Why would the Flyers do this?

Balance the defensive pairs. Add a vet for Myers or Friedman to beat out.

Also this deal works for the Flyers since they just cost share AMac’s buyout. 500k in year one and 900k in year 2. It’s a way of having the Flyers use AMac’s salary on the roster now instead of waiting him out.

We’re a year from Farmers contract being over. No need to do this whatsoever from a Flyers standpoint. If a defender is added it’ll be someone to play with Provorov on the top pair not a bottom pair vet.

Based on how last season went they should probably upgrade top to bottom.

Not moving the young d. Just adding veterans to make better pairings and tougher competition. Saying a player doesn’t look out of place is okay for a rookie. AMac doesn’t look out of place either 1/2 the time so it’s not much of a compliment.

Don’t watch many Flyers games do you. Farmer looks out of place every damn shift. Regardless Philly isn’t doing the Oilers any favors by taking on Russell. Peddle him elsewhere.

AMac is pretty much your run of the mill #7. He's not very good. He's most okay on the PK for his shot blocking and shooting lane clogging abilities. He's not great at closing passing lanes. He's terrible at zone breakouts, playing with puck control, and for allowing easy zone entries. In limited ice time under the proper contract he could be a palatable #6 for long stretches.

The rookies are making their own lapses as they learn and that's fine. Having a veteran partner who is in the right position will go a long way in helping them grow. Having 2 rookies or young defensemen together making positioning mistakes or poor reads can hurt both of their confidence levels.