Cmoooooooooon Philadelphia Flyers. Will the real Flyers please stand up? The orange and black fortunately rebounded in a nice way against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Eric Lindros night. After a dismal showing against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. The Flyers put forth a heck of an effort in beating a tough Maple Leafs team 3-2 in overtime, before an electric sold out crowd as Lindros’s Jersey went into the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center before the game started. It was a huge two points to keep within striking distance of the last wild card spot.
The Flyers have a chance to show what they are really made of within the next month or so. Are they a team that fizzles under pressure, and misses the playoffs for the second straight season? Or are they a team that can withstand the heat, and one that makes a final push into the playoffs? These are questions that will soon be answered. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions in this weeks weekly mailbag.
What trades could you see at the deadline? Guys like Galchenyuk or Kane would be solid #Flyersmail
— Mike Gierusz (@MikeGierusz) January 17, 2018
Mike thanks so much for your support. Always nice hearing from you, a die hard Flyers fan. I can see Evander Kane going to the Montreal Canadiens or the Arizona Coyotes. The Canadiens are looking for more scoring depth at this deadline, but I don’t think they will have any takers for Alex Galchenyuk. I think the Canadiens want too much in return for him, and in turn, will trade him at the draft.
The Coyotes are looking for experienced scoring depth, especially after trading Anthony Duclair. With that being said they have a very young team, and Kane would be an ideal fit there. Look for teams to pursue Coyotes goaltender Antti Raanta, as well.
In terms of the Flyers I see them trading Brandon Manning, and Michal Neuvirth. Manning has a cap hit of $975,000, and is in the last year of his contract. This makes him an attractive rental for a playoff contender, as a bottom six defensive pairing. Neuvirth on the other hand would provide depth, as a back-up goaltender for a playoff contender. Blackhawks netminder Corey Crawford may be out for the rest of the year with an injury, so the playoff contending Blackhawks could come a knocking.
I, along with the thousands of other Flyers fans would like to know if there’s a logical reason that Lehtera is getting more playing time than Patrick? Why is he on the PP? Why is he here? When can we expect a call up from Lindblom? #Flyersmail
— Kerry (@MusicIsLife_74) January 17, 2018
Kerry this is a slamming question from a very knowledgeable Flyers fan. Jori Lehtera in my opinion shouldn’t be playing over Taylor Leier. Why go for the grit when Tyrell Goulbourne is playing on the fourth line, as well? It just don’t make sense. What’s even more striking is why Lehtera deserves to be on the second power play unit? Nolan Patrick deserves and needs as much ice time as possible. Lehtera in no way, shape or form deserves more ice time than Patrick. Moreover, look for Lehtera to get bought out in the summer, if there are no takers for him at the trade deadline.
Oskar Lindblom has been down right awesome in his freshman season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He was just added to the AHL All-Star game yesterday, as the young prospect has registered 12 goals, 15 assists, and is a +3 in 40 games played this season. However, look for Mike Vecchione to get called up before Lindblom if God forbid there’s an injury, as he has NHL experience. If the Flyers are out of playoff contention in March, then look for them both to be called up.
Jody Boyer- Do you think the Flyers will be sellers or buyers at the deadline?
Jody thanks so much for your support, as your a hardcore Flyers fan that hails from the great country of Canada. Looks like you get the bragging rights for the Flyers victory last night, but more importantly for sweeping the season series of the Maple Leafs 3-0.
The Flyers will be mostly sellers at the deadline. They will not sacrifice their future this season, and will not make an impact trade for a player that is ready available. The orange and black will trade Manning, and Neuvirth for picks and possibly a prospect. So, that will be the buying and selling. I say the picks are the buying aspect at this deadline because General Manager Ron Hextall is a drafting guru. He is stellar with his selections in the latter rounds of the draft. With the Flyers this close to the playoffs. I really don’t forsee a major trade of any sort.
If you would like to see your questions submitted in our weekly mailbag. Just submit your question on our facebook page or on Twitter using the #Flyersmail. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
