A Deep Dive Into Flyers' Latest Defenseman Ben Gleason

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November 5, 2024

In a current commerce with the Edmonton Oilers, the Philadelphia Flyers made a noteworthy transfer to amass defenseman Ben Gleason in trade for Ronnie Attard.

With each gamers having spent important time within the AHL, this commerce marks a strategic reshuffle of defensive depth because the Flyers proceed to regulate their roster dynamics. Gleason, whereas comparatively unknown to many Philadelphia followers, has a definite set of abilities that might show priceless to Flyers’ imaginative and prescient on the blue line.

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Ben Gleason, 26, is an undrafted defenseman who started his skilled profession within the Dallas Stars group. He developed via the OHL earlier than making his technique to the AHL, the place he established himself as a reliable and versatile two-way defenseman.

Standing at 6’1″ and 190 kilos, Gleason combines stable puck-moving abilities with a capability to learn the play successfully, significantly in transition. He spent final season with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, the place he impressed with 33 factors (9 targets, 24 assists) in 68 video games.

Though Gleason’s NHL expertise is restricted, his regular performances on the AHL degree have showcased his functionality to deal with each offensive and defensive tasks. Recognized for his offensive upside, he brings an intriguing mixture of offensive mobility and defensive consciousness that the Flyers are doubtless hoping to capitalize on.

Considered one of Gleason’s standout qualities is his skating, which allows him to maneuver the puck up the ice effectively. Flyers head coach John Tortorella has expressed a powerful need for extra agile, puck-moving defensemen who can rapidly transition from protection to offense—a essential want in immediately’s fast-paced NHL. Gleason’s type aligns effectively with this imaginative and prescient, as he has demonstrated the power to regulate the puck confidently, make crisp outlet passes, and help offensive rushes with out sacrificing defensive positioning.

His offensive mindset additionally extends to his powerplay potential. Whereas not essentially an elite powerplay quarterback, Gleason has proven a knack for locating open teammates and creating offensive alternatives from the blue line. This adaptability might give the Flyers one other choice to experiment with, significantly on their second powerplay unit.

Whereas Gleason’s offensive strengths are evident, his defensive sport continues to be a piece in progress. He has proven a willingness to have interaction bodily, however he is not the sort to throw heavy checks or dominate bodily. As an alternative, he depends on positional consciousness and fast stick work to interrupt up performs, relatively than brute pressure. This may be each a energy and a vulnerability; whereas he tends to remain disciplined and avoids pointless penalties, he can often battle to deal with bigger, extra aggressive forwards.

#Oilers commerce Ben Gleason to #Flyers for Ronnie Attard

Gleason had a couple of nice coaching camps in Edmonton, however could not crack the roster, partly as a result of he was a left-hand shot in a crowded D core.

— Brennan Klak (@nhlupdate) November 5, 2024

Nonetheless, his defensive self-discipline may very well be seen as an asset for the Flyers. Given Tortorella’s emphasis on tight, system-driven protection, Gleason’s positional play and endurance might enable him to develop right into a accountable, dependable blueliner. With the suitable steering, his defensive consciousness and instincts might sharpen to match his offensive talents, making him a extra full participant.

For Philadelphia, Gleason affords depth and flexibility in a again finish that’s below fixed analysis. The Flyers’ roster contains a number of younger defensemen competing for normal roles, with essentially the most present examples being Egor Zamula and Emil Andrae (whose type is sort of much like Gleason’s).

Gleason’s presence provides one other layer of competitors, and his mobility might complement gamers like Cam York, whose offensive-minded method additionally seeks to contribute on the push. This transfer additionally indicators that the Flyers are all for re-evaluating how they will get essentially the most our of their depth choices.

With the Flyers presently in a section of progress and growth, Gleason represents a low-risk addition who might doubtlessly shock along with his adaptability and talent. Moreover, if he continues to carry out as he did with the Condors, he might discover a spot on Philadelphia’s third pairing or as a rotational piece, offering insurance coverage within the occasion of harm or inconsistent participant from different defensemen.

The commerce for Gleason additionally means that the Flyers are intent on shaping a defensive unit that’s not solely efficient defensively however can be able to sustaining offensive strain.

Given the evolving type of NHL defensemen, Gleason’s talent set aligns with the development of “fashionable defensemen” who prioritize fast puck motion and offensive involvement. For Philadelphia, who has been searching for to rejuvenate its protection with such attributes, Gleason might play an essential position in serving to the group obtain this imaginative and prescient.

The addition of Gleason additionally raises questions on the way forward for gamers like Zamula and Andrae, as each younger defensemen are additionally growing within the Flyers’ system. Gleason’s two-way capabilities and AHL expertise might give him a leg up as a reliable choice, particularly if the Flyers are in search of somebody who can instantly contribute with out sacrificing defensive tasks.

This commerce presents a singular alternative for each Gleason and the Flyers. For Gleason, becoming a member of Philadelphia marks a brand new chapter in his skilled carrer, one by which he might doubtlessly safe a extra secure NHL position.

As he seems to be to make a reputation for himself inside a younger and evolving roster, his skating, puck-moving means, and offensive consciousness can be key in setting him aside. And for the Flyers, Gleason’s addition indicators a dedication to constructing a blue line with flexibility, depth, and a balanced mix of offensive and defensive talent.

Whereas it stays to be seen how a lot instant affect Gleason may have, the Flyers’ choice to amass him highlights a strategic method to buying promising, low-risk expertise. If Gleason can elevate his sport and proceed to hone his defensive play, he might show to be a priceless asset as Philadelphia seems to be to solidify its defensive id.