*Regular Season Finish: 5th in Eastern Conference’*Postseason Finish: Eliminated in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals’
After two seasons of losing to the rival Penguins in the playoffs, Philadelphia made one of the first big splashes in the 2009 offseason, trading for superstar Canadian defenseman Chris Pronger. Pronger has spent the last three seasons playing with the Anaheim Ducks, winning his first Stanley Cup with the club in 2007. With a talented core of young offensive players, the majority of Philly’s problems in recent years has been their ability to keep pucks out of their own net. Coupled with veteran Kimmo Timonen, Pronger should be the star quality defender that the Flyers have been missing. Unfortunately, getting Pronger came at a cost to the Flyers, although how large of one still remains to be seen. The Flyers were forced to give up young talent Luca Sbisa, as well as two first round draft picks. Also included in the deal was forward Joffrey Lupul, who recorded two 20 goal seasons during his stay in Philadelphia.
The Flyers added some youth up front by signing young winger Lukas Kaspar, who was allowed to walk from San Jose after the Sharks’ disappointing exit in the postseason. Further bolstering the Flyers’ reputation as one of the toughest clubs in the league, they signed Ian Laperriere, a physical center who recorded 163 penalty minutes for Colorado last season. The Flyers also added veteran winger Jay Ward.
Another issue the Flyers hope they have fixed this offseason is the problem of inconsistent goaltending that has plagued them over the past two seasons. Martin Biron never lived up to what may have been unreasonably high expectations in Philly, and the veteran netminder was eventually signed by the New York Islanders. Taking his place between the pipes next season will be Ray Emery, who spent last season playing in Russia, where it is rumored he has re-evaluated his approach to the game, which, if true, could mean that the Flyers have solved their goaltending issues. Backing up Emery next season will be another former Shark, as the Flyers added Brian Boucher. Boucher is a familiar face in Philadelphia, having spent a number of seasons with the Flyers before making a number of stops around the league, most recently in San Jose.
If Emery comes through and can be the consistent number one in net that the Flyers have missed for the past two seasons, then Philadelphia may have the final pieces that they need to make a concerted effort towards the Cup. With Pronger anchoring the blueline, Philadelphia should have solved their defensive problems, and put together a solid enough squad to battle their way through next year’s Eastern Conference.