Well isn’t this ... familiar.
The Philadelphia Flyers are handing Ray Emery a tryout offer starting Wednesday, with the anticipated intent for him to back up Steve Mason, according to TSN’s Frank Seravalli.
Seravalli notes a few key things here:
- Even if Emery shines, he wouldn’t be eligible to play for the Flyers if they make the playoffs.
- Could this be a way of saying that the organization either doesn’t believe in Anthony Stolarz or, softening that a bit, doesn’t believe he’s ready?
Not exactly a confidence inspiring move for current #Flyers backup Anthony Stolarz, 22, who has yet to make #NHL debut. PHI has 3 b2b rem.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 29, 2016
On one hand, the 33-year-old netminder seems like he could be on his last legs, at least as far as NHL competition is concerned. In 31 appearances and 25 starts last season, he was under .500 with an ugly .894 save percentage.
Experience overrated? Hard to argue Emery- who hasn't had SV% above .900 in any league (NHL, AHL, DEL) since 13-14- is better than Stolarz.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 29, 2016
There’s no doubt that Emery is a familiar face for the Flyers organization and its fans, so perhaps that will provide added comfort during their push for a playoff spot?
Ray Emery to get tryout with Flyers pic.twitter.com/dQDq7OsG1E
— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) March 29, 2016