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.

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.

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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.

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?