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Elliott brings some playoff experience along with some streaky play. At 32, he won’t be the Flyers starting goaltender unless play says otherwise. He projects as a back-up to Michal Neuvirth at the start of this upcoming year.

Also, when the kids like Carter Hart or Felix Sandstrom are ready to play, Elliott as a mentor wouldn’t hurt.

It is a shame to see the Mason-era end in Philadelphia like it has. He has arguably been the Philadelphia Flyers best goalie since the GM himself, Ron Hextall. Mason still is very good, his situation was not handled well in Philadelphia.

Weal’s Deal

The fan favorite Jordan Weal is back in orange and black. The diminutive forward saw success towards the end of last season, which prompted a runaround in free agency. With no better options than the Philadelphia Flyers, Weal came home.

With the trading of Brayden Schenn last week at the draft, bringing Weal back was even more important. Dave Hakstol anticipates Weal to have a helping hand in replacing Schenn’s goal total from last year.

In the short amount of games that we saw Weal in he did do one thing better than Schenn. He scored goals 5 on 5. While Schenn is a very talented and young player, he could not contribute on even-strength.

Realistically, Weal could have a shot at a top-6 spot this year, he does deserve one. His contract is a relatively cheap one at that. If Weal breaks out this year, he is an absolute steal at that price. It was the type of low risk/high reward deal that Hextall couldn’t pass up on.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have bought out the contract of former Philadelphia Flyer Scott Hartnell. He is now and unrestricted free agent and can sign anywhere. Could a reunion in orange and black be possible?

It is a possibility. With the Flyers not having much production from the wings, Hartnell already being familiar with the organization and coming at a cheap price a reunion could happen.

With Weal and Elliott signed the Philadelphia Flyers have around $3 million and some change left of cap space. At 35 and coming off a 37 point year, he would a be a steal depth signing.

Is it likely Hartnell will be back in the number 19 orange and black next year? No. Is it possible? Yes.

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