Along with assorted depth signings geared toward the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms and potential injury callups for the 2022-23 season, the Phladelphia Flyers brought back one familiar face and one former foe for the NHL roster on the first of NHL free agency season.
The familiar face: veteran defenseman Justin Braun. After finishing the 2021-22 season with the New York Rangers as a rental player, the 35-year-old Braun has returned to the Flyers on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
The Flyers know what to expect with Braun: a steady right-handed defender who can provide reliable play -- blocking shots, killing penalties, etc. -- on the third pairing or fill in higher in the lineup if there are injuries. If a younger defenseman such as Ronnie Attard were to step up and win a job, Braun could eventually slot in as the No. 7 defenseman and do a creditable job without rocking the boat.
The former rival: rugged 31-year-old left winger Nicolas Deslauriers was signed to a four-year contract at a $1.75 million AAV.
"I had a decent chat with Chuck and with Torts just before But i was just the fit there. I think every time I played against them, it was kind of a rough and tough game. The structure of not just how the team is but the city; it's a blue-collar city. It wasn't an easy decision but at the same time, after talking to Chuck and Torts, I'm excited for sure," Deslauriers said.
Deslaurier brings an aggressive forechecking presence, a willingness to engage in physical play, defend teammates by dropping the gloves and exhibit a mean streak. Despite a 6-foot-1, 220 pound frame, Deslauriers isn't slow. Over the years, he's also added to his repertoire the ability to kill penalties.
A veteran of 506 NHL regular season games, Deslauriers split the 2021-22 season between the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild. With Minnesota, the former Montreal, Buffalo, and Anaheim forward dressed in first five career Stanley Cup playoff games.
Although he's never been a big goal scorer, Deslauriers attracted widespread interest as free agency approached. For that reason, the Flyers offered a four-year contract to help set their offer apart from other clubs pursuing the player.
"A lot teams were calling. I put myself in a situation to test the market for the first time.... The full talk with Chuck, the organization wants to take a step forward. I think the fit was good," Deslauriers said.
"I think I have proved I can play hockey. I've done a lot of work to add to my game; I have done a lot of power skating because it's a faster league. Teams know what I can bring. The market was after me this summer. It was an interesting process."
Deslauriers acknowledged that his role with the Flyers will be exactly the same as it's been with other teams -- he doesn't need to have GMs explain their vision for bringing him in because his game is very straightforward. He will play on the fourth line, perhaps getting spotted a little higher when the team needs a spark. He'll try to bring physical play and intangibles. He can be part of the PK rotation as well if called upon to do so.
Deslauriers said that he already knows Rasmus Ristolainen for their time together as teammates in Buffalo. He added that Kevin Hayes called him immediately after the Flyers signed him, and that he's looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team.
