Flyers Hire New GM Ahead of Deadline

Ovechkin To Remain a Flyer, Team Captain

The Philadelphia Flyers are in the heat of a playoff race, and with just days before the trade deadline, the team hired a new general manager to determine the path forward for the franchise. GM Nathan Erb was signed, bringing years of management experience to a team with a mix of superstars, veterans, youth, and a lack of depth. Will it be a busy deadline, or will the Flyers new management team take their time to evaluate the roster?

One question was immediately answered. Alex Ovechkin will remain the face of the franchise and team captain. "Whatever direction this team goes, it will be Ovie's team," said the new GM. "He scores goals, he sells tickets, he makes the team and locker room better. At any age, he's a player you want as the face of the franchise."

Bringing in help for the Great 8 is clearly needed, but don't expect the team to sacrifice the future to do so. "We definitely need depth and an identity. This isn't a contending team as is - but we're in more of a position to retool rather than rebuild."

That means veteran center Tomas Hertl and young sniper Dylan Guenther are very likely to remain linemates with Ovechkin. The other 9 forwards need work, whether that's at the deadline or this offseason.

On defense, the Flyers have a solid top 4 with Parayko, Byram, Wotherspoon, and Provorov. The top 3 will play a major role next season, but it's believed Provorov will be trade bait at the deadline. Former 1st round pick Axel Sandin-Pellikka will be another key addition to the top 6 next season. 

In net, the Flyers have already made it a priority to reshape the crease. Alex Lyon is the clear-cut number one at a bargain contract this year and next. Brandon Halverson has been reliable, but is clearly better suited for the farm club at this point of his career.

In the first deal, Philly moved a 6th round pick for 24 year old Taylor Gauthier. Gauthier will share the crease in the minors this season and next with Halverson. "He's a personal favorite, watching his career since I go to a lot of Wheeling games in real life," said GM Erb. Fun Fact: Gauthier "The Goat" just set the all-time win record for the Wheeling Nailers ECHL team!

The next deal had more significance for the Flyers as the team sent a 3rd round pick to the Edmonton Oilers for goalie Joonas Korpisalo. The 31 year old veteran is signed through next season and gives the team the perfect 1B goalie for Lyon. "We've always liked Korpi's game and we're excited to have him in Philly."

With the deadline approaching, the team will still be active in trade talks. Along with Provorov and Tanev, Dawson Mercer is the biggest name mentioned in trade talks as the team believes they could bolster their depth and give Mercer a change of scenery to continue his trajectory as a top 6 center.