Saturday seems to be a day of news for goaltenders. The Vegas Golden Knights announced an extension for Robin Lehner, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced an extension for Tristan Jarry and there’s trade speculation regarding Devan Dubnyk. So, it makes sense that one of the feistiest teams in NHL history would get in on the action.
Related: Golden Knights Sign G Lehner to 5-Yr Extension
The Philadelphia Flyers sent word out on Saturday that veteran goaltender Brian Elliott will be back with the team for the 2020-21 season.
Early Saturday morning, the Flyers announced a new one-year contract for Elliott, who was set to reach free agency on Friday. His deal isn’t a big one as he’ll take a $500K pay cut over his salary from this past season, but Elliott will earn $1.5 million sharing duties in net for the Flyers and he’s landed a contract in very uncertain times for goalies, many of which will be fighting for a shortage of jobs.
Elliott, 35, is a veteran who will serve more as a mentor to up-and-coming goaltender Carter Hart than anything else. Hart is the Flyers future in net, but asking him to take on too large a role so early in his career might be putting too much pressure on a goalie who is only 22 years old. Hart will get the lion’s share of games for the Flyers next season and Elliott’s job will be simply to back him up. The team said of their working together, “With Brian and Carter, we believe we have a strong goaltending duo who have each had success and work very well with each other.”
This Deal Wasn’t Costly, But It Could Be
This Elliott deal might have also been about loyalty and leadership considering the other choices the Flyers would have had at their disposal. Some fans will argue the team should have dipped into the free agent market, but the Flyers stuck with the player they knew.
This will mark the fourth season Elliott has spent with the Flyers but if Hart struggles or misses games, the Flyers could have issues. Elliott has struggled of late and this past season posted a lowly .899 save percentage in 31 appearances.
But, the team believes there is more to his game than just the numbers. Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher called Elliott a veteran goaltender with real leadership ability in the team’s release about the signing. He noted, “His preparation and work ethic are exemplary.”
Next: Rask and Kuemper Updates: UFA Goalie Market Creates Crease Flood
