The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goaltender Brian Elliott to a one-year contract extension worth $1.5 million.
Elliott has been with the Flyers for the last three seasons after signing with them on the first day of free agency in 2017. He has compiled a record of 50-29-12 while sporting an overall 2.80 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. For the past two seasons he has played the role of backup and mentor to 22-year-old Carter Hart. He finished the 2019-20 campaign with a 16-7-4 record to go along with a 2.87 GAA, a .899 SV%, and two shutouts.
Flyers Keep the Crease Constant
By re-signing Elliott the Flyers elected to keep their goaltending tandem intact for the 2020-21 season. Instead of going with another veteran in Henrik Lundqvist or Thomas Greiss, they went with someone they know and trust.
Brian is a quality, veteran goaltender who is also an important part of our leadership group. His preparation and work ethic are exemplary…With Brian and Carter, we believe we have a strong goaltending duo who have each had success and work very well with each other.
Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher
After many seasons of flux in the crease, the Flyers finally appear to have a constant starter and backup. Hart has established himself as a capable number one and Elliott is a solid side kick to the young goaltender. As Fletcher indicated, they have a strong relationship and his mentorship has proven to be invaluable to Hart’s development.
The Flyers entered the 2020 playoffs with the number one seed and made it to the second round thanks in large part to their goaltending. Hart compiled an impressive 2.23 GAA and a .926 SV% while blanking the opposition twice. Elliott even stepped in and posted a 2.15 GAA and .911 SV% in two starts. The tandem’s playoff performance made the decision pretty easy for Fletcher and company to bring them back for at least next season.
