Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
Earlier this morning, we look at three Philadelphia Flyers who could have key roles while playing important minutes this season. Our focus for this evening is on three more players who were big surprises for the Flyers in 2011-2012. If these three can continue to do what they did a year ago, then the Flyers are possibly looking at a very successful 2012-2013.
15. Maxime Talbot (C): One of the most under the radar free agent signings from a year ago was the signing of Talbot. Talbot recorded a career high in points with 34 also having career highs in goals with 19 and assists with 15. Talbot only missed one game as well. His determination and grit on the fourth line as well as on special teams were really important to the success of the Flyers last season. If Talbot can play another healthy and full season, then he could duplicate some of the numbers he put up.
14. Marc-Andre Bourdon (D): The Flyers had a great amount of injuries to defensemen last season. This season, well, it is not any different. With injuries to two players on the blue line, Bourdon is going to be relied on a lot more than he did when he filled in last year. Bourdon may not put up big numbers, but his physical presence and his puck control can easily help the Flyers win a couple of games.
13. Matt Read (RW): Many people in Philadelphia ignore the fact that the Flyers have one of the younger cores in the NHL. Youth was a key for the Flyers last season and Read was a big part of it. Though he was only a rookie, Read had more experience and maturity given the fact that he is only 26-years old. Read put up 47 points in 79 games. He has also been involved in some trade rumors during the summer. Read’s value, at the moment, is pretty high. He will continue to develop into a better player. Look for him to have a big year for the Flyers.
David A. Cattai is the Featured Writer for the Philadelphia Flyers with Rant Sports & Featured Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia Phillies for Buzz On Broad.
Follow me on Twitter @DCattaiSports for all Flyers, Phillies, NHL, and MLB sports updates.
