Flyers Can Emerge as Sellers at Trade Deadline
Shayne Gostisbehere returned to the Flyers lineup after a three game benching, but it was to no avail as their offensive struggles continue.
The 23 year-old blueliner notched an assist on the Flyers only goal during the game as they have lost three straight games.
The only quick fix that can possibly help this team offensively is if they stack the top two lines, which is exactly what they did last year. Hakstol had the following as the top two lines in practice Friday:
First Line: Schenn – Giroux – Simmonds.
Second Line: Weal – Couturier – Voracek (Travis Konecny is out 4-6 weeks).
Jordan Weal was called up Friday in an attempt to shake up the lines.
As they have now dropped out of a playoff spot, it seems that the Flyers are heading in the wrong direction. If they are going to miss the playoffs, perhaps they should be looking at selling instead of buying a scorer.
Philadelphia is in an interesting position as they currently have their top two goaltenders in a contract year. It is almost guaranteed that at least one of either Mason or Neuvirth will not wear orange and black next season. The Flyers netminders will either be traded before the deadline, signed to another team via free agency, or drafted to Las Vegas during the 2016 expansion draft.
Here are some possible destinations that one (or both) of the Flyers goaltenders could land:
Calgary Flames – Brian Elliott has not exactly been performing like the starter they thought they were getting during the offseason. Backup Chad Johnson has been hot and cold, which leaves the starting position in question. Steve Mason would be a good fit here as they are still currently fighting for a playoff spot in the west.
Colorado Avalanche – Though they are currently the worst team in the league, a big reason for this is their goaltending situation. Starting goaltender Semyon Varlamov is out for the rest of the year with an injury, leaving Calvin Pickard to carry the entire team. Michal Neuvirth could be a good fit for the Avalanche, though they appear to be sellers as well due to their playoff hopes being non-existant.
Dallas Stars – The Stars were early favorites to be contenders when the season began. Kari Lehtonen had proven himself to be a solid number in past years, but this year his numbers have slipped. Backup Antti Niemi has not helped his team either as he holds a 3.20 GAA. As they sit three games under .500, they could use a solid goaltender to help boost their team out of the hole they are currently in. Either of the Flyers goalies could fit here.
St. Louis Blues – In a similar situation, the Blues are having an issue with their starting goaltender. The confidence in Jake Allen has shifted after his struggles this season. The difference here is the Blues are still in a position to make the playoffs, and rolling with Carter Hutton is not an option. Acquiring a goalie may be the answer the Blues need to make a playoff push.
The Flyers may also be looking to sell Mark Streit, who is in the final year of his contract, to a team that needs an average defenseman that has the ability to produce on the powerplay. A playoff bound team will look at a veteran like Streit who has leadership skills as well.
It appears that being sellers at the deadline may be the next step in GM Hextall’s process. Stay tuned.
Photo: Peetlesnumber1 (via: Wikimedia Commons)
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Categorized:Flyers