Flyers reportedly closing in on signing Avalanche star forward this offseason
Photo credit: AP Photo / John Froschauer
The top-tier and second-tier free agents have all made their choices and signed elsewhere.
For many Philadelphia Flyers fans, this offseason may feel underwhelming, but the reality is, this team isn't the draw it once was. Until the Flyers start winning again, they won't be a prime destination for the league's top talent.
Flyers eyeing former Avalanche forward this summer.
Scott Cole from Broadstreet Buzz writes that a more suitable option, among the remaining free agents available, might be former Avalanche left winger Joel Kiviranta. He may not be a household name, but he'd be a solid addition to this young Flyers squad, bringing energy and experience in a depth role.
"Kiviranta was an undrafted player who came to the US and played for the Dallas Stars for four years before playing for the Avs, for the league minimum, for the last two. At 28 years old, it finally clicked for the Finn. In 79 games, he scored 16 goals, doubling his career-high, with seven assists." -Cole
The Flyers are stacked at right wing and seem to be settling in at center, but left wing remains a potential weak spot. Kiviranta could help fill that gap, bringing versatility and speed that would allow him to slot into any of the top three lines. His quick pace could complement a line with Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov, or he could mesh well alongside Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier, or even Noah Cates and Owen Tippett. Any of those combinations would benefit from adding a player who chipped in 16 goals last season.
"However, what if it was a fluke? What if he had a great season on a team loaded with stars and he just got lucky? It is possible. Sometimes players need to take time and find out who they are. After all, Nick Seeler was the same age before he became a full-time starter in Philly. Now he is an important cog on defense." -Cole
Maybe all Kiviranta needs is an opportunity. After playing the past two seasons at the league minimum, he likely isn't expecting a major payday. Even offering him a $1 million deal with performance bonuses would represent a raise, and it could be the kind of low-risk, high-reward move the Flyers need right now, especially with Tyson Foerster's injury casting uncertainty over the lineup.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 7 | 22 ANSWERS Flyers reportedly closing in on signing Avalanche star forward this offseason Do you want the Avalanche to re-sign Kiviranta this offseason? | ||
| yes | 19 | 86.4 % |
| no | 3 | 13.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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