Philadelphia Flyers' Six-Man Mystery

After his team enjoyed one of the best turnaround seasons in NHL history, John Stevens, coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, will have his toughest decision ahead of him thus far once training camp gets underway.

Stevens, entering his second full season behind the Flyers bench, will have to select which defenders will make up his opening-day defensive corps.

Last season in the conference finals, the Pittsburgh Penguins exposed the Flyers' inability to move the puck, whether with breakout passes or by skating it out of trouble. Paul Holmgren was very vocal heading into the summer about the need to fill this gap.

But lack of cap space and some uncertainty about existing contracts all but eliminated the Flyers' chances to upgrade their defense with a big-name unrestricted free-agent signing. Instead, Holmgren tinkered with possible solutions by making minor deals or acquiring players he hopes can evolve into the players the Flyers require.

One of the positives for Flyer fans is that with Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn, and even Randy Jones, the Flyers can make do nicely with a defenseman who can simply move the puck and skate well.

The Flyers are not doomed because they were unable to add a Norris Trophy-type defender. Philadelphia's puck movement will be much improved if they can find one or two defensemen that can skate and pass the puck better than Jason Smith and Derien Hatcher—as these were the two prime examples of Philadelphia's inability to start the offensive attack from the back-end.

Over the course of the summer, Holmgren acquired Steve Eminger from Washington and Danny Syvret, a skilled offensive defenseman in junior hockey, from the Edmonton Oilers' organization.

Ossi Vaananen was signed as a UFA after spending last season in Sweden. Tim Ramholt was acquired in a minor deal with the Calgary Flames. Luca Sbisa was drafted with the Flyers' first pick, 19th overall—but he will more than likely return to his junior team. Finally, Bryan Berard was signed to a professional tryout contract late in the summer.

Once training camp begins, the Flyers will have the following defensemen, all vying for one of six spots on defense:

Kimmo Timonen

The top defenseman on the team.

Braydon Coburn

Had a terrific first full NHL season. Should solidify his spot as the number-two man.

Randy Jones

Like Coburn, Jones enjoyed a solid season and was rewarded with a new contract. Should get an opportunity to be the number-three defenseman.

Derien Hatcher

More than likely, it appears Hatcher will spend most of the season on long-term injured reserve with his chronic knee problems.

Ryan Parent

Spent most of last season with the Phantoms. Called up during the end of the season and stuck, even getting some in ice time in the playoffs. Acquitted himself nicely—although at times looked a tad overwhelmed. Should get solid chance to be a regular on the team this season.

Lasse Kukkonen

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