With the NHL Draft tonight and free agency looming, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher has began to get to work. This afternoon he extended qualifying offers to three of the Flyers four restricted free agents. Nolan Patrick and Phil Myers are the two biggest names while Mikhail Vorobyev may not be as well known but he suited up for a few games for the Flyers in the past.
When it comes to Nolan Patrick there so much still uncertain as his status remains up in the air for next season due to his migraine issues. On the bright side he did participate in a charity scrimmage last week so that has to be a good sign. I can’t see him getting a big extension due to the health concerns but I have no problem with giving him a 1-2 year deal on a prove it contract especially since he was the number 2 overall pick just a few years ago.
Phil Myers is one of the Flyers best young defenseman and had a great season. While the playoffs weren’t as great for him as they could have been, he is still young and is only going to improve. His name has been floated out there in trade rumors for a certain winger from Winnipeg but I can’t see the Flyers being willing to part with him as he is going to be a key part of the future.
Finally, for Vorobyev he is already back in Russia playing in the KHL so this is more of a move to make sure in case he decides to come back to the NHL the Flyers have his rights. My biggest issue with Vorobyev was his faceoffs, he really struggled at the NHL level to win draws and if he wants to compete for that third/fourth center spot he needs to get better in that area. His offer like I said is just so the Flyers don’t lose him for nothing maybe playing in the KHL will help him for when/if he comes back to the NHL.
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-Walsh
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