Briere Shows Flyers “On Sale” with Provorov Trade, Who’s Next?
By Scott Cole
![Mar 11, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Mar 11, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cba021130c5cbc4c17fddff26f2528b13753914110cb2ce1ecf1afd83eb699be.jpg)
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.