Briere Shows Flyers “On Sale” with Provorov Trade, Who’s Next?
By Scott Cole
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.