Philadelphia Flyers made an impressive recovery last season, making it to the Conference Finals only a year after finishing last in the NHL. The Flyers made a number of acquisitions which should help them finish closer to to the top of the Conference and maneuver for home ice advantage in the postseason.
While veteran defenseman Jason Smith signed with Ottawa, the Flyers picked up a number of younger defensemen who should be more than enough to make up for Smith’s loss. Ossi Vaananen returned from playing in Sweden and signed a one year deal with Philadelphia. Janne Niskala was acquired from Nashville and Steve Eminger was picked up in a draft day trade with Washington. Randy Jones was also re-signed. Wingers Aaron Asham and Glen Metropolit were also signed to bolster the offense.
With the Penguins coming off a brilliant season and the Devils likely to remain a contender, the Atlantic Division won’t be an easy ride. Philadelphia’s physical style and reputation for punishing other teams will be carried over next season. Look for Philly to be bruising their way to the playoffs.