Flyers Daily News
Keith Jones: Frost ‘Close’ to Deal; Flyers Closing in on New TV, Radio Analysts
Morgan Frost is the one contract unresolved with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Flyers general manager Daniel Briere made qualifying offers in June to five players. Four of the five signed — forwards Noah Cates and Olle Lycksell, and defensemen Ronnie Attard and Cam York. Frost did not.
“Not yet; close,” Philadelphia Flyers president of hockey operations Keith Jones told Philly Hockey Now about the contract negotiations.
“Morgan’s an important player for us in the future. That will work itself out.”
Frost has played 158 games over four seasons. After a rough start last season that drew criticism from coach John Tortorella — Frost scored three goals in the first 27 games — the center played well the rest of the season. He finished with a career-high 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points.
Frost, 24, has 26 goals and 43 assists (69 points) in his NHL career. The Flyers drafted him in the 2017 first round, the 27th player chosen overall.
Analysts’ Deals
The Flyers still have two openings on their broadcast teams. Keith Jones’ position as TV analyst next to play-by-play man Jim Jackson is vacant. Jones was a broadcaster for more than two decades before becoming the Flyers president.
“I think they have an idea but they haven’t announced it yet,” Jones said. “I do [have an idea]. We’ll see it when we see it.”
The radio analyst job next to Tim Saunders also is vacant after long-time broadcaster Steve Coates retired last season.
“That’s not done yet,” Jones said. “They’ll want somebody with him [Saunders]. I would suspect a former player. It’s in the works.”
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Coming at 10 a.m.; Sam Carchidi column on the passing of an all-time Flyers fan.
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Flyers, In Case You Missed It:
Shayne Gostisbehere talks about his time with the Flyers and his future with the Red Wings.
Brian Boucher to replace Keith Jones on TNT broadcasts.
Flyers to appear on national TV a dozen times.
Around The National Hockey Network:
Boston Hockey Now: Controversial Bill Peters hired to coach hockey again.
Carolina Hockey Now: Hurricanes hire development coach with KHL ties.
Chicago Hockey Now: Prospect Kevin Korchinski should be penciled into Blackhawks opening night lineup.
Colorado Hockey Now: How Igor Larionov is preparing Avalanche’s Nikolai Kovalenko for NHL.
Detroit Hockey Now: Red Wings camp invite, forward Israel Mianscum, is an interesting prospect.
Montreal Hockey Now: Three questions facing Canadiens going into next season.
Nashville Hockey Now: Predators fans more confident in front office after GM switch.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Devils GM says he doesn’t want to rush highly ranked prospect Simon Nemec.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Five questions Penguins must answer.
San Jose Hockey Now: Sharks hard to find on national TV schedule.
I would not give Frost a longer deal. 2 years at the most. He needs to show that he is a consistent 20 plus goal scorer.
Agree. I had a one-on-one with Keith Jones yesterday. There was no doubt in my mind that the Flyers are going to sign him. I think two years is a fair deal for both.
Thanks for your comments.
CB
Glad to hear they are getting close with Frost. He can’t afford to miss any training camp time (and that certainly wouldn’t go over well with Tortella). Everyone is looking toward an additional step forward this year as you mentioned, Chuck. I’d take the 14 point improvement you highlighted in a recent article (nhl.com fantasy projection).
As I mentioned in my previous comment, the Frost deal will get done. I had a great interview with Keith yesterday and will have a bunch of stories coming on what he had to say about a variety of topics.
Thanks for your comments.
CB
That sounds great! (and sorry for the typo *Tortorella)
If they’re going to choose an ex-player to sit besides Saunders, Bundy would be the obvious choice since he has experience. If that bridge has burned, then I have no idea who could fill Coatsey’s shoes.
Here’s my choices, Chuck. 😉
Ilya Bryzgalov – “It’s only game. Why you heff to be mad?” It certainly would be colorful and heck, the Flyers are paying him until 2026-2027 anyway. 😊
Scott Hartnell – Yes, he’s got a job now, but…
Ron Hextall – Yes, he needs a job now (again). LOL!
Mark Howe – Would provide great hockey knowledge and is all-class.
Jaromir Jagr – That would just be fun!
Mike McKenna – Knowledgeable hockey man and all-around nice guy.
Chris Pronger – ‘nuff said.
Brian Propp – “Guffaw” would just be fun to listen to.
Mike Ricci – Just a favorite of mine.
Mike Richards – Another favorite of mine. Nice to see he is doing well. Will never forget the shift/goal against Montreal.
Scottie Upshall – Has a lot of character.
Jake Voracek – Ah yes! Jake would be great!
Joe Watson – Ol ’Thundermouth! Wouldn’t that be a hoot! (and add Jimmy too)
LOL, Steve. Some good ones here. If I had to guess — and I’m just guessing — I’d lean toward Hartnell to work with Jim Jackson. He’s good on TV and has experience in front of the camera. That would be my guess.
CB
Thanks Chuck. 😉 Some tongue in cheek, obviously. I’d love to see “Hartnell Down” as part of the team.