(Kate Frese/Sports Talk Philly)
By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Free agency is set to start on Saturday at noon, with unrestricted free agents being free to sign anywhere. The Flyers have a generally small checklist going in.
Top priorities right now are to find another goalie to join Michal Neuvirth and try to complete a deal to re-sign Jordan Weal, which could certainly happen before noon on Saturday.
The Flyers aren't in the market for much else this offseason, as their salary cap remains an issue, though less of one than in years past, and there aren't many definitive open spots on the roster that could fit a veteran player. That said, two former Flyers are on the market, and their names are coming up in regards to the Flyers.
Scott Hartnell was traded by the Flyers to the Columbus Blue Jackets following the 2013-14 season for R.J. Umberger. The deal has ultimately not really worked out for either team. Umberger was bought out by the Flyers after last season and Hartnell was bought out on Thursday.
With the Flyers looking to replace Brayden Schenn's power-play production and Hartnell being a fan favorite during his time in Philadelphia, there could certainly be a fit. But Hartnell is 35 and coming off his worst offensive season since 2009-10, when he scored just 14 goals and had 44 points with the Flyers. Last season, Hartnell scored 13 goals and had 37 points.
So with Hartnell suddenly on the market and the Flyers possibly having an opening on the left wing, a reunion is certainly possible, even if there are plenty of pros and cons to a deal.
Hartnell is a newcomer to the free-agent list though. A name that has been there all offseason is Justin Williams.
Williams was drafted by the Flyers in 2000 and played his first four NHL seasons in Philadelphia. He went on to Carolina, Los Angeles and Washington and has consistently been a strong point producer, leader and 200-foot player.
Williams would have been a fit for the Flyers prior to signing with Washington two seasons ago, but the Flyers did not make an offer as they were limited on cap space. Last season, at age 35, Williams scored 24 goals and had 48 points. Since the 2011-12 season, Williams has scored at least 18 goals and had at least 41 points — hold for an 11-goal, 33-point season in the lockout-shortened 2013 season. Williams turns 36 on the day the NHL opens the 2017-18 season.
The Flyers could certainly use a player of Williams stature. He can put up points, he's a responsible player in all zones, he's motivated to contribute in whatever way possible and could provide added leadership while playing a checking line role.
The problem is that Williams is 36, and while he hasn't looked like a player in serious decline, he is in the twilight of his career and players in that stage are primarily looking to go to places where they can win. The Flyers aren't going to become a Stanley Cup contender overnight, so Williams may look for a destination that could provide that final chance to win a Stanley Cup. While the Flyers have confirmed interest, according to Dave Isaac, there are several teams inquiring about Williams' services for next season.
So add those two familiar names to the list of players to watch as free agency approaches. A deal for either of these two players wouldn't be shocking, but shouldn't be expected either. Of course, anything can happen when the deals start flying on the opening hours of free agency.
