Philadelphia Flyers Offseason: Addressing the Defense

Philadelphia Flyers Offseason: Addressing the Defense

The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in an interesting position this offseason. Over the past few seasons, the team’s defense has been absolutely horrible. It is clear that this area is the one that needs the most fixing. However, there is no clear solution for how to improve Philadelphia’s defensive woes.

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At this time, the Flyers have a plethora of defensemen under contract for at least one more season. In addition, the orange and black have an abundance of prospects on defense waiting for the opportunity to prove themselves in the NHL. Although the Flyers have a history of pulling off blockbuster deals to acquire quick-fix talent, that plan of action has not proven to be very successful in the past. Instead of bringing in a big-name defender this offseason, the Flyers should look to trade away some of the defensemen on their current roster in order to make room for prospects such as Shayne Gostisbehere and Robert Hagg who could be ready to bring their talents to the National Hockey League.

Moving a defender with a huge contract such as Andrew MacDonald will prove to be quite impossible without taking on some other team’s financial burden. However, the Flyers may have the opportunity to trade away guys with smaller contracts that other teams may view as valuable assets.

The two defensemen on the Flyers that fit this category are Nicklas Grossmann and Luke Schenn. Both Grossmann and Schenn have only one more year on their current contract. In addition, these two players have proven to be reliable members of the defensive unit.

Jan 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Luke Schenn (22) checks Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Luke Schenn will most likely be the more desired of the two defensemen. He is still only 25 years of age, and has a lot more hockey left in his tank. Schenn is a hard hitter that is not afraid to stand up for his teammates. He has the ability to be a force on the ice; however, Schenn has not quite lived up to his potential. Teams will have interest because there is still the opportunity for him to take the next step developmentally in his career. In addition, they would only have to commit to him for one season.

Nicklas Grossman is the older of the two; but comes with more experience and certainty. Unlike Schenn, teams will know what they will get from a guy like Grossmann. In his three-and-a-half seasons with the Flyers, Grossmann has always been a dependable and hard-working defensemen. Unfortunately, he has had to battle with various injuries that prevented him from lacing up his skates. The history of injuries will make Grossmann a higher risk for teams to trade for; but somebody will be willing to take the chance and see how he does for at least a season.

Apr 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossmann (8) and Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Craig Adams (27) battle for position during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Hextall cannot expect to acquire much in return for either Luke Schenn or Nicklas Grossmann. Both players are worth a mid-round draft pick or a low-level prospect. However, the Flyers would be able to shed a little cap-space, and make the necessary room for their young prospects to come up and show the world what they can do.

Next: Trade Option: Dion Phaneuf

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