The Philadelphia Flyers announced this evening that upon reviewing Scott Hartnell’s test results, he is expected to miss the next four to eight weeks with a broken left foot.
Four weeks would see Hartnell return on February 21, resulting in 15 missed games in the 48-game season.
Eight weeks would see Hartnell return on March 21, resulting in 27 missed games in the 48-game season.
In short, he’s missing anywhere from a quarter to half of the season.
Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren told reporters that he would “explore the trade market to replace Hartnell.”
According to Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer, though, the Flyers have officially signed Mike Knuble as his replacement.
Knuble, 40, had been playing on an AHL contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Two seasons ago, Knuble potted 24 goals and 40 points with the Washington Capitals. Last season, though, Capitals coach Dale Hunter either kept him on the fourth line or made him a regular healthy scratch.
Knuble certainly plays a similar role to Hartnell. It’s just unknown at this time how much he has really slowed down with age, if at all. At the very least, he brings about a veteran presence that could further help the development of the youth on the team.
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This season is going backwards in a hurry…at least there is a very strong draft class this year. Mackinnon, jones, and drouin.
The Flyers have been going backwards for the last few seasons. Losing out on the premier defensive restricted free agents in the off season was a big blow. Letting Jaromir Jagr walk away was a bad move. They are still stuck with a head case goal tender with average skills. This may be the year they miss the playoffs, in which case Peter Laviolette will probably be fired.
I thought Sean Couturier looked way better playing in front of the net on the PP than the wing ( on 2nd team PP)— I hope the addition of Knuble doesn’t take him off first team PP but if it does I hope he goes to the front of the net on the 2nd unit and not the wing