Mason on the Move?
If the Philadelphia Flyers are going to move anyone by tomorrow’s trade deadline, a defenseman or goalie seems to be the most likely candidate. But a number of teams have already traded defensemen. Meanwhile, the goalie market is apparently centered on Jaroslav Halak, and a trade appears imminent:
Islanders are working on a trade involving G Jaroslav Halak. Told, barring a last min set back, he will be traded. At least 3 teams in mix.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 28, 2017
Michael Del Zotto and Mark Streit may still be attractive to a team looking for a complement to an already solid blue line, but is there any interest in Steve Mason?
The Flyers could try to shop Mason to the teams that didn’t get Halak, and while Mason is three years younger, Halak has the more impressive body of work, especially when it comes to the playoffs.
Michal Neuvirth could also be attractive to these teams; he hasn’t necessarily shown the consistency to be a number one goalie, but his performance in the playoffs last year might convince a team looking for a rental to pull the trigger. Like the Oilers, for example:
Are the Sharks Interested?
If Mason doesn’t wind up as the consolation prize of the Halak sweepstakes, he may end up in San Jose. Sam Carchidi, Flyers beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, tweeted that the Sharks want to get an experienced backup behind Martin Jones:
Sharks reportedly want a veteran to backup Jones. But you're right: Dell has been good. https://t.co/tDOlHSSh7T
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) February 28, 2017
Mason is set to start tonight, and Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports that only the Sharks and the Bruins sent scouts to tonight’s game against Colorado.
An Added Wrinkle: The Expansion Draft
The Flyers also need to consider the expansion draft. Protecting the right skaters doesn’t appear to be an issue, but goalies might be. The Flyers have to expose one goalie who is either under contract through next year or is a pending restricted free agent this year. The only goalie who currently meets the requirement is Anthony Stolarz.
If the Flyers want him on their list of protected players, they’ll need to get another goalie under contract before the expansion draft—which is about two weeks before the start of free agency. What’s more, during the two days before the expansion draft, the Las Vegas Golden Knights will be able to negotiate with any unprotected free agents, restricted or unrestricted.
Tempered Expectations
It would be a shame to see the Flyers lose either goalie without getting something in return, but no one expects a huge move. Hextall is building the team patiently through the draft. Gone are the days of going for broke with a big trade or by signing a declining superstar.
Trust the prospects.