As the calendars turn to 2023, the time is quickly approaching for NHL teams to decide if they are Stanley Cup contenders or if it’s time to hit the reset button. Sadly in Philadelphia, the Flyers have been one of the worst teams in the league. With the NHL Trade Deadline around the corner, here are 5 Flyers moves that will help the team build for the future.
Moving on From JVR…Again
When the Flyers brought James Van Riemsdyk back to Philadelphia in 2018 on a 5 year deal, they had hoped he would help boost an offense led by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Of the trio, JVR is the only one remaining.
Now in his final year of his contract, JVR could be an interesting trade piece. He currently is averaging just under a point-per-game and has been a boost to Philly since returning from a broken finger. JVR feels like the most likely Flyer to move this year and should net a good prospect or draft pick from a Stanley Cup contender.
Hold on to Konecny
For years, Travis Konecny has felt like one of those players who despite being incredibly talented would never be able to put it all together. Things looked bleak early in the season when John Tortorella benched Konecny against the Sharks, despite being down a couple of goals.
Tortorella remains one of the most controversial coaches in the sport, but for the right player, his challenging attitude can bring out the best, something that has been very true for Konecny. Instead of shying away, Konecny has responded and is only 6 goals away from matching his career high. At just 25, Konecny appears to be a long-term piece in Philly.
Moving on From Hayes
Like JVR, the Flyers felt they were in a very different state when they acquired and extended Kevin Hayes. His time in Philly has been mixed but he is the Flyers leading scorer so far this season with 9 goals and 21 assists.
Despite his performance this year, Hayes is clearly not liked by Tortorella. Like Konecny, Hayes was also benched against the Sharks, and has found himself on the bench on a few other occasions. After his recent benching against the Columbus, Hayes was quoted saying, “I’m never gonna say there’s a benefit to being benched. I’m sorry. I don’t think I should have been benched, but it’s not my decision.”
Finding a trade partner might be difficult given Hayes’ cap hit. If the team can trade him, they likely will. If they can’t? It seems like a Kevin Hayes buy-out is likely.
Sell High(ish) on Ivan Provorov
It appears that the Flyers are building their team through their defense. To start, Cam York has started to take a step forward in his early career. Meanwhile, the team brought in Tony DeAngelo while extending Travis Sanheim for 8-years.
As a result, Provorov, who only has a couple of years left on his deal, becomes an interesting trade piece. While the Flyers would have gotten something closer to a king’s ransom a few years ago, Provorov has put together a nice season.
While his cap-hit isn’t small, the Flyers should be able to find a deal for a good prospect.
Leave No Stone Unturned
When looking at a longer term rebuild, the Flyers need to explore all potential trade options. While it might not make sense to make a trade just for the sake of making a trade, the team shouldn’t be afraid to move an expiring contract for a low level prospect or pick.
With that said, the team should do everything they can to send veteran Justin Braun to a Stanley Cup contender. Last year, the Flyers were able to flip him to the Rangers for a 3rd-round pick. After he re-signed in Philly this past off-season, the Flyers should be able to find another taker for the steady defenseman.
With the second half of the season set to begin, you can find Flyers odds and props on a plethora of betting sites. Want to try your hand but not sure of where to start? Check out this DraftKings review!
What moves do you want to see the Flyers make this off-season? Let us know in the comments below!
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JVR could go to playoff team if they have cap space. Hayes that would have to take place after season is over his big contract n teams with no cap space will be tough. Provy no way if any dman it should be Sanheim he is going to make over 6 million start his new contract I would see if Vancouver would take him for Brock Boeser TK no way he will be part of the building block. Brown and big Mac could be trade bait as well.