Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers Weekly Mailbag: Major Trades On The Horizon?

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The Flyers are trying to right the ship towards consistency. They cannot continue to lose to back up Goaltenders, win one…lose two or win one…lose one.

This young Flyers team has had a ton of adversity in the early going of the 2018-19 season. Injuries were piling up, Head Coach Dave Hakstol was canned, along with Assistant Coach Gord Murphy, and longtime Head Scout Chris Pryor. Following a closed-door players’ only meeting after a 4-0 drubbing to the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night. It’s time for the Flyers to start winning again, and that’s something that they haven’t been able to do as of late. They fell again to their fifth straight loss, losing 5-3 to the Carolina Hurricanes last night. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.

I might be in the minority here, but I don’t foresee Chuck Fletcher trading for a quality stop-gap Goaltender anytime soon, at least not until the trade deadline. He has been scouring the market for a few weeks now in search of a Goaltender. Actually, before the holiday roster freeze the Flyers were one of the most desperate teams in the trade market.

Unfortunately, at this time there’s really no quality stop-gap Goaltender available. We can point to Johnathan Quick, but he’s injury prone at this point in his career. What good would he serve Carter Hart in the future if he’s rehabbing from injury after injury. I would wait until the off-season, and then possibly make a move for a stop-gap Goaltender. Maybe at the draft, or free agency where there might be some better options available. Moreover, Brian Elliott will be ready in three weeks. Fletcher should just let him ride the rest of the season out.

Johan thanks a lot for your support. We wouldn’t be here today without it. Hope your New Year was a good one. Samuel Ersson kicking some butt at the WJC makes me feel a little better about our future Goaltending.

The Flyers didn’t blow up the team, as they still thought (And Think) they have a shot at the playoffs. They are currently sitting 12 points out of the last playoff spot.

I think Wayne Simmonds will be the first traded, and a perfect trading partner is the Boston Bruins. Maybe the Flyers could get lucky and receive Jesse Gabrielle (LW) or Zach Senyshyn (RW) in return. I just don’t see Simmonds, who is slowing down due to his style of play for the past few years, lasting with this organization. Sad to say as I love the guy for everything he has done, but I just don’t see it.

I wouldn’t trade Claude Giroux IMO. He’s been one of the most consistent Flyers this season. Yes, he turned the puck over at critical times during some games last week, but Giroux has been pretty steady all season long. Andrew MacDonald is virtually impossible to move, but Radko Gudas could be a bargaining chip for a team that’s looking for a bottom end Defenseman.

The Flyers will be very active this Summer for free agents. With approximately $30 million in cap space, why wouldn’t they right? One player I hope they scoop up is Artemi Panarin.

William thanks a lot for your support. I hope you had a great New Year.

I never thought I would have to answer this question this season. Personally, I thought the Flyers would finish with 102 points, which would have been 4 points higher than last year.

The Flyers should start to break up the core with the hopes of finding a solid top 4 Defenseman. I mean that’s one huge hole the Flyers could plug for next season, as well. The core has been together for many years, and now is a good time to start selling some of them. There’s a fracture in the locker room, and that was evident before Dave Hakstol was canned.

Jakub Voracek could be of interest for a contender, especially if the Flyers are willing to eat some of the money. Moreover, Michael Raffl and Dale Weise could be moved, once again if the Flyers eat some of Weise’s money. I would start selling, and who knows maybe then that would hit home to the players to start playing some hockey. It’s a frustrating time right now, but I will tell you better days are ahead.

If some trades do not net immediate NHL players, please do not worry. There are plenty of prospects for the Phantoms who could fill some of these voids.

Flyers thanks so much for your support. God bless you and your family.

I think Wayne Simmonds will be traded, and a perfect trading partner is the Boston Bruins. Maybe the Flyers could get lucky and receive Jesse Gabrielle (LW) or Zach Senyshyn (RW) in return. I just don’t see Simmonds, who is slowing down due to his style of play for the past few years, lasting with this organization. Sad to say as I love the guy for everything he has done, but I just don’t see it.

Simmonds IMO isn’t worth very much. He’s a player that every team covets, however teams also see his years have caught up with him. He’s slower, and just not the same. Simmonds isn’t hurt, it’s just his style of play through all these years has caught up with him. He might fetch a 3rd rounder (Maybe a 2nd), and possibly a low line player/prospect.

Flyera thanks for all your support. I hope you and your family had a good New Year.

Some non-pending UFA’s I would part with are Jakub Voracek, Dale Weise, and JVR. One other player of interest I would think about moving is Shayne Gostisbehere. He has a cap friendly contract, which could be attractive to some contenders. I wouldn’t give Ghost away for free by any means, it would definitely have to be a deal that I was blown away with.

Jake- Should net at least one immediate NHL player, 2 prospects, and a pick.

Weise- A draft pick

JVR- Prospect/Immediate NHL player, and a pick

Ghost- At least one immediate NHL player, 2-3 prospects, a pick (Possibly 2)

Boss thanks for your support. I hope you and your family had a great New Year.

https://twitter.com/BartlettBrando/status/1080448539812155393

The players get the blame for the road trip. There is no way around it. For instance, I mean Carter Hart played well against the Florida Panthers, but the players didn’t play well in front of him with turnover after turnover.

It just looked like the Flyers had a lackadaisical effort, with the exception for the Nashville game. They took the Panthers for granted, honestly I don’t know what to make of this. There is something going on in that locker room, and that was quite evident before former Head Coach Dave Hakstol was fired. Hopefully, that closed-door meeting following the Nashville Predator’s loss is a wake up call for this bunch. I believe a trade is not far off the horizon, and Calgary has already inquired about Radko Gudas.

Brandon thanks so much for your support. God bless you and your family.

https://twitter.com/kgil29/status/1080492170577170432

I do believe at some point the Flyers will send Carter Hart back down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and this may happen when Anthony Stolarz is activated sometime next week. Brian Elliott is less than three weeks away from returning, as well.

Wayne Simmonds could fetch at least a 3rd Round Pick (Maybe a 2nd), and an immediate NHL player. Jakub Voracek can gather an immediate NHL player, at least 1 prospect (Maybe 2), and picks. The Flyers would also possibly have to eat some of Voracek’s salary. Radko Gudas can get a 3rd-5th round pick, and a prospect and/or pick. Michael Raffl has some value as he’s currently playing well, but he’s versatile. Raffl could fetch a pick, maybe a prospect/low-grade NHL player. Dale Weise may have some value as he could gather a pick, but the Flyers will more than likely have to eat some salary, as well.

Scott Gordon will be here the rest of the season. Kris Knoblauch on the other hand may be relieved of his duties if the Power Play continues to be abysmal. Lappy I think is done at year’s end, as well.

Kevin thanks a lot for your continued support. I hope you and your family had a great New Year.

Shea Weber is absolutely still a top 4 Defenseman. He is averaging 24:43 of ice time in just 16 games played (Due to injury). Moreover, Weber has tallied 5 goals, and 6 assists at the ripe age of 33. I think Weber’s salary makes him immovable. The Montreal Canadiens are responsible for his salary until he reaches age 40, and his cap hit is $7.85 million per season. Weber still has it at 33, but there’s no saying he will continue to do such as time goes by. This makes his contract too risky for teams to take a risk on.

Mr. Nice Guy thanks for your support. Happy New Year from my family to yours.

This is a tricky situation. If Jori Lehtera was waived, he could file an appeal and win if he indeed is found not guilty. I’m shocked the league hasn’t suspended Lehtera, but the League is still investigating. I guess it could do more harm than good, since there is a pending lockout in 2020. It might harm negotiations possibly. It’s all very confusing. I think the best course of action at this time should be a suspension pending investigation. In the event Lehtera is found guilty, and the appeal process is complete. Lehtera’s contract would be negated. I have attached the CBA Rules for this type of action.

18-A.1 Commissioner Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct shall mean discipline imposed by the
Commissioner or his designee for Player conduct not governed by “Supplementary Discipline for
On-Ice Conduct” as defined in Article 18 and that falls within the scope of the Commissioner’s
authority to discipline as set out in Section 18-A.2. Disciplinary proceedings for Commissioner
Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct will be conducted in accordance with the procedural rules set
forth in this Article.

18-A.2 Commissioner Authority to Impose Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct. Whenever
the Commissioner determines that a Player has violated a League Rule applicable to Players
(other than Playing Rules subjecting the Player to potential Supplementary Discipline for On-Ice
Conduct), or has been or is guilty of conduct (whether during or outside the playing season) that
is detrimental to or against the welfare of the League or the game of hockey, he may discipline
such Player in any or all of the following respects:
(a) by expelling or suspending such Player for a definite or indefinite period;
(b) by cancelling any SPC that such Player has with any Member Club; or
(c) by imposing a fine on the Player not exceeding the maximum permissible fine
under Section 18.7(b).
For the purpose of calculating compensation forfeited due to a suspension under this Article, the
Player will forfeit all Paragraph 1 NHL Salary and Bonuses, but not Performance Bonuses,
commencing on the effective date of the suspension through the completion of the last game or
date of the suspension, inclusive of all intervening days.

18-A.3 Procedures for Commissioner Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct. The following
procedures shall govern investigations and hearings involving the potential imposition of
Commissioner Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct.
(a) League Investigation.
(i) The League agrees to notify the NHLPA immediately upon deciding to
undertake an investigation that may result in Commissioner Discipline for
Off-Ice Conduct.
(ii) No interview of any Player or Players potentially subject to Commissioner
Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct will take place without first providing
notice to the NHLPA that affords a reasonable opportunity for the NHLPA
to participate.

ARTICLE 18-A 18-A.3-18-A.3
Interview of such Players will be conducted without first providing notice
to the NHLPA that affords a reasonable opportunity for the NHLPA to
participate.
(iv) In any interview of any Player, the NHL will explain the purpose of the
inquiry and the potential for Commissioner Discipline for Off-Ice
Conduct.
(v) The NHL agrees to provide the NHLPA with advance notice of any non Player interviews conducted as part of an investigation and further agrees to make its best efforts to schedule interviews in a manner that will allow the NHLPA to participate. In the event that an interview is conducted
without the NHLPA’s participation, the NHL agrees to provide the
NHLPA with a copy of any notes or other recording relating to the
interview.
(vi) A Player shall be afforded a right to apply for a reasonable delay of any
interview in order to obtain and consult with individual counsel, and
consent to such a request shall not be unreasonably withheld.

18-A.4 Appeal from Commissioner Determination. In all cases involving Commissioner
Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct under this Article, the NHLPA, on a Player’s behalf, may file an
appeal to the Impartial Arbitrator by giving notice to the League in writing. The proceeding shall
thereafter be governed by the provisions of Article 17 of this Agreement. The standard of review
in cases of Commissioner Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct shall be whether the Commissioner’s
determination was supported by substantial evidence and was not unreasonable based on the
following considerations: (i) the facts and circumstances surrounding the conduct at issue;
(ii) whether the penalty was proportionate to the gravity of the offense; and (iii) the legitimate
interests of both the Player and the League. Players who are disciplined by the Commissioner
for Off-Ice Conduct imposed pursuant to Section 18-A.2(a) or (b) and who file an appeal shall
remain suspended and/or not permitted to play pending the appeal (but in the case of a
suspension, for not longer than the duration of such suspension contained in the Commissioner’s
determination). Players who are fined by the Commissioner pursuant to Section 18-A.2(c) and
who file an appeal shall not forfeit any compensation pending the outcome of the appeal. The
parties may not make public statements in respect of the matter upon the commencement of the
appeal procedure before the Impartial Arbitrator (provided there will be an absolute 48-hour
period following the announcement of the Commissioner’s decision in which the League can
release public statements to explain the basis for the decision to discipline).

ARTICLE 18-A 18-A.5-18-A.6
18-A.5 Criminal Investigation. A Player subject to Commissioner Discipline for Off-Ice
Conduct may seek a reasonable delay in such proceedings in order to retain and seek the advice
of counsel in the event his conduct may also be subject to a criminal investigation by any
governmental authority, or in the event of an ongoing civil proceeding where the Player has been
named as a defendant. The League may suspend the Player pending the League’s formal review
and disposition of the matter where the failure to suspend the Player during this period would
create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the
League.

Misti thanks so much for your support. Happy New Year from my family to yours.

https://twitter.com/ItsTheDarbyBoy/status/1080569815578882050?s=19

Hopefully, the Flyers make the right moves sooner rather than later, and we could right the ship. Let’s see what Chuck Fletcher does in terms of call-ups and trades. He has his work cut out for him, but he will make a move sooner rather than later.

Darby thanks for the support. Happy New Year to you and your family.

I’m all about buying, and I would love to see the Flyers add a top 4 Defenseman. They need one immediately, and it’s not just for the rest of this year it’s for next year, as well. They need a defenseman to reduce Ivan Provorov’s minutes, and to take pressure off of him. I mean as it stands right now we’re using Defencemen who are not just top 4 to fill a hole.

At this point the Flyers have hit rock bottom. I’m about selling for the future, with trying to right this ship for next season. In a weird way I hope the faults of this team this season, makes them stronger next season. I’m open to selling some of the core. I think it’s time for a break up, and I’m sad to say that.

Sam thanks so much for your support. Without you I’m not here today. I hope you and your family had a great New Year.

I think Chuck Fletcher will make a move sooner rather than later. I foresee Wayne Simmonds being dealt, and also a breakup of the core. Honestly, I cannot envision Fletcher sitting around watching this team falter for the rest of the season, and do nothing about it. A major move is on the horizon. It’s not a question of if, it’s when.

The Flyers are currently looking to add a Goaltender, and a top-four Defenseman.

Craig thank you so much for your support. I wouldn’t be here today without you. I hope you and your family had a great New Year.

The power-play woes have really affected this team. I am very surprised that Chuck Fletcher didn’t relieve Kris Knoblauch of his duties at the same time as Gord Murphy. With only half the season remaining I think Knoblauch is here to stay for the rest of the season. In the off-season I think  he will more than likely be dismissed of his duties. However, there is no mistaking Power Play has to get better.

Ken thank you very much for your continued support. I hope you and your family had a great New Year. God bless you and your family.

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 #Flyersmail. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag, and Let’s go Flyers. Without your support we wouldn’t be here today.

 

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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