With training camp rapidly approaching, it’s safe to say the 2022-2023 Flyers look incomplete as of today. With Joel Farabee not slated to be ready for opening night, Sean Couturier returning from back surgery and a handful of young players hopefully ready to take the next step, it’s safe to assume that the club’s forward group needs work, especially on the left side of the lineup. Here’s a few players the team could add on professional tryout deals to potentially bolster their forward group:
1) Jonathan Dahlen, LW/RW: The son of former NHL’er Ulf Dahlen completed his first full NHL campaign with the San Jose Sharks this past season. Dahlen produced 12 goals and 11 assists in 61 games in 2021 with limited ice time. The smallish (he’s listed at 5’11” and just 176 pounds) 24-year-old is still very much learning the nuances of the North American game but owns excellent vision and touch around the net. At one time, Dahlen was seen as a young player with top 6 potential after an accomplished career in Sweden. It may be worth a flier for Philadelphia to see if he can improve as a second year NHL’er.
2) Sam Steel, C: The former 1st round pick has yet to find any level of consistency in the NHL so far. However, at 24 years-old, there is still some time to find his big-league niche. During in his time with the Regina Pats, Steel was seen as a two-way, all-situations stalwart. He also still possesses the quality skating ability that made him the 30th overall selection in 2016. Given his three-zone ability and skating, he seems like the type of player a John Tortorella led-club could mold into a consistent and useful player.
3) Sonny Milano, LW: Coming off a career year in Anaheim in 2021-2022 with 34 points, Milano was able to put his playmaking skills to good use this year. The 26-year-old has never lacked talent. Rather, his play away from the puck has left a lot to be desired. Even for the Ducks this past year, Milano was placed on waivers in October. However, once he had the opportunity to play with rising star Trevor Zegras, his offensive game flourished. Despite a significant dip in production in the second half, coming to the Flyers would represent a chance to reconnect with his old Columbus coach in Tortorella and a chance to earn top six ice time.
Honorable Mentions and other notable players
Paul Stastny, LW/C: Stastny remains a productive player at the ripe age of 36. H remains unsigned as of this writing. He could likely still skate in the Flyers top 6. Moreover, he could help fulfill some of the veteran leadership void left behind by Claude Giroux.
Evan Rodrigues C/RW: Like Milano, Rodrigues enjoyed a career year this season in Pittsburgh. His situation likely becomes clearer once Nazem Kadri signs his new deal reportedly with the New York Islanders.
Zach Ashton-Reese, LW/RW: Tortorella vowed to make the Flyers harder to play against this season. A quality defensive forward and pest could be of interest to Philadelphia for the bottom six.
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