April 17, 2024 | 1:13pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

FLYERS TO HAVE ACTIVE OFF-SEASON

Flyers GM Danny Briere

The Philadelphia Flyers took major strides this season and despite missing the playoffs, the team has taken another step forward in its rebuild.

Flyers GM Danny Briere is expected to explore the trade market and scour the free agent waters for upgrades this summer and he and his staff will begin evaluating options soon after the team conducts its exit meetings and internal season recaps.

The Flyers plan on upgrading their blueline this off-season as one item on their to-do list. After adding Jamie Drysdale via trade this season, Briere is believed to want to acquire another young top-four calibre defenceman. It is unclear whom the team may target, but the Flyers want to further upgrade their defensive corps.

Veterans Erik Johnson and Marc Staal are not expected to be brought back this summer, as both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1.

With just over $2.18 million in available salary cap space next season, the Flyers could create an extra $6.25 million in LTIR overage space by placing Ryan Ellis on LTIR.

The Flyers generated interest in such forwards as Scott Laughton, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee this season and Briere could revisit those discussions this off-season as Philadelphia is also believed to be interested in adding another scorer to the lineup.

In goal, the Flyers could create more cap space if they decide to buy out the contract of netminder Cal Petersen, and the team has been engaged in contract talks with Ivan Fedotov’s representation on a multi-year extension.