Philadelphia Flyers Rumors: Trading Mark Streit

Philadelphia Flyers Rumors: Trading Mark Streit

It can be said that Mark Streit is currently the best defensemen on the Philadelphia Flyers roster. With that being said, there is a possibility that Ron Hextall may attempt to trade him in order to clear up both cap and roster space; and acquire talent at other positions.

The 2014-2015 regular season was Mark Streit’s best as a member of the orange and black. In 81 games, number thirty-two racked up 9 goals and 43 assists. With Kimmo Timonen out of the picture, Streit quarterbacked the power play, and did a pretty nice job. When his teamed had a man-advantage, Streit was able to tally 4 goals and 26 assists. The nine-year veteran really proved his worth to a defensive unit struggled all season long.

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Due to his great season, this summer may be the best time for Ron Hextall to try and trade away the 37-year-old from Bern, Switzerland. Mark Streit’s trade-value will most likely never get any higher than it is right now. Teams searching for an improvement to their blue-line, such as the Blue Jackets, could be interested in acquiring Streit’s services.

At first thought, the idea of trading Mark Streit may seem a bit ridiculous. However, it would make a lot of sense for the Flyers to at least see what they could get for him. Philadelphia has an abundance of NHL-ready defensemen, as well as a large amount of prospects they have drafted the past couple of years. In addition, Mark Streit is due over 9 million dollars over the next two seasons. The Flyers are in desperate need of some cap space and shedding a contract like Streit’s would help them in doing just that.

Although it is believed that the Flyers will most likely trade away either Luke Schenn or Nicklas Grossmann (maybe both), their trade value is not as high as Mark Streit’s. It is possible that the Columbus Blue Jackets would be willing to give Philadelphia Kerby Rychel in exchange for Streit. Schenn or Grossmann would have to be a part of a bigger package in order to receive someone with Rychel’s potential.

Jan 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Mark Streit (32) ties up Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul (19) in front of goalie Steve Mason (35) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to defensemen’s salaries, there is no contract the Flyers would like to get rid of more than Andrew MacDonald’s. As nice as it would be to send that awful contract somewhere else, it is highly unlikely that it will ever happen. Mark Streit is the 2^nd-highest paid defender on the team, and taking his contract off the books would definitely give the Flyers more wiggle room this offseason.

There is no denying that Mark Streit is a valuable member of the Philadelphia Flyers. Unfortunately, it takes talent to acquire talent; and Hextall could use Streit to put some more youth and potential on the roster. The orange and black have to trade away some defensemen this offseason. Whether you like the idea or not, Mark Streit could be one of those guys wearing a different jersey next season.

Next: Flyers Still Want to Part Ways With Lecavalier

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