Esche on his way out? Looking Ahead
Could this be the end of the Robert Esche era in Philly, I think so. With Esche right now being the third wheel after the Flyers opted to go out and get a solid number one goaltender in Martin Biron, it could get interesting to see what they decide to do. To me, it is obvious that Biron will be their number 1 and that Nitty will back him up. Even though Birons contract is up at the end of the season you can beat you Philly cheesesteaks that they are going to resign him.
As for Esche, he has one more year left on his contract and despite his recent troubles is still what many consider a decent number one who could split time with almost any goalie in any city. He has considerable playoff depth and has battled back through what seemed to be some rough times. The only reason it would appear the Flyers will choose Nitty over Esche is because Esche is a few years younger and Nitty has been just a little bit better of the two (which REALLY is not saying a whole lot). they also want to see nitty get back to that Olympic form we all marveled at last winter.
They Flyers could be set next year though with Biron starting and the caliber of d-men that he will have in front of him. The Flyers had a good draft and keep an eye on them this off season, because next year it seems they will be right back in the hunt.