The Philadelphia Flyers have begun their offseason work, bringing in a new backup goaltender in Joseph Woll and a new defenseman Simon Benoit in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. There is still plenty for the Flyers to do, such as re-sign goalie Dan Vladar and forward Trevor Zegras to contract extensions. But could there be another move in the books for the Flyers?
It's evident that the Flyers could use some help at center and to help their power play. Defense could be another area for Philadelphia to address, especially with Rasmus Ristolainen having one year left on his contract. It seems like there may be another star that could hit the trade block.
Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that star defenseman and reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski is meeting with the Columbus Blue Jackets after this weekend's NHL Draft to discuss his future. That officially opens the door for Werenski to request a trade.
If Werenski were to want out of Columbus to join another team, the Flyers should do their best to convince the player and the team to join them.
Zach Werenski would be dream offseason trade target for Flyers
It's incredibly rare for a player like Werenski to potentially hit the trade block. Once they do, every team must reach out to see if what it would take to acquire them. The Flyers and general manager Danny Briere should be doing so if Werenski says he wants to get traded to another team.
Werenski is coming off of an incredible season where he scored 22 goals, dished out 59 assists. With 81 points this season and 82 points the previous campaign, Werenski became the fifth U.S.-born defenseman to record 80 points in consecutive seasons. Due to his numbers this year, he won the Norris Trophy for the first time in his career. Let's not forget, Werenski also won the gold medal for Team USA in the Winter Olympics this year.
Werenski has two more seasons left on his six-year, $57.5 million contract, and holds a full no-movement clause. So, he'd have a preference on where he'd like to go, but it's up to him and Blue Jackets general manager Don Wadell when he'd like to be traded.
If Werenski were to want out, he'd be just the latest Team USA member to seek a trade. Brady Tkachuk requested a trade and landed with the Florida Panthers to team up with his older brother Matthew. Center Dylan Larkin demanded a trade from the Detroit Red Wings, and he is currently waiting on a deal to materialize. NHL fans will certainly be hoping that Werenski doesn't buy into the super team mantra and opt to join a stacked roster like the Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, or Minnesota Wild.
As mentioned earlier, the Flyers will have a need for a top defenseman with Ristolainen set to hit free agency next summer. The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reports that the Flyers are in trade talks involving Ristoalinen, with the Ottawa Senators emerging as a suitor. If that is the case, addressing defense will become a priority for the Flyers in the near future.
As if there wasn't enough news in the NHL, the hockey world will be waiting to see if Werenski is the latest star who will want a trade to a new team this offseason.
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