What if Stolarz told Fletcher he didn’t want to be back next season? Hart is our starter next year and beyond. The Flyers had stated earlier they wanted a vet going forward.
I admit I wasn’t crazy about this deal when it happened. But there may have been reasons why the trade happened when it did
I'm not saying this is 100% the case, but way too many people discount this possibility.
Think if it from Stolies perspective. Hes 25, and wants a chance to prove he can start in this league. He knows hes never going to get it here because of Hart. Why would you re sign here when the organization has shown no sign of committing to you?
No 25 year old goalie is going to be content with "well, you can be our backup next year". Hes in the prime of his life to prove he can start, hes going to take that chance on himself somewhere. And maybe it's not for an actual starting role, but somewhere where he can be a cheap backup to a vet where he might get more starts.
If I was a young goalie now and the flyers came calling, i wouldnt entertain the idea either.