Initial Reaction

Honestly, I know this is Robert Haggs contract, this is supposed to be a quick article about him and how well he’s played under AV’s system, even after having a solid year last year. I can’t help but to think…

That’s the end for Gostisbehere’s time in Philly, right? Flyers signed NAK almost a week ago for $1.075AAV and now have inked Robert Hagg to be our #6 or #7 defenseman next year. According to Capfriendly.com the Flyers have $6.24 million left in cap space. They still have free agents to sign in Nolan Patrick (RFA), Philippe Myers (RFA) and Tyler Pitlick (UFA) and a backup goalie…Brian Elliot?? (UFA).

Keep an eye on activity around Ghost. Free Agency set to kick off October 9th.

Pitlick is the only player out of those players that I can see being a reach to return. Sure, if Chuck really wants Pitlick back he could shed some salary on a Ghost deal and use some of that on Pitlick.

Or

Chuck lets Pitlick walk, thank him for everything he’s done in his short tenure with the Flyers. Tells him to go get the money he deserves, and let the plethera of forward depth in this organzation who’re on ELC deals battle for those spots.

We’ll see, I would love to see Pitlick back, he was terrfic this year and drove our bottom six along with Raffl. If Chuck decides to let him walk and look towards the young guns, I can’t argue with that either. Should be an interesting offseason, excited to see what Chuck does.

Robert Hagg

The #BobbyHaggHive (shoutout to @PodSTBullies on Twitter) is still alive! Robert Hagg, drafted in 2013 in the second round, selected only 30 picks after first round draft pick Samuel Morin, has had a solid career.

He’s not your flashy, quick defenseman that everyone wants 6 of on one team. He’s your stay at home, in your face, leading the team in hits (136) kind of defenseman. In 2018-2019 he had his best offensive year, scoring 5 goals along with 15 assists for 20 points in 82 games. This year he didn’t play as many games (49), rotating with Ghost for some parts of the year.

His first year under AV, I think he’s a good #6 or #7 defenseman. Only playing in 49 games this year after playing 82 the previous year and still being reliable when called upon is huge. If you start using Hagg in a top 4 role then you’ll start to have some issues with him. Where he is now is good for him.

It was great to see Hagg finally realize what he is as a defenseman and use those traits to his advantage. Don’t do to much, make the simple play and play physical. It’s worked well for him the past couple years. Really happy to see #8 come back for at least 2 more seasons.

Keep your head up when #8 in orange & black is on the ice!