NHL Trade Rumors: 3 players the Philadelphia Flyers should trade
According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Philadelphia Flyers are likely going to be sellers this year at the NHL trade deadline. Here’s a look at three players they should be looking to move.
The Philadelphia Flyers came into this season thinking they could contend for the Stanley Cup. And rightfully so after signing James van Riemsdyk following their second postseason appearance in three seasons. However, things got ugly quickly, as general manager Ron Hextall got fired in November and head coach Dave Hakstol got fired in December. The latest NHL trade rumors have them being active sellers at the trade deadline.
It was merely a formality, but new general manager Chuck Fletcher spoke before practice and confirmed it.
Chuck Fletcher basically said everyone is available in a trade except Claude Giroux. I have a feeling Carter Hart is untouchable, too. #Flyers
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) January 28, 2019
The Flyers haven’t won the Stanley Cup since the 1970s and, despite having made the playoffs two of the past three seasons, have still been underachievers. A big move shouldn’t be ruled out, but those kinds of moves rarely happen. Also, most of the Flyers best players are either young or have huge deals which would negatively affect their trade value.
That said, let’s take a look at which three players the Flyers should be hoping to get something for at the trade deadline.
3. Radko Gudas
Defenseman Radko Gudas has a year left on his contract after this one. Quietly, he’s proven to be a pretty darn solid defenseman. In 46 games this year, Gudas has 13 points. However, this doesn’t do him justice, as his impact is typically not seen on the scoresheet.
Gudas has some of the best possession numbers on the Flyers. He also has a mean streak, which is something a lot of general managers covet this time of the year. To top it all off, Gudas is right-handed and can kill penalties.
Gudas is a good player, but trading him makes sense. The Flyers have a tad bit of a logjam on their blueline. Once Samuel Morin comes by (probably by the end of February), that logjam will be even larger. The Flyers could just hold onto Gudas and wait until the offseason to trade him. But, for the right price, he could be heading out of Philly.
Potential fits: Both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders could use someone like Gudas. He’s a right-handed defenseman with an actual pulse, so expect both teams to kick the tires on him if he becomes available.
2. Brian Elliott
The Flyers are likely going to keep goaltending prodigy Carter Hart up in the NHL. This opens the door for them to trade veteran goalie Brian Elliott. They have Michal Neuvirth and Anthony Stolarz as well, so trading Elliott wouldn’t put them in a bad position as far as goaltending depth.
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
This is where things get complicated – how should the Flyers handle him? Should they deliberately showcase Elliott in a few games and see if he can regain some of his trade value? Or should the Flyers stick with Hart as their primary goaltender? There are arguments for both sides.
Regardless of what happens, Elliott is at worst a serviceable backup and a competent starter. The market for him won’t be large at all. Most contenders already have their goaltending situation figured out. But the Flyers are just an injury away from someone desperately needing a goalie.
Potential fits: Elliott could be a low-cost upgrade for a team like the San Jose Sharks or Calgary Flames. Both could stand to upgrade their backup goalie situations.
Related Story. Top 5 Goalies Available At The Trade Deadline. light
Again, most contenders don’t need an upgrade in net, so it’s really hard to project fits for goalies. That said, Elliott would help a number of teams. The big question is how meaningful would it be and would it be worth the price?
1. Wayne Simmonds
The biggest trade chip the Philadelphia Flyers have is forward Wayne Simmonds. Fletcher was unable to work out an extension with him, so expect them to trade the soon to be free agent forward. It will be weird to see the Flyers without Simmonds. Like seeing Mark Messier in a Vancouver Canucks sweater. But trading Simmonds is the best choice for the Flyers.
Even though he’s having a down year, his reputation around the league is quite high. Simmonds is a proven power-play producer and brings that grit every team wants to add at the trade deadline. He’s been an important player for the Flyers for a number of years. Simmonds is one of the last remaining power forwards who can make an impact in a number of ways even if he isn’t scoring.
The Flyers are going to set a high price for him. Someone’s bound to match it, which means Philly could have an extra first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Next. 3 Teams Who Should Trade For Wayne Simmonds. dark
Potential fits: Obviously, the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets would be great fits. Both play in the Western Conference and could use some extra scoring depth. Maybe the Washington Capitals would like to add their long-time adversary? They could sure use an extra scorer.