Philadelphia Flyers Trade Deadline Primer

Wayne Simmonds will be the biggest storyline to watch for the Flyers at the trade deadline, but there’s plenty more that the team could do.

The NHL trade deadline will come into effect Monday, Feb. 25 and the Philadelphia Flyers could be one of the busiest teams. General manager Chuck Fletcher will need to decide to move or keep Wayne Simmonds, but there are also upcoming UFAs that could be on the trade block.

Trade Chips

Wayne Simmonds

Simmonds’ value probably took a huge step up with Saturday’s deals. The Senators dealt Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel to the Blue Jackets, which also seems to indicate Columbus will hold onto Artemi Panarin. That’s three of the top forwards on expiring contracts off the market, plus Mats Zuccarello who was traded to the Stars.

Mark Stone’s still available but Simmonds might be the second best forward left.

It was reported Fletcher wanted to see where his team was at the time of the deadline before making a decision to keep or trade Simmonds. However, according to Sportsnet’s John Shannon, it’s getting close to a trade:

Despite the Flyers’ recent tear, they’re still seven points out of a playoff spot. It’s shaping up that Fletcher’s best option is to move the 30-year-old.

Michael Raffl

Other than Simmonds, there hasn’t been much chatter about other Flyers on the market. However, you’d have to think a player like Raffl would attract some suitors.

The Austrian is on an expiring deal and is a solid depth add. Contending teams looking for a quick, simple fix should be looking at Raffl. His return won’t be anything near Simmonds but if there’s interest, Flyers should be investigating.

Brian Elliott

Last week, it looked like Philly’s best way of handling Elliott was looking for a trade partner. Now, with Carter Hart out a minimum of 10 days from Saturday, it’s anybody’s guess if the Flyers would move the veteran netminder.

Elliott’s been solid since returning from injury, but the goalie market is usually bare at the trade deadline and this year is no different. The Golden Knights and Sharks need backup goalies and Jimmy Howard and Ryan Miller figure to be on the block.

Radko Gudas

Unlike the three previous Flyers, Gudas is not on an expiring deal which might make his inclusion a bit surprising. The Czech d-man has a year left at a $3.35 cap hit, but the Flyers may have to make room on their blueline for next season.

Sam Morin is rehabbing, Philippe Myers could be a full-time player next season and it’s been reported Fletcher would like to add a veteran top-four blueliner. Counting Gudas, there are six defensemen either under contract or under team control for next season on top of that.

As a right-handed rearguard on a fair deal with strong underlying numbers, Gudas would also be easy to move and should bring back a decent return.

Buying

The Flyers won’t take on an expiring contract unless it’s in a deal to make salaries work, but it’s not completely unlikely they’ll attempt to add to next year’s in a deal, akin to the Cam Talbot acquisition.

As mentioned, they’d likely be looking to add a top-four defenseman but a top-six forward is also a possibility. See some of the options here.

AHL Eligible

Monday is also the deadline for postseason rosters in the AHL so don’t be surprised to see waiver exempt players such as Hart and Myers demoted in a paper transaction. That allows the players to be sent back to the minors and help the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in any playoff push or run. It’s not anything to be alarmed about if you see Hart sent to the Phantoms.