Philadelphia Flyers players are on edge as the NHL trade deadline inches closer.
The NHL trade deadline closes at 3 p.m. today and there is a lot that can happen with less than two hours to go. The Philadelphia Flyers aren’t planning on making any huge moves as far as now but there isn’t going to be an easy feelings. General managers Ron Hextall will be speaking to the media at 5 p.m. and it’s anyone’s guess as to what might be happening. The Flyers signed Michael Raffl to a multi-year deal over the weekend and his potential brings a lot to the team’s roster. However, names of Matt Read, Mark Streit and Sam Gagner are floating around as potential trade possibilities. It’s still a long while to go until news will break with the team so make sure to follow Broad Street Buzz on Twitter and read the Lead Day edition of Buzz on the Street.
All Quiet on the Philadelphia Flyers’ Front
Sam Carchidi for Philadelphia Inquirer
"With two hours left before Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline, the Flyers are still in a holding pattern. General manager Ron Hextall is working the phones, and said he won’t be available to the media until 5 p.m. Hextall is probably taking calls on veteran defensemen Mark Streit and Nick Schultz, along with forwards Sam Gagner and Matt Read. The GM is trying to stockpile draft picks. As Gagner spoke to the media after Monday’s morning skate, the locker-room TV showed his face on the screen during NHL’s trade coverage."
What Will the Philadelphia Flyers Do at Trade Deadline?
Sam Carchidi for Philadelphia Inquirer
"Flyers general manager Ron Hextall wants to make the playoffs this season, but he is also building the team for the long haul, so he would like to add some more draft picks. That’s the quandary he faces with the trade deadline fast approaching Monday at 3 p.m. “I really don’t know,” Hextall said the other day when asked about the odds of the Flyers making a deal. “Kind of listening to everything.” Hextall said the Flyers were in a “tough spot” because they are in a playoff race but don’t want to trade away youth (or draft picks) for a rental player."
Puck Prose
Steve Mason Playing As Flyers’ Number Two
Sam Carchidi for Philadelphia Inquirer
"Steve Mason, the Flyers’ No. 1 goalie for most of the season, has become the team’s forgotten man.He has made only one start in the last six games, has just one win in the last three -plus weeks, and, for the time being, is No. 2 behind Michal Neuvirth. To his credit, Mason isn’t sulking, isn’t feeling sorry for himself. Mason, 27, was one of five players who took part in the Flyers’ optional practice Sunday in Voorhees. “The team’s playing well and getting wins, which is the most important thing,” Mason said after practice. “For me, it’s the kind of situation where you put your head down, you work hard, and you wait for an opportunity.”"
Philadelphia Flyers Have a Leap Year Baby
Ari Yanover for Broad Street Hockey
"Today’s going to be a crazy day. The Philadelphia Flyers are playing a game tonight, and it also just so happens to be trade deadline day, which means some of them may no longer be here when the time comes to drop the puck. But before all the chaos, let’s taken a moment to remember one of the Flyers’ best – because it’s Simon Gagne’s birthday!"