Summer Skate: Philadelphia Flyers

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Using the VUKOTA projection system of Hockey Prospectus, Insider takes the temperature of key players on every NHL team, continuing with Philadelphia. For a detailed explanation of Prospectus' proprietary GVT value metric, read more here.

Summer Skate -- Philadelphia Flyers

This offseason, the Flyers finally addressed their constant question mark, inking Ilya Bryzgalov to mind the nets for the next nine seasons.

With Chris Pronger returning to health after an injury-plagued 2010-11 campaign, Philadelphia figures to be much stronger in its own zone. That is, if Bryzgalov is the crease-dwelling cornerstone he was signed to be. So, can he measure up to expectations?

Trending up: D Chris Pronger
Last season: 5.4 GVT | VUKOTA projection: 7.6 GVT

After coming over in a trade from the Anaheim Ducks before the 2009-10 season, Pronger paid immediate dividends for the Flyers.

Not only did the future Hall of Famer quickly become the de facto Flyers captain and put up an amazing two-way performance worth 18.8 GVT, he also led a third franchise to the Stanley Cup finals in his first season with that team. Now that's the definition of a difference-maker.

Sign up for ESPN Insider to read the full summer preview of the Philadelphia Flyers, including more on Pronger, why Ilya Bryzgalov is trending down and what's in store for Brayden Schenn.

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