The Philadelphia Flyers have added Anthony Richard to their roster with a new two-year, two-way contract, marking another move in their active offseason. The deal, valued at $775,000 in the NHL and $500,000 in the minors, solidifies their depth heading into the upcoming season.
Richard, a 27-year-old winger, brings a mix of NHL experience and AHL success to the Flyers. He appeared in nine games for the Boston Bruins last season, contributing a goal and two assists. Over his career, spanning various stints with the Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, and Nashville Predators, Richard has amassed a total of eight points in 24 NHL games. His journey through professional hockey includes eight seasons in the AHL, where he showcased his scoring prowess with 300 points from 144 goals and 156 assists across 481 regular-season games.
Before turning pro, Richard spent four notable seasons in the QMJHL with the Val d’Or Foreurs, culminating in a league title during the 2013-14 campaign. His peak offensive seasons in junior hockey saw him netting 43 and 37 goals respectively in consecutive years, demonstrating his ability to produce consistently on the ice.
The signing of Richard adds to the Flyers’ recent flurry of moves during free agency. They secured Garnet Hathaway to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $2.4 million, aiming to bolster their forward depth. Additionally, the team re-signed defender Erik Johnson to a one-year deal valued at $1 million, further solidifying their defensive corps for the upcoming season.
However, amidst these signings, the Flyers made headlines with their decision not to extend a qualifying offer to goaltender Carter Hart. Hart, a former member of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Championship team, has faced serious legal issues, including accusations of sexual assault, leading to a leave of absence from the team since January 2024. His situation remains unresolved as the legal proceedings continue.
Looking ahead, the Flyers have taken steps to address their goaltending situation for the 2024-25 season. They have secured Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov under contracts, alongside Cal Petersen, who remains with the team for another year under a $5 million deal. Prospects Aleksei Kolosov and Carson Bjarnason are also under entry-level contracts, providing additional depth in the goaltending position. Felix Sandstrom, meanwhile, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the near future.
the Flyers’ acquisition of Anthony Richard underscores their commitment to enhancing their roster depth ahead of the new season. With key signings in both forward and defensive positions, coupled with ongoing decisions regarding their goaltending lineup, the team is poised to navigate the challenges of the upcoming NHL campaign.
