The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Dennis Gilbert to a one-year contract valued at $875,000, complementing their earlier agreement with defenseman Noah Juulsen, who inked a one-year deal worth $900,000. General Manager Daniel Briere confirmed both contracts, aimed at strengthening the team’s defensive depth heading into the new season.
Career Overview and Recent Performance of Noah Juulsen
Noah Juulsen, 28, was selected 26th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2015 NHL Draft. Over seven NHL seasons, he has skated for the Canadiens, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 201 pounds, Juulsen has contributed three goals and 14 assists across 157 NHL games. In the most recent 2023-24 season, he played 35 games with the Canucks, averaging 16 minutes and 17 seconds of ice time per game under head coach Rick Tocchet.
Juulsen also has experience in the American Hockey League (AHL), appearing in 151 regular season games with teams such as the St. John’s IceCaps, Laval Rocket, Syracuse Crunch, and Abbotsford Canucks. Throughout his AHL tenure, he recorded seven goals and 38 assists, totaling 46 points, along with two assists in nine playoff appearances.
Dennis Gilbert’s Professional Journey and Recent Contributions
Dennis Gilbert, also 28, was drafted in the third round, 91st overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. His NHL experience spans six seasons, playing for the Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators. Gilbert, who is 6-foot-2 and weighs 216 pounds, has accumulated three goals and 17 assists in 111 NHL games. During the 2024-25 season, he started with Buffalo before being traded to Ottawa, amassing six points over 29 games with an average ice time of 10 minutes and 29 seconds per game.
In addition to his NHL appearances, Gilbert has competed in the AHL for five seasons with the Rockford IceHogs, Colorado Eagles, and Calgary Wranglers. In 188 AHL games, he recorded 15 goals and 42 assists for a total of 57 points. Before entering professional leagues, Gilbert played three years at the University of Notre Dame.
Player Profiles and Skill Sets Strengthening the Flyers’ Defense
Noah Juulsen, a right-shooting defenseman from Surrey, British Columbia, brings a blend of size and experience, known for his dependable play in both the NHL and AHL. His recent season ice time includes over two minutes per game on the penalty kill—a role critical for team defense—that ranked second on his previous team.
Dennis Gilbert, a left-shooting blueliner born in Buffalo, New York, offers versatility having played across five NHL clubs. His capability to contribute both offensively and defensively, coupled with steady AHL performances, provides the Flyers with an experienced depth option. Gilberts’ average ice time in the NHL surpasses 12 minutes per game, indicating trust from multiple coaching staffs.
Implications for the Flyers’ Upcoming Season
Adding Dennis Gilbert on a one-year contract alongside Noah Juulsen reflects the Flyers’ strategy to build a robust and adaptable defensive lineup. With both players bringing varied NHL and AHL experience, the Flyers aim to enhance their blue line’s consistency and versatility. Their moderate ice time and special teams involvement in prior seasons suggest they can fill vital roles on the team.
As the season progresses, these signings could determine the Flyers’ defensive stability and potentially influence roster decisions during training camp and early regular-season games. The presence of seasoned defenders like Gilbert and Juulsen offers Philadelphia flexibility as they seek to improve their competitive standing.