Free Agency Begins, Flyers Make Splash

Coming off one of the best seasons in recent memory, the Philadelphia Flyers looked to improve an already stellar roster for the 2010-2011 season.

With the opening of free agency today the Flyers made some key acquisitions:

Andrej Meszaros: A young defenseman who showed a plethora of potential with the Senators, Meszaros is looking to bounce back after two injury-riddled seasons in Tampa Bay. Look for him to compete for the #4 defensive position with Braydon Coburn. Meszaros also played extremely well in the Olympics alongside previous Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara.

Sean O'Donnell: A veteran defenseman that was plus-14 on a Los Angeles Kings team that relied more on creative offense rather than a solid defensive scheme despite a defensive mastermind in head coach Terry Murray.

Jody Shelley: A tough guy whose only two goals last year came against the Flyers. He will play on the fourth line and likely replace both Dan Carcillo and Riley Cote.

Braydon Coburn: Resigned to a two year deal after a strong playoff, but unspectacular regular season. Still a strong two-way defenseman with a lot of upside, Coburn can continue to improve while playing alongside arguably the most underrated defenseman in the NHL Kimmo Timonen.

Michael Leighton-The Cinderella goaltender earned a well deserved multi-year contract signing a two-year, $3.1 million deal. As of now he is the Flyers number one goaltender going into next season.

With these additions it's safe to say the Flyers defense is set, here's how I see the pairs turning out:

Pronger-Carle
Timonen-Coburn
Meszaros-O'Donnell

The question flying around the organization and the fanbase is if the Flyers are done in terms of their goaltending situation. The goalie position has haunted the Flyers in their quest to obtain the Cup since the Broad Street Bully days.

If the Flyers are going to go after Evgeni Nabokov, they will have to move backup Brian Boucher and possibly one other player to fit him under the cap at a possible $4 million salary.

With what cap the Flyers have remaining, they will most likely focus on adding another 3rd line winger due to their depth at the center position. Look for it to be a veteran presence such as a Miroslav Satan or Owen Nolan type player. That's all for now more updates as they come in!