The Week Ahead for the Flyers
With the NHL entry draft just five days away, it’d be smart money to bet that the Flyers remain aggressive right through the draft and into free agency. In what feels like the first time in years, Philadelphia has gotten the jump on the free agent market and have been regulars in rumors and speculation.
So, what should we expect moving forward to the first significant week of the off-season? Let’s look.
On Separating the Truth and the Posturing with Kevin Hayes Talks
Last Wednesday, Frank Seravalli of TSN reported that the Flyers weren’t Hayes first choice, despite his initial meeting with the team going well.
This should be expected. With just a few desirable top six centermen available, Kevin Hayes and his agent are going to use that to their advantage in negotiations to try and drive up his price. The Flyers should be wary of this and not try to bid against themselves and should be setting a limit that they will not exceed.
However, It would not be surprising if Hayes was truly impressed in his visit and could envision himself playing here, but conveniently floating the names of other destinations is simply Hayes’ camp playing the game. The Flyers hold exclusive negotiating rights until June 23, after which Hayes can start talking with other teams. The countdown is on.
On the Flyers and the Trade Front
After discussing the Matt Niskanen, Radko Gudas trade with the media on a conference call, Chuck Fletcher mentioned that he is not done exploring ways to improve the Flyers defense corps.
This is easier said than done – as the price of acquiring defensemen remains one of the richest in the sport today. The Flyers still have some capital to spend, however, and it’s reasonable to wonder who or what could be available to move in a trade for immediate help. Is the 11th overall pick in play? Is there any validity to the smoke surrounding Shayne Gostisbehere’s availability or is someone else – not currently attached to the rumor mill – being discussed?
There’s going to be significant trade chatter in the ensuing days so there shouldn’t be any shortage of things to talk about. Philadelphia is likely going to be in the middle of it all too.
The Entry Draft on June 21st
As we know – the NHL entry draft has become akin to a second trade deadline for teams in the last few years. While there is no guarantee the Flyers keep their first-round pick, there are still plenty of interesting names available at 11 if Philadelphia chooses to select a player. Peyton Krebs, Matthew Boldy, Alexander Newhook and Philip Broberg – to name a few – could be some of the names available.
All in all, all this chatter makes the off-season fun again, right? During the Ron Hextall regime, much of the off-season was as quiet as the former General Manager was stoic. There’s now plenty to discuss and there will be plenty more to come in the upcoming days.
Featured Image: Francois Lacasse_NHL Getty Images
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