Flyers Daily: Some Good News/Bad News Stats; Caps’ Ovi Did WHAT?

While checking out some stats the other day, one of the most positive ones connected to the Philadelphia Flyers was this: They are one of the NHL’s youngest teams.

Hey, if you are gong to build for the future, do it with kids, right?

The Flyers’ average age is 26.7 without Ryan Ellis on the roster. Only Columbus (26.1), New Jersey (26.1), Buffalo (26.1), Los Angeles (26.4), and Anaheim (26.5) are younger, based on projected rosters.

The graybeards in the league?

That would be Washington (30.2), Pittsburgh (29.8), Tampa Bay (29.2), St. Louis (29.1), the Islanders (29) and Boston (29).

From the Philadelphia Flyers’ perspective, one of the most disheartening stats is the amount of money they are paying their leaky defense: $25.1 million, 10th-highest in the NHL among blue lines.

That’s not money well spent when you consider the Flyers allowed 3.59 goals per game last season, placing them 27th in the 32-team NHL.

That $25.1 million figure doesn’t include Ellis ($6.25 million cap hit), who is out indefinitely with a pelvic injury. The Flyers also have hefty contracts belonging to defensemen Ivan Provorov ($6.75 million cap hit), Rasmus Ristolainen ($5.1 million), Tony DeAngelo ($5 million), and Travis Sanheim ($4.675 million), who can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Will the Flyers keep Sanheim, who was their best defenseman last season, or try to move him for a forward before giving him a more-expensive extension?

Stay tuned.

The first two copies of @AlanBassWriting book on #EdSnider. Of course, @bernieparent gets the #1 copy. In stores in September. A great read about an amazing man. @NHLFlyers pic.twitter.com/nKGqHiT169

— Ike Richman (@Ike_Richman) August 22, 2022

NHL Trade Speculation, News, and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: In case you missed it, Ellis is expected to miss training camp and not be ready for the start of the season. Philadelphia Flyers.

Washington Hockey Now: Superstar Alex Ovechkin spent a day working for a sport-gambling phone center in Russia this summer. Washington Capitals. 

New York Islanders Now: Stefen Rosner says the Isles may have their eyes on these two free agents. New York Islanders.

Boston Hockey Now: New coach Jim Montgomery, a former Flyer, reveals his plan for the Bruins’ top lines. Sort of. Boston Bruins.

Arizona Coyotes: Mullets are back in Arizona. The Coyotes will play at the newly named, 5,000-seat rink at Arizona State University. It’s named after philanthropists and ASU donors Donald and Barbara Mullet. Hockey News.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Could Bryan Rust help the Penguins’ inconsistent penalty kill? Pittsburgh Penguins.

Detroit Hockey Now: The competition is strong — hello, Cale Makar — but young Red Wings defenseman Mo Seider is already working into the Norris Trophy conversation as the league’s best defenseman. Detroit Red Wings.

Vancouver Hock Now: The Canucks could be stacked down the middle. Vancouver Canucks.