Briere Shows Flyers “On Sale” with Provorov Trade, Who’s Next?
When Daniel Briere took over as general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers in March, he made this comment:
“If Wayne Gretzky can be traded, anyone can.”
That is a very true statement. Many of the all-time greatest players in each sport, Wilt Chamberlain, Babe Ruth, and Carson Wentz (HA!) have been traded. The Flyers have traded for many great players in their history and have traded away great ones too.
In his first trade as GM, Briere traded away ironman defender Ivan Provorov. The return that the Flyers got for the trade looks that it can be pretty darn good if the draft picks and prospects pan out.
So, with a “For Sale” sign up in front of Wells Fargo Center, who are the most likely candidates to go? Now, this is hard because, again, Briere said that anyone can be traded. After the Provorov trade, he reiterated this fact.
“We’re open for business, we listen on everybody. Everybody’s being treated the same way for us on our side.”
So again, there are no favorites here. Anybody can be had if the price is good. Unlike Chuck Fletcher, nobody is going to be given away (see: Gostisbehere, Shayne) for free.
Kevin Hayes: No surprise here. He’s not happy playing for John Tortorella, but he loves Philly. He’s resigned to being moved. He’s been that way for most of the season post-Christmas. Allegedly, Columbus was interested in him around the trade deadline. A deal didn’t happen, but there are rumors that the Blue Jackets are still kicking the tires on him and another trade could happen in the aftermath of the Provorov deal. If CBJ doesn’t take him, there are many other teams that could be interested in him.
Carter Hart: This is a tricky one. On the one hand, he’s probably the best goalie the Flyers have had since Ron Hextall. On the other hand, his value makes him a greatly desired asset. Teams want good goalies and if one comes available, the league takes notice. But on the other hand, he is young, reliable, and getting better. But then again, he’s been injured at the end of each season the last dew years.
Could he bring a good haul? Yes. Could this put the Flyers back? Yes? Could this accelerate their future success? Yes. Could this blow up in their face? Yes. IF he is traded, it would have to be for the right price. And if Briere’s first move has shown us anything, a right price could be bought.
Tony DeAngelo: See Kevin Hayes above as much of the same things apply. He’s more unhappy about playing for Torts and has expressed his love of playing in Philly. But a lot of teams could be excited about his offensive capabilities; even if his defensive ones are lacking. He should bring something.
Travis Konecny: A lot of people in the internetverse have suggested that Konecny could bring in a lot if traded away. Yes, outside of Hart, he is probably their best tradeable piece. However, he really clicked with Tortorella and had a career year. It would take a lot to pry him away. I don’t think it will happen, but never say never.
Tanner Laczynski: For whatever reason, Tortorella doesn’t seem to care for him. It may not be fair as he’s battled a lot of injuries too. I can’t imagine teams are knocking down the door to get him, but he could be a throw in depth piece.
Wade Allison: See Tanner Laczynski. Tortorella has mentioned before how hard it is to get a read on him as he is always hurt. And like Laczynski, I could see him as a toss in to some other team wanting a young guy with upside.
Travis Sanheim: He’s young, but overpaid. He’s kind of stagnated and seemed lost at times this season. Maybe too much was asked of him. Maybe he felt the pressure of his contract. Either way, he was disappointing. Maybe he turns it around. At the same time, he’s the kind of guy you sell high (like with Provy) and hope you make out better on the deal before you are stuck with him.
Sean Walker: There are some who think that the newly acquired defender could’ve been acquired in order to flip him somewhere else. Maybe he was brought here so he can give some veteran guidance to a young defensive unit. We’ll see. I think he’s staying, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is gone too.
Some Other Goalie: The Flyers aren’t carrying four goalies. If Hart isn’t moved, some combo of Cal Petersen, Sam Ersson, and/or Felix Sandstrom are going to be traded away. Who? Time will tell. The first thing will be to see if Hart is traded or extended.
Briere has said that this team is trying to get young and good.
“Our young guys have a lot of value to us. At the same time, we’re not in the position to not listen to anyone. But the young guys are not the guys that we would be shopping, obviously.”
Translation: “We’re not actively shopping these guys, but for the right price…and it better be good, we’ll listen.”
Under this category you can find: Owen Tippett, Joel Farabee, Noah Cates, Morgan Frost, and Cam York. These guys seem to be the future foundational pieces that Briere and Tortorella are building upon.
If we look to the minors and juniors, we can see others who fit this category. The Flyers are most likely holding onto Tyson Foerster, Cutter Gauthier, Bobby Brink, and Elliot Desnoyers. Unless the cost for them is a top 10 player, they are staying.
Probably Not Moving Because They are Stable Vets
The Flyers can’t field a team of just young players. Some veterans will probably have to stay around just because they need some vets.
Scott Laughton: He’s been the glue to this team all season. He had the best year of his career on a bad team. He’s not flashy, but he does a lot of the little things correct. He is the kind of player that Tortorella loves. He’s not going anywhere unless you break the bank.
Nic Deslauriers: He is not amazing, but he does his thing. That thing is being physical. Again, it’s fundamental stuff. He has a job to do and did it. He is a hard worker and Torts also appreciates what he does for this team.
Nick Seeler: It’s hard to say anything bad about him. He’s one of the best players, in his role, on this team. He’s also cheap. A lot of teams would love to take him, but he is the kind of steady, stable, low cost player the Flyers need. He had a great year and fits this team well.
Rasmus Ristolainen: After being benched, Ristolainen turned his season around and was probably the best defender who wasn’t named Seeler. He did what Torts wants when called out….own it and improve. Big things could be in store for him if he keeps going on this pace.
Sean Couturier: In a normal year, Couturier would be what Laughton was this year. He is also just three years removed from winning a Selke Trophy. He was upset he couldn’t play this year, even when cleared for the last handful. He has a fire in him and is going to explode next year. He’s going to end up being one of Tortorella’s guys.
Probably Not Moving Because of Injury Status
First, we have to mention Cam Atkinson and Ryan Ellis. It is most likely that Ellis will never play again. A team that is looking to add cap space they’ll never use would be his only suitors. Atkinson, it depends on how healthy he is. If he is ready to go next year, the Flyers could use what he brings to the table. If he is still injured, that’s not good.
Prospects That Could Stay or Go
When it comes to prospects, some, like Gauthier and Desnoyers, are no brainers. They are staying unless it is a MAJOR deal. Other guys could be the price paid to make a big move. Some of these guys could include, but are not limited to: Adam Ginning, Egor Zamula, Ronnie Attard, Olle Lycksell, Max Willman, Hayden Hodgson, Jackson Cates, Cooper Marody, Emil Andrae, and Cooper Zech.
As you can see, the Flyers have a lot to think about. The hot stove is heating up and the next few weeks between now and the draft should be a lot of fun.