NHL Draft: Philadelphia Flyers Trade Possibilities

NHL Draft: Philadelphia Flyers Trade Possibilities

In just three days, the 2015 NHL Entry Draft will be upon us. It is an exciting time in the sport of hockey when we get to witness young men receive their opportunity to live out their life long dream. Friday and Saturday will be full of prospects excitingly pulling over an official NHL team sweater for the first time.

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Although the draft will be a welcoming celebration for many, it will also be a farewell party for those who are dealt away from their current teams. The draft is the busiest time of the offseason for trades as teams look to acquire more picks, shed bad contracts, or obtain that final piece to the puzzle that will make a franchise contenders next season.

Everyone should expect Ron Hextall and the Philadelphia Flyers to be active participants in the trade action that takes place before and during the draft. After a disappointing 2014-2015 season, it is apparent that some serious changes need to be made and Ron Hextall is not afraid to make them. Since becoming general manager of the orange and black, Hextall has taken a “rebuild on the fly” approach to making the team better; as he has done what he can to make the future bright in Philadelphia while attempting to keep current roster strong. Although the he wants to put a winning team on the ice next season, do not expect the Flyers to acquire any star-player via trade this weekend. The main goal Hextall will look to accomplish through the trade market is making cap and roster space, as well as acquiring more picks and prospects.

Jan 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Luke Schenn (22) skates towards the bench after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

It is not breaking news that the Philadelphia Flyers will attempt to move both Luke Schenn and Nicklas Grossmann before the draft is over. The Flyers have an abundance of defensemen and want to make room on the roster for one or two of their prospects. In addition, Philadelphia would be able to free up a little cap space if they can find new homes for these two guys. Personally, I believe that both of them will be members of new hockey teams by the time Sunday roles around. Hextall will make moving Grossmann a priority; but Schenn’s value will probably be a little higher because of his age. There will be a team out there that will make an offer for Luke Schenn that the Flyers will have to say yes to.

Flyers’ fans should also be prepared for a less likely player to be part of a trade package. Philadelphia obviously will not be the only team looking to fill needs within their organization. They may look at players such as Brayden Schenn or Matt Read as valuable assets that could help bring their franchise to the next level. I am not saying that Hextall will be openly shopping young forwards; but one has to imagine that he would not shoot down the idea of parting with one if the price is right.

Feb 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Islanders center Anders Lee (27) battles for position against Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald (47) and goalie Steve Mason (35) at Wells Fargo Center. The Islanders defeated the Flyers, 3-2 in a shootout.Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to the Flyers being able to trade away bad contracts such as Andrew MacDonald and Vincent Lecavalier, don’t count on it. These are considered bad contracts because the player is not worth the amount of money he is being paid. No team is going to want to take over Philadelphia’s burden of having to overpay a guy for a long period of time.

The next few days are going to be exciting ones for the Philadelphia Flyers and every other team in the NHL. Nothing is certain; but expect the roster of the orange and black to look a little different by the beginning of next week.

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