Your 2009/2010 Flyers, as of now

It's time to move on, whether you thought they gave up too much or not, Chris Pronger is a Flyer. So, what's the next move for the Orange and Black? NHL free agency starts on July 1st, but don't expect the Flyers to be too active. According to GM Paul Holmgren, the Flyers have about 5 million dollars under the cap, and they will have to stretch that money to fill the remaining holes on their roster. The Flyers currently have 11 forwards, 6 defensemen and 1 goaltender under contract for next year, so they essentially need at least one player from each position.

So, what players might fill those remaining spots? The Flyers are talking with free agent Mike Knuble about the possibility of bringing him back for next year, but it would likely need to be for a hometown discount because the Flyers still have to bring in a backup goaltender and possibly a 7th defenseman. There have also been rumors that the Flyers will seek a new 4th line center, someone to remove Darroll Powe from that role. James van Riemsdyk also figures to be in the mix to make the roster, although the Flyers have yet to make it clear if they think he will need more seasoning in the AHL.

Here is the Flyers roster as of now. Listed for each position are the possible players that would fill out the roster if the season started today. You can see that there is still some tinkering to be done.

Forwards (11): Danny Briere, Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell, Daniel Carcillo, Andreas Nodl, Claude Giroux, Arron Asham, Riley Cote, Darroll Powe Possible 12th forward: James van Riemsdyk, Jonathon Kalinski

Defensemen (6): Chris Pronger, Braydon Coburn, Kimmo Timonen, Randy Jones, Ryan Parent, Matt Carle Possible 7th defenseman: Danny Syvret

Goalies (1): Ray Emery Possible back-up: Johan Backlund

By the way, Robert Esche, who the Flyers reportedly were interested in bringing back to Philly, has decided to remain in Russia for another season. Scratch him off the list of possible backup goaltenders.