There is no question that the Philadelphia Flyers have been experiencing some major struggles during the 2021-22 NHL season. Currently sitting in the bottom six of the league’s standings with just 38 points, they have too many injuries and very little salary cap space to make any moves without getting rid of a few players. Here are five players that Philadelphia could attempt to trade before the NHL’s March 21st trade deadline.
James Van Riemsdyk- Left Wing
JVR, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season, is currently making about $7M this year. His production rate, contrary to his six seasons playing in Toronto with the Maple Leafs, has been low and sporadic despite being a skilled power forward. Van Riemsdyk has yet to have a 50-point season in Philadelphia, including his original stint with the team after being drafted by them 2nd overall in 2007. He has, however, achieved the feat four times in six seasons with the Maple Leafs.
JVR has played 46 games this season–which is an accomplishment on its own if you take into consideration the injuries that have plagued the Flyers–but he has only produced 18 points for the team.
If GM Chuck Fletcher can manage to make a move that includes JVR and gets something strong back in return, it may have to include a team who is in danger of losing a big player during this off-season. Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau is a New Jersey native who grew up as a Flyers fan. Gaudreau is making $6.7M on his contract year, which fits almost perfectly in line with van Riemsdyk’s salary.
Even Flames’ blue-liner Nikita Zadorov, another upcoming 2022 free agent, would be a great addition to the team. Zadorov, at 6’6” 235 lbs, embodies a “Broad Street Bully” playing style and makes $3.75M on his one-year deal with Calgary.
Assuming either, or both, players are involved in a move that Fletcher makes, with other assets surely to be involved, this could be a trade that convinces Claude Giroux to remain with the team and re-sign for next season. This may be a long shot, but it’s certainly nice to think about for now. A top line of Gaudreau, Giroux, and Atkinson is sure to be a threat to any team in the NHL.