One position Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher has yet to address this offseason is backup goalie. A position that Fletcher mentioned needed to be looked at this offseason.
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Brian Elliott was the Flyers backup goalie last season. A spot Elliott has manned for the past three seasons.
Last season, with Carter Hart’s struggles, Brian Elliott played a key role for the Flyers. Posting a 15-9-2 record with 3.06 GAA & .889% as the Flyers main starter for most of the season.
However, Elliott’s 3.06GAA & .889% was a red flag for the Flyers. Which is one of the many reasons Chuck Fletcher is looking for an improvement at backup goalie.
Now, the Flyers have made it known, as well as Brian Elliott, that a reunion would be welcomed. But, with Elliott, who turned 36 in April, it doesn’t make sense for the Flyers. Especially for the development of Carter Hart.
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The main reason Chuck Fletcher is looking for another backup goalie is Carter Hart. Fletcher wants someone who can push Hart. But, also start in his place if Hart struggles again.
One player that could be on the Flyers radar is former Carolina Hurricanes goalie James Reimer.
Reimer, who was apart of the Hurricanes trio of goalies last season, looks to be the odd man out in Carolina.
After a trade of Alex Nedeljkovic to Detroit for Jonathan Bernier, Carolina looks to be going with Bernier & Petr Mrazek next season. Which leaves no spot for James Reimer. Who, per Pierre LeBrun, is headed for free agency.
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Last season in Carolina, Reimer posted his best numbers in the past three seasons. Finishing with a 15-5-2 record with 2.66 GAA & .906%.
Since being traded from Toronto in 2016, Reimer has been very solid in multiple roles. Playing in all three goalie roles, starter – 1A/1B – backup, in the past six years.
In those six seasons, Reimer is 88-55-20 with 2.72 GAA & .912%.
The Flyers will not be the only team pursuing Reimer in free agency. But, a 2-3 year deal, worth around $2.5-3M AAV should be the Flyers in a very good spot to sign Reimer.
PHOTO CREDIT : Michael Reaves – Getty Images
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