Coach Hextall is keeping his word on NHL Deadline Day by acquiring another draft pick and a much younger defenceman. After months of Philly fans practically screaming that we need to sell and shift deadwood, it appears Hextall has taken note and put the wheels in motion.
Hextall picked up both a first- and third-round pick, plus 24-year old defenseman Radko Gudas from the Czech Republic in exchange for Braydon Coburn. Guddas averaged 17 minutes ice time for the Bolts in 31 games. However since an injury requiring surgery on his right knee in early January is expected to be out until May.
Between Friday, when the Flyers made a shock move and shifted 39 year old Kimmo Timonen to Chicago for a second round pick this year and conditional third-round next year, the team have three more high picks in this years draft and one so far for next year. A brilliant piece of business that illustrates Hextall’s patience, having worked overtime through the night to make sure he brings some youth into a tiring squad.
