As the clock keeps ticking towards the NHL trade deadline, there are some holes within the Flyers lineup that Chuck Fletcher would like to shore up between now and then. A glaring hole is a need for a top six sniper, but that will come with a hefty price. Fletcher more than likely will have to wait until the off-season to fill that vacancy.
Unfortunately, the Flyers only have approximately $548,000 of cap space left, per Cap Friendly. With that being said, it’s unlikely Jakub Voracek or JVR’s contract could be moved by the deadline, as many NHL teams are in the same situation as the Flyers, in regards to the cap. These type of cap deals usually take place in the off-season. However, what Fletcher could do is add a bottom 9/bottom 12 player by the deadline, to provide much needed depth within the bottom six units. From now until the trade deadline, I will feature one player a week that the Flyers could realistically add for depth purposes. First up Chris Tierney from the Ottawa Senators.
Tierney is an intelligent hockey player. He is strong defensively, and has an active stick. His strong skating abilities allow him to change directions quickly. Tierney is a two-way center that possesses puck skills, and has a keen hockey sense. For his efforts, Tierney is valuable on the penalty kill, and he can really score some big goals.
This young 25-year-old in Tierney is a solid versatile, bottom 9 player that can play both Center and Wing. He could also play in the top six if need be. Moreover, Tierney would fit in well in Head Coach Alain Vigneault’s system, as he is a defensive first type of player. However, Tierney can pot a big goal or two, as well. For the season, he has registered 6 goals, and 16 assists for 22 points in 43 games played.
I know what everyone’s thinking, what would it cost to acquire Tierney? Tierney is an RFA at year’s end, and currently has a cap hit of $2.9 million, per Cap Friendly. With his expiry status as an RFA at the end of season, he could possibly come cheaply for Fletcher. Realistically, Fletcher could send Mikhail Vorobyev (Change of scenery), and a fourth round pick to the Senators for Tierney. That fourth round pick could be a second, but Fletcher would start with a fourth for sure.
With the uncertainty to Nolan Patrick, and the loss of Oskar Lindblom being felt within the lineup. Tierney could be a huge asset for this young Flyers team. Fletcher could come a calling, sooner rather than later.
Photo Credit: Jose Moreno of the Philadelphia Inquirer
Just what we need another 3rd / 4th line type guy. And what the hell since we already gave up our 2nd and 3rd for Braun maybe we can add a borderline 2nd line player for the first round and a fifth and skip the draft entirely. On a team with washed guys on the first and second lines, fourth line guys on the third line and AHL’ers on the 4th bringing in just another guy is insane.
I respect your opinion, and thank you for the read
Please do not give Chuck Fletcher any ideas Jamey. As we have seen, he not good at making deals. Fletcher is a failure when it comes to the NHL draft and as we have seen, he is horrible at managing cap space. Yes Mikhail Vorobeyev has struggled, but so have other young players in their first couple of years (Phillippe Myers, Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, Travis Sanheim, Carter Hart , Robert Hagg and even Shayne Gostisbehere). Why trade a kid with potential (Vorobeyev) for a two month loan? Fletcher was like a kid in the candy store when he be came to the Flyers as their new GM. He said himself that he had lots of cap space, all of his draft picks, (plus some extra draft picks) and lots of great kids in the system. Chuck Fletcher did not do well in his first draft(Cam York and Bobby Brink are both way too small to play in the NHL). Fletcher lost big on the Wayne Simmonds trade, gave up too much for Justin Braun and overpaid for Kevin Hayes. The Flyers cap space is toast, especially with a lot of young Flyers coming up for new contracts. In just one year, Fletcher has put this team’s future in jeopardy. Ron Hextall set this team up for success and did not get to finish the job.
As a season ticket holder for 43 years, I feel invested in this team, but if Fletcher keeps making dumb moves and bad transactions, I will give up my seats rather than watch the Flyers crash and burn . Fletcher was not the answer and I think that’s why Paul Holmgren resigned.
Gregg,
Like you I give Ron hextall lot of credit. He did a great job here. Let’s see what he can do around the trade deadline. We will really have an answer then
Gregg, I appreciate your frustration. I am also season ticket holder (1986). We have seen alot worse than this. Jamey knows I think we should have moved on from #93 two years ago. JVR was just an average move. I personally think Hayes was a terrific move. We need better defense from everyone. That is the road to the Cup. Keep on footing, we need you with us.
Big Kahuna
Rooting
Actually looking at this organizations contract all Hextall did was destroy a fan base interest in this team. Mediocrity is everywhere