In a recent article by The Athletic, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere suggested that he is willing to trade away some of the team's early draft picks this summer to improve the team's future. Currently, the team has three picks in the first round, including one that should be a top-five selection if all goes right. The Flyers also have four picks in the second round.
You would think the Flyers would want to restock with all of these picks. That is true and never a bad option. However, with draft picks, you are usually a few years away from seeing the fruits of that draft, and a lot can happen between now and then. Based on that reality, there are three scenarios that Briere is looking at as to why he may want to trade away these picks.
#1: This Is a Weak Draft
Perhaps with what this team needs, it could be that Briere and company see this as a weaker draft. Now, there seems to be a lot of centers (thank God!) that could make a more immediate impact sooner than later, but after that, it gets kinda foggy. Granted, anything can happen with a prospect. The right teammates and right system can unlock a of of potential with someone, however, the wrong one can stifle someone's ability.
It could be that Briere could flip one of their picks, probably the picks from Edmonton or Colorado, for a pick next year if they feel that next year's crop is more profitable. That is possible. After all, they did that last year. If the Flyers feel that next year's talent more suits their needs, this could be a play.
#2: They Want to Move Up
It is possible that the Flyers could end up with a top-five pick. However, the lottery can be funny. One year, the Flyers should've picked around 12 to 14 and ended up getting the second pick. It all depends on how them little balls be bouncing that day. In an ideal world, the Flyers nab one of the top three picks.
However, if they don't, the Flyers have the ammo to move up to crack the top five. Likewise, if they have one top ten pick, who says they can't get another? They could trade the two other first-rounders, or some combo of first-round and second-round picks, to grab a second one. That could be something Briere is planning on.
#3: Briere Wants an Established Player
It could be that Briere wants to flip some of the first and second-round picks for an established player. If there is a player out there who wants to be off of his current team or if there is a player a team can't afford, perhaps a quality goaltender, Briere could use these picks to cash in. Instead of waiting years to see the talent come in, these picks could be used to buy someone who is NHL-experienced and ready to go.
A player in their young 20s who is ready to sign a long-term extension and is a burgeoning star would be a coup. A player like that who is ready to go would be much more valuable to a team that wants to turn it around as soon as possible. Could they steal Erik Karlsson from the Penguins and get them to eat some of his bloated salary? Could Josh Gibson be a good goalie for the Flyers? Simon Nemec wants out of Jersey. Could he be a target? Can the Wild afford to pay Marco Rossi? Any of these players could be a good fit here in Philly.
We'll see what the future holds. As far as this season goes, thankfully it is mercifully almost over.