NHL Trade Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers could pursue goalie at deadline
The latest NHL trade rumors suggest the Philadelphia Flyers could be in the market for a goalie at the trade deadline
The Philadelphia Flyers are in a pretty fascinating situation. On one hand, their rebuild is a bit ahead of schedule. They’re in the playoff hunt perhaps a season or two before they anticipated. But then again, do the Flyers really want to give up the high prices demanded around the trade deadline? With Brian Elliott’s injury, the latest NHL trade rumors link Philly to the goaltending market.
Dave Isaac of The Courier Post is one of the best Flyers beat writers around. He’s deeply in tune with the team. In his latest mailbag, Isaac provides some insight into their line of thinking regarding adding a goaltender.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Michal Neuvirth is the starting goaltender with Elliott out. However, as he proved against the New Jersey Devils, he’s inconsistent at best. And with prospect Anthony Stolarz still recovering from a ligament injury, the Flyers don’t have many internal options. Carter Hart, who is tearing it up in the WHL, isn’t an option unless he’s an emergency recall.
My Take
It’s hard to get a read on the goaltending rental market. The Flyers, given their organizational depth, shouldn’t pursue a goalie who they have to commit anything to after this season. Their options are fairly limited.
Isaac mentions Calvin Pickard, and I agree with him here. He’d be cheap and he’s proven he’s at worst an average NHL backup. Pickard’s having one of the best seasons an AHL goaltender has ever had, so he’s playing quite well right now.
Next: Every NHL Team's Mount Rushmore
One name to keep an eye on is Petr Mrazek of the Detroit Red Wings. He’ll be a restricted free agent after this season, so the Flyers could simply not offer him a contract and let him be an unrestricted free agent. Perhaps Antti Raanta would make sense. Maybe even Jaroslav Halak, but it’s hard to see the Islanders trading with a divisional rival.
For the latest NHL trade rumors, check out our Rumors page. Also, check out our NHL Trade Rumor Tracker.