Where does Chuck Fletcher and the Flyers go from here? It’s anyone’s guess, but do not expect any major moves today from the orange and black. I am getting the feeling from within the organization that they will be aggressive in the offseason, as opposed to the trade deadline.
The Flyers still remain four points back of the Boston Bruins (Boston still has two games in-hand), but yesterday’s loss to the Buffalo Sabres has this Flyers team gasping for air, and leaves Fletcher with questions of whom to sell. Scott Laughton may re-sign with the Flyers as early as today, as I’m hearing that the Flyers and his agent have been actively talking. Moreover, I’m getting the feeling from the organization that Nolan Patrick will remain a Flyer past 3pm, as well. With Laughton and Patrick seemingly off the market, then whom is Fletcher selling?
Michael Raffl and Erik Gustafsson are prime candidates to be moved to a contender. Gustafsson could really help a contenders Power Play Unit, and provide offensively for a contender that is in need of an offensive defenseman. The good thing is he won’t cost much. The Flyers could receive a fifth or sixth round pick for his services which is better than nothing, as he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Raffl is more than reliable as he plays every single position. He is a great Penalty Killer, and he can pot a big goal or two, as well. Raffl is best friends with Laughton so this one would be a tough pill to swallow for Laughton. They lived in the same apartment complex last year Laughton told me last season, and the two became very close.
The NHL is littered with role-players, and role-players could be on the third line or fourth-line. For instance, both of these lines provide energy, where fourth-line players usually provide more physicality, who can chip in a goal or two at times. Raffl fits the bill very well as a bottom six player, and he knows where to be on the ice and when. Simply put, Raffl is a good two-way hockey player, that can play in the top six of times if need be, as well.
How will this year’s trade deadline end up for the Flyers is anyone’s guess. All that people need to know is a small minor move or two will happen most likely.
