The postseason is but a dream for the Philadelphia Flyers right now. They need a win at the trade deadline, not to just unload players but to bring in one who will contribute to the team moving in the right direction. If Mike Yeo is still the coach going forward, then general manager Chuck Fletcher needs to work with that. Trading for players who will fit into Yeo’s game plans is a start. It’s doubtful the Flyers will do a complete rebuild, but they need at least a retooling of the roster.
Make sure to check out all of our other NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Status
Current Record: 16-27-10
Division Standings: Eighth in the Metropolitan
Buyers or Sellers: Sellers
Valeri Nichushkin
He has had a good season with the Colorado Avalanche. In 37 games, he has 14 goals and 15 assists, which is on track to be better than any previous season. Nichushkin is able to use his size to his advantage, making sure he is in the right place at the right time. This season, he has been a solid two-way player and could provide depth in scoring.
He currently has a cap of $2.5 million, which won’t break the bank for the Flyers right now. Fletcher will have to take into consideration the idea some might have that Nichushkin is having a good season because Colorado is a favorite for the Stanley Cup. While it is possible, there’s no doubt Nichushkin is improving and is certain only to get better. The Flyers could use that right now.
Tarmo Reunanen
While having played only four games for the New York Rangers, Reunanen is still a player worth looking into. With the Hartford Wolf Pack this season, he’s played 33 games, netting two goals and 15 assists. Unfortunately, the Rangers have a backlog of defensemen, and Reunanen may have a hard time breaking into the lineup, barring any injuries.
Reunanen is considered an offensive-minded defenseman, and he reads plays well and is able to make strong, defensive decisions. This is something the Flyers desperately need. Despite being a 24-year-old prospect, Reunanen has played professionally in Finland, giving him an advantage in maturity and development. Fletcher should take a shot in dealing with the Rangers to get him.
Tomas Hertl
Although the rumor is that the San Jose Sharks and Hertl are working on keeping him with the team, there’s always the possibility that for the right offer, he could be traded. This season he currently has 22 goals and 20 assists in 54 games, making him the second-leading scorer for the team. It’s exactly what the Flyers’ offense needs.
Hertl will be an unrestricted free agent this summer without a new contract, so the Sharks will either need to re-sign or trade him. With a little over $5.6 million cap hit, he might be a little high-priced for the Flyers. However, if they move players at the deadline, the Flyers might free up enough space to make an offer the Sharks and Hertl can not refuse.
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