Flyers sign Dennis Gilbert to one-year contract

The Philadelphia Flyers added another defenseman in free agency, signing Dennis Gilbert to a one-year, $875,000 contract.

Gilbert was the Flyers’ second signing on the back-end next to Noah Juulsen and joins a signed free agent class that also includes Christian Dvorak, Dan Vladař, and Lane Pederson so far.

Gilbert, 28, is a former third round pick from the 2015 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He has made stops with the Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators over his 7-year career. Last season, he recorded 6 assists and 63 hits in 29 games between the Sabres and Senators while averaging 10:29 of ice time.

Gilbert’s best NHL season came in 2023-24 with Calgary when he racked up 1 goal and 6 assists in 34 games. He also posted 59 hits and 49 blocked shots while averaging 12:17 of ice time.

The Buffalo, New York native is simply a depth option. He isn’t a flashy player at all. He’ll lay big hits and lay his body on the line to block shots – a standard defensive defenseman. Gilbert will likely be a rotation player, either serving as the 6th defenseman or as a healthy scratch. He could even be a candidate to be waived for AHL assignment purposes if other players step in up in training camp.

With Rasmus Ristolainen slated to miss training camp and possibly the beginning of the regular season, defensive opportunities are available and Gilbert will be fighting for them alongside Juulsen, Helge Grans, Emil Andrae, Egor Zamula, Hunter McDonald, and Oliver Bonk.