Philadelphia was second in this past NHL season in goals scored, a major accomplishment for a team that made several roster changes heading into the 2011-12 season, but rookie Matt Read scored 47 points and helped the Flyers overcome the loss of Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.
As the front office prepares for the draft, the team has three unrestricted free agents in Jaromir Jagr, Matt Carle, and Pavel Kubina, making it even more difficult to mock their first round pick.
Defense is likely the top option and Slater Koekkoek is a good option, but the youngster could play college hockey and that could have the Flyers looking elsewhere with their first round choice. If the team decides to add a forward, Martin Frk is nearly NHL ready and has the offensive skills to make a quick jump from the QMJHL.
Both these youngsters would fill a need for this team down the line, but look for Philadelphia GM Paul Holmgren to add a couple free agents to help in the short-term. With the loss of Pronger, Ryan Suter could fill that void, but his demands would likely cost $7 million per year and the Flyers already have some big contracts on the books and signing Suter to a long-term deal is not necessarily the team's best option.
Philadelphia will head into the 2012-13 NHL season as one of the better franchises in the Eastern Conference, but what changes they make this summer will tell if this team is ready to make a run at the Stanley Cup or just another playoff hopeful.
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