According to a press release from the team, the Philadelphia Flyers have traded for Sharks defenseman Justin Braun. In exchange for the 32-year old, the Flyers are giving up a 2nd-round selection this year, and a 3rd-round selection next year.
“We are excited to add Justin to our group of defensemen,” said Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher. “He is a high character, quality defender who will bring a steadying presence to our team.”
The 6’2, 205 lbs, defenseman has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Sharks, scoring two goals, and 14 assists in 78 games last year. As durable as they come, Braun has played at least 78 regular season games in five consecutive seasons now.
He has 24 career goals and 130 career assists, with a plus-minus rating of +24.
Fletcher has become renowned for his veteran focus and that still applies here. Braun has 84 games of playoff experience under his belt and a recent run to the Western Conference final. That’s exactly the kind of veteran mentorship that the team were missing.
This is exactly the kind of moves that will tear the fanbase in two. In contrast to previous years, this is a cut-throat, veteran-first, win-now mentality. Flyers fans have grown so accustomed to the NHL Draft being the team’s biggest priority, that losing a second-round pick with the event just days away seems alien. However, Braun will play a key role in mentoring what is already a strong defensive core and one that was strengthened with another acquisition last week. The Flyers aren’t rebuilding, but some general landscaping is taking place and it’s building an extremely solid foundation for the youth already on the team, to thrive.
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
