If you are an Eagles fan, you know that Howie Roseman goes back and forth between being a Jedi Knight when it comes to the draft (pretty much everything from this season) to a total klutz with picks (Jalen Reagor, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Danny Watkins). But what every Eagles fan knows, Howie rarely stays put in the draft. Overall, he has made over 40 draft day trades in his career.
Hockey…is different. Unless you are packaging picks as part of a deal to acquire a veteran player, most of the time picks stay with the team, especially top 10 picks. It is very, very, very rare that teams will move up or down in the NHL draft. HOWEVER……….
In a recent press conference, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher was asked about the team moving down in the draft.
"“Were you in our meeting this morning? I swear to God, we were talking about that. I was asking, ‘When was the last time a team traded back from number five? Was it Luke Schenn?’”"
Schenn was selected fifth overall by Toronto in 2008 who acquired the pick for the seventh overall pick and a second round pick to the Islanders.
Now to me, where there is smoke there is fire. If there are rumors that the Flyers could be marketing that pick to interested teams, let’s examine why.
First of all, there have been multiple statements that this year’s draft is loaded with good depth talent, but not many bona-fide, NHL ready to go superstars. There appears to be a lot of talent that could be ready to go in a few seasons after some seasoning in the AHL or other leagues.
"“Depends on the player, to be honest with you. Some players are physically more ready than others. There are a couple more kids that need more time to get stronger. Some have played at a little higher level. That will be up to them. Some of these kids should be ready to practice and play potentially within the year”"
One theory is that the Flyers could move up. Montreal has the top spot and is projected to take this year’s consensus first pick, Shane Wright. All indications are that the Habs are not going to trade that pick away unless you offer them a significant deal that would blow them away.
So, with the Flyers sitting at fifth overall, could they move
"“I just think it would be hard. Realistically….Realistically the likelihood of us moving up I think would be much slimmer. It could happen, but I think we’re going to be pretty happy picking at five and I think we have to weigh what kind of price would you want to move back to five. Is there even a price? If so what price? I think that might be more relevant, then what it would take to get to one.”"
Moving up would cost the Flyers players and/or picks. Could be hard to do and you might end up with a player that you might have had anyone had you stayed put.
But, Fletcher talked about a “price to move back”. What is he talking about? Well, last year, in addition to trading for Ryan Ellis, Fletcher jettisoned Shayne Gostisbehere for…..nothing. The Flyers traded him, a second round pick in this year’s draft, and a seventh round pick from last year’s draft for cap space. So, the team has no second round pick this year.
Fletcher did hint that this is on their mind as well. When asked if the team could move back a few spaces and pick up a second round, he did give it a thought.
"“Yeah, definitely. I think the priority is making sure we do well with the first pick. If we can still get a great round pick and find a way to get a second-round pick, get another player or another prospect, sure. But I think that’s secondary to actually looking at the top end in the draft.”"
Outside of saying that grabbing a goalie in the top five is not a priority for the team, Fletcher isn’t revealing whether they are going for a forward or defender. He isn’t saying what players they like. Because of this, they have some flexibility.
Because of the uncertain nature of this year’s draft, as well as the needs of teams above and below them, it is possible they could drop back a few spots and still get the player that they may have liked at the number five spot, but now it is in the tenth or twelfth spot.
Of course, Fletcher could shake everything else up and deal the pick and trade for an elite veteran player who can help the team out. The NHL draft is a week away and a lot can change between now and then. Fletcher can’t afford to botch this one up.