Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Quick Hits: Martel & Willcox Re-signed, Charity Classic and More

July 13, 2018, 7:38 AM ET [59 Comments]
Bill Meltzer
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • RSSArchiveCONTACT
QUICK HITS: JULY 13, 2018

1) The Flyers re-signed two of their restricted free agent Phantoms farmhands yesterday to new contracts. Defenseman Reece Willcox signed a two-year, two-way contract extension that pays $715K at the NHL level and $70K at the AHL level per the Capfriendly.com website. Forward Danick Martel signed a one-year, two way deal for $715K at the NHL level and $65K at the AHL level.

Neither player is likely to make the Flyers' NHL roster out of training camp. Both are potential depth fill-ins based on roster needs created by injury.

Martel played four NHL games last season. He got off a torrid start for the Phantoms before cooling off and missing time due a broken jaw. Martel finished the AHL season with 25 goals and 40 points in 59 games and then added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 playoff games.

Martel has good hands, is feisty and skates well. He's a good AHL offensive player. The problem is that he's not a dominant enough player to stake down a regular NHL spot in the role he'd have to play to be a full-timer.

A player as small as Martel can't be simply a good skills player. To overcome the inherent disadvantages, he'd better be a supreme offensive talent (ala Johnny Gaudreau) or such a world-class speedster that he is a constant breakaway threat on the penalty kill as well as other situations (ala Nashville's Viktor Arvidsson). The 5-foot-8 Martel is not quite to that lofty ability level, and that's why he's currently still in NHL-AHL tweener status despite the assets he brings. There's nothing wrong with that. Such players can be of use, and can provide a bit of a spark at times even in the NHL. That's what Martel did in his brief recall, especially in his NHL debut.

The righthanded-shooting Willcox solidified a starting job on the Phantoms last season. With further improvement, the third-year pro might be able step up into an 8th/9th on the NHL depth chart role similar to the one previously played by Mark Alt. Willcox dressed 57 regular season games for the Phantoms last season (three goals, 15 points) and 13 playoff games.

Once Phil Myers is deemed NHL-ready by the Flyers, he will push for a full-time NHL starting-six job. To a lesser extent, Mark Friedman also still has a shot at challenging for an eventual NHL roster spot if he has a breakthrough year in his second pro season. Willcox's status is different.

Willcox is working toward being in the mix as a fill-in candidate for the 7th spot (i.e., non-starting except if there is an additional injury) if the Flyers need an extra defenseman, especially a righthanded one. He might not get into a game even if recalled. Conversely, when the Flyers eventually recall Myers, it will be in a starting role.

2) July 13 Flyers Alumni birthdays: Bill Collins (1943), Andreas Lilja (1975), Mika Pyörälä (1981), Shaun Sabol (1966).

3) A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who have donated to the Flyers Charity Classic on behalf of me and Brad Marsh's "Ides of Marsh" team, as well as Flyers Alumni, Bundy's Chariot of Flyers and Team Guffaw teams.

I have surpassed my individual $1,000 fundraising goal. I am very grateful -- and humbled -- by the outpouring of support. As a team, Ides of Marsh has raised over $6,500 so far. Collectively, the Alumni-related teams have raised north of $7,500. There are two fundraising days left.

Reminder: All proceeds raised by the four Flyers Alumni-related teams will go to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. The money will be used toward building a new rink in the Delaware Valley for use by the kids of Snider Hockey.

To donate to the Flyers Alumni Team's fundraising drive, click here.
Join the Discussion: » 59 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Bill Meltzer
» Flyers Gameday: 3/28/24 @ MTL
» Wrap: Flyers Lose 6-5 OT Game to Rangers
» Flyers Gameday: 3/26/24 @ NYR
» Quick Hits: Flyers-FLA Wrap, Flyers Daily, Phantoms, Bigger than Hockey
» Flyers Gameday: 3/24/2024 vs. FLA; Phantoms Update