At the start of today the Flyers had three remaining RFA’s left to sign, that number can now be cut down to zero. Alex Lyon, Anthony Stolarz and Cole Bardreau have all agree to contracts with the team.
Stolarz and Lyon, who both saw action with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms have both signed one year, two-way deals. (Details on money are not available at this time.) Lyon spent the majority of the season as the Phantoms starter playing in 47 games, winning 27 of the contests. He posted a 2.74 GAA and .912 SV%. With his first pro season under his belt, Lyon will look once again to take the reigns of the Phantoms and lead them to their first back-to-back playoff appearances since the team last did so in 07/08-08/09. In a crowded pool of goalie prospects, it will be tough for Lyon to truly stand out, but don’t write him off.
It is important to note that with both goalies signing one year deals, this opens up the possibility of Felix Sandstrom coming over from Sweden next season. Also Carter Hart will be able to join the AHL squad next year, having finished up his junior career with the Everett Silvertips.
Stolarz spit time between the Phantoms and Flyers last season, and many thought he could see solid NHL time next season, however with the Flyers signing Brian Elliott it does not look like there will be room for Stolarz. In an event where Michael Neuvirth or Elliott goes down with an injury, look for Stolarz to be called up to the NHL.
In Stolarz’s limited NHL time last season he played very well, including a shutout against the Calgary Flames. While he is still very young at 23 years of age, Stolarz has been passed by a number of goalies drafted under him, most notably Matt Murray and Joonas Korpisalo. He’ll be looking to take advantage of any NHL chance he is given.
The Flyers signed Cole Bardreau out of Cornell University back in March of 2015 and he has spent the last three seasons with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Bardreau has battled injures through his collegiate career and pro career, but that did not stop him from appearing in 72 games last season for the Phantoms, registering 9 goals and 24 points. He is a key member of the Phantoms bottom-six, and while he might not be a flashy name, players such as Bardreau still prove to be valuable to teams through and through.
As per Dave Isaac, Bardreau will earn $650,000 at the NHL level, and $100,000 in the AHL. The second season he’ll earn $125,000 at the AHL level.
#Flyers ink Cole Bardreau to a two-year, two-way deal. $650K in the NHL, $100K in the AHL for the first year and $125K the second.
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) July 15, 2017
