Flyers Leave Voracek and Van Riemsdyk Unprotected
The Flyers submitted their list of protected players for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft and there were two notable veterans left off the protected list. Wingers James Van Riemsdyk and Jake Voracek are available for the Kraken to choose from as is defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere, Robert Hagg, and Justin Braun. Former first round pick German Rubtsov, and veteran goalie Brian Elliott.
Many assume that the Kraken will choose from Voracek and Van Riemsdyk as they are, by far, the best players the Flyers had to leave off their list. Both however come with a big cap hit. Voracek is signed through the 2024 season at an AAV of $8.25 million and Van Riemsdyk is signed through 2023 at an AAV of $7 million.
Van Riemsdyk is actually coming off a pretty good season, and provides net front presence that many teams look for. But Jake Voracek’s former coach (Dave Hakstol) is now coaching the Kraken and could look to be reunited with the talented winger who had 43 points in 53 games last season.
Expansion draft is July 21st
