Flyers Daily host Jason Myrtetus underwent his final chemotherapy treatment on Thursday. He didn’t feel well at all on Sunday. Being the warrior that he is, Jason prepped and recorded our usual Mondays with Meltzer episode nonetheless.I am proud to call Jason a friend as well as a colleague.
Often, right before he tapes Flyers Daily, Jason plays guitar or listens to music. It get himself psyched and energized for the podcast recording. Some of my favorite conversations with Jason are pre-show music conversations. Last night, we listened to some of System of a Down’s debut album.
Anyway, I digress.
This week’s Mondays with Meltzer episode (23:13 in length) looks at general manager Danny Briere’s offseason to-do list. There are probably too many things that need to get done to realistically accomplished all of them by the end of the summer. Deciding on the next coach is clearly the first item of business. Another must-address issue: goaltending. There’s still a much-discussed need for a first-line caliber center.None of these needs are a secret, but they are also not the full extent of the club’s issues.
For example, the Flyers have to re-sign their key internal restricted free agents. While much of the public focus is on RFAs from other organizations, the Flyers must guard their own flanks, too. It is possible, for example. that another organization could target Tyson Foerster for an offer sheet if the Flyers do not cannot sign him to extension before July 1. Philly must also re-sign Cam York (potential trade bait?) and Noah Cates. Specific to a York extension, what’s a realistic contract and term?
Jason and I discuss what the Flyers have on hand in terms of trading capital: stockpiled Draft picks, organizational depth at certain positions, moderate available salary cap space. Next, we shift gears to talk about the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. What will it take to beat two-time defending Calder Cup champion Hershey in the upcoming best-of-five series. Will Alex Bump make the NHL roster next season? How about Jett Luchanko? Perhaps Helge Grans or Hunter McDonald? What about prospects who are still playing junior hockey at present, such as Denver Barkey (nursing a lower-body injury) or Oliver Bonk?
