June 27, 2016
The National Hockey League doesn't waste any time moving from the draft into free agency.
Just over 48 hours after the NHL Draft ended, the deadline passed for teams to extend qualifying offers (based on a player's previous season salary) to restricted free agents -- those who didn't receive offers on Monday would no longer be under team control and have the opportunity to sign elsewhere.
The Philadelphia Flyers handed out qualifying offers to five of their seven restricted free agents, including forward Brayden Schenn.
Flyers have made qualifying offers to these restricted free agents: Nick Cousins, Brandon Manning, Brayden Schenn, Petr Straka & Jordan Weal
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 27, 2016
The two players who were left out? Derek Mathers and Brandon Alderson. Both will likely be playing elsewhere next season, although they still could wind up back with the Flyers (but don't bet on it).
Schenn, 24, was a lock to receive an offer from general manager Ron Hextall. All he did this season was set a career high in points (59), goals (26) and assists (33). He also finished third on the team in points (behind Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds) and assists (Giroux, Jake Voracek), and second in goals scored (Simmonds).
The same goes for Nick Cousins and Brandon Manning. The other two -- Petr Straka and Jordan Weal -- were somewhat of a surprise, but just because the Flyers will be able to match any offer sheet from other teams, that doesn't guarantee they'll be back in orange and black for the 2016-17 season.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin
