If the playoffs started today, the Flyers would hold the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference. They would take on the Washington Capitals, a Metropolitan Division rival that they have yet to face off against and won't see until February. However, the playoffs don't start today, and in reality, the Flyers have played two fewer games than most teams in the East, so there is potential for them to move up a bit.
The Eastern Conference is really tight. The Flyers are just six points away from the division and conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes. Likewise, they are just two points away from slipping back to 12th place in the conference. Nobody is running away with this conference, and nobody is truly out of the race...well, maybe Buffalo and Columbus.
With that said, the Flyers are in a unique position that could radically change this franchise. They could make some moves to improve the team and make some trades to make a playoff run. The team could sit pat and not make any moves and trust in the players they got. Daniel Briere could also sell off a few assets to acquire some top-level prospects, more draft picks, and/or young players with great potential to begin their run for the playoffs next year. Each choice comes with its set of benefits and pitfalls. Let's examine each one.
Becoming Buyers
For the first time in years, the Flyers are in a position where they could be in the playoffs and could actually do well. Yeah! However, we know that as good as this team is playing, they aren't complete. They do need some pieces to become one of the elite teams. Do they acquire a better backup goalie for a playoff run or stick with what they've got? Is a sniper on the wing available, or a center who is a master at winning faceoffs and flinging hits? Could there be a big bruising defender, or would they prefer a more offensively minded one? All of these players could be valuable to the Flyers.
The benefit to Philly is simple. You have a team that is built for a playoff run and could do some damage. Flyers fans have been waiting for an eternity for this. Maybe now is the time to spring into action.
However, this will cost the team. Some of the guys would most likely be rentals (i.e., become free agents in June). Now, a sign and trade deal would be more worth it. If you are trading away prospects, young talent (like a Bobby Brink), and/or draft picks for a guy who will play six weeks for the team, that might not be the best move. Then we are going back to the time of Bobby Clarke.
Staying Pat
Okay, this is the least sexy move available, but it has its merits. The team, as it is, has some good chemistry. You don't want to shake that up. Every night, this team puts it all out there on the ice. They don't give up and have only had a few blowouts in their losses. They have a long list of young talent that is still learning to find their footing and learning to grow together. That is important. They can keep taking steps forward and become a stronger unit that way. They don't have a dominant line, but in that regard, they are more like the aforementioned Hurricanes: a team that is solid on all four lines.
The downside here is that you don't really improve either. You are what you are. Rolling the dice with what you have suggests either that you have a tremendous amount of faith in the current squad or are too afraid to shake things up.
Becoming Sellers
We know how this works, as the Flyers have been sellers the last few seasons. The team has some players who will be free agents at the end of this year. Some of them, like Christian Dvorak, Nicolas Deslauriers, and Rodrigo Abols, could become quite attractive at the trade deadline. Some players could become RFAs as well, like Egor Zamula, Emil Andrae, Sam Ersson, and Brink. These young players could be great additions in a trade.
The benefit is, of course, the team could acquire more young talent and rack up more draft picks in order to make a move for next season and beyond. There could be some great free agents that the team is clearing cap space for to make a big splash.
The downside here is that it seems like the Flyers would be tanking again and not building on their successes. It's another wasted year and another year waiting to get good again. You'd also give off the impression that this team doesn't value players too much, as they are quick to cast them off.
What Do the Flyers Do?
Honestly, the best move is a hybrid of all three. The team doesn't need to stay pat, but only make moves if there is something to be gained. Acquire some players only if they would fill in gaps and improve the team. At the same time, don't mortgage the future they are building for short-term success. Likewise, don't sell just to sell, but if someone doesn't fit into the future of this team (say they are prepping for Porter Martone next year or Oliver Bonk), trade off and see if they can get something useful.
They aren't at the midpoint of the season yet, but the trade deadline will be here quicker than you can imagine. It will be interesting to see what direction this team goes in and where Briere takes the Flyers.