If he wants to remain a Flyer, Sam Ersson has to cement his role this season.
You hate to say that one season is super critical for a player. However, that's the nature of sports as a business. When your contract is up, you need to perform if you want to get re-signed by your team or latch on to another. When another person comes in who can threaten your employment status, you have to perform far better than they do, so you can keep your job.