According to CSNPhilly, the negotiations between Flyers’ GM Paul Holmgren and Hamhuis’ agent, Wade Arnott have begun.
Arnott is part of the Newport Sports Group, headed by Don Meehan and Pat Morris, which has represented more than two dozen Flyers over the past decade.
In other words, the two sides have a pretty good working relationship. A contract could be in place by the weekend. If not, certainly before July 1.
Holmgren said that a good defense is how you win the NHL.
“I think if you’re going to have five good defensemen, you can play against anybody.
“I said to you guys at the end of the year, strength on defense and strength down the middle, and that’s kind of what we’re trying to do here, is build that and continue to build those things as part of the team.”
With uncertainty at goalie, the Flyers defense is going to have to be good.