Each day until July 1, the day free agency begins, CSNPhilly.com producers Tom Dougherty, Jordan Hall and Greg Paone will profile some of the NHL's top impending free agents and project their likelihood of signing with the Flyers.
Mikkel Boedker, left wing
Age: 26
Height: 6-0
Weight: 211
Last team: Colorado Avalanche
2015-16 cap hit: $3.75 million
Scouting report
The Avalanche acquired Boedker at last season’s trade deadline as a second-half rental while pushing for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot.
The 2008 first-round pick brings speed and skill on the wing, areas in which the Flyers need improvement.
In 80 total games last season between the Coyotes and Avalanche, the lefty-shooting Boedker set a career high with 34 assists and scored 17 goals to match his personal best of 51 points.
Interestingly, though, Boedker was an NHL-worst minus-33. He doesn’t boast game-changing size or toughness. Nonetheless, his ability to handle the puck and disrupt in the opponents’ zone is intriguing at 26 years old.
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He may just be toeing the surface of his potential.
Projection
The problem with Boedker and the chances of him landing with the Flyers is, of course, money.
The Flyers are not yet in position to splurge in free agency. Boedker is reportedly hoping for around $5.5 million and five years.
That doesn’t fit the Flyers’ offseason spending agenda.
Boedker would certainly plug holes for the orange and black and his ceiling sure is enticing. However, the requirements aren’t suited for the Flyers’ current state and plans.
A team will likely meet his asking price and it more than likely won’t be Ron Hextall and company.
