The Metropolitan Division just got a major shakeup. The New Jersey Devils made a blockbuster move for Connor Hellebuyck, showing they're willing to part with multiple assets to compete. And the Philadelphia Flyers will feel the ripple effects.
As the Flyers work toward contention, division rivals like the Devils have been finding ways to strengthen their rosters. It raises an important question in Philadelphia about Danny Briere's patient approach. Can the Flyers afford to keep waiting and trust that their slow-and-steady plan pans out?
There is a case for what Briere is doing. The Flyers are not in a position to give up significant assets to try and speed up their rebuild. The start of this season showed the team isn't ready and could do more harm than good by looking for quick fixes. Developing their young talent takes time, and early signs suggest that some of their prospects have taken the right steps.
The Flyers will need to see tangible results, though, to prove that this method is paying off. Last season's success doesn't mean that they are in a good spot. Getting to the second round of the playoffs was a great test for this group, but they quickly learned what it means to actually be a contending team in this league after being swept by the Hurricanes.
That's where the Devils' acquisition of Hellebuyck comes into play. They were willing to part with a package of young talent and picks to become more of a contender. That's not to say that Briere needs to go out and make a similar aggressive move, but waiting too long could see the rest of the division continue to pull further ahead.
There is risk in trying to go all in, though. One of the players the Devils gave up in the trade was Dawson Mercer. He hasn't missed a game in his six-season career, has posted 20+ goals three times, and has regularly hit the 30-40 point mark. That is the type of young core player that Briere is trying to develop. The Devils also traded the rights to Alexander Command, their 12th overall selection from this summer. They did this for a 33-year-old goaltender coming off one of his worst statistical seasons, and one who hasn't played a game since April.
If the Flyers made a similar move, it would likely cost them at least one of the young players who helped them end their season-opening nine-game losing streak. Players like Porter Martone, Oliver Bonk, and Cole Knuble have given this team needed energy at a time when multiple veterans have missed time.
Bonk is averaging nearly 20 minutes a night and has played on the top pair with Travis Sanheim. Knuble scored his first two career goals against Buffalo and has shown a fearless nature. It helps that Matvei Michkov looks more like his strong rookie self as well, posting six points during his four-game point streak. He and Martone have developed real chemistry.
If anything, this recent stretch is exactly the kind of tangible result the Flyers needed. They have won three straight without Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, Cam York, and Rasmus Ristolainen. And the team has arguably looked better with more of its youth on the ice.
The Devils made their bet with Hellebuyck. The Flyers are making theirs on their younger players. And for now, Briere has every reason to let it play out.
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