Five Targets For the Flyers To Shore Up Depth

Should the injury riddled Flyers team add depth sooner rather than later? On December 15, 2019, the Flyers fell 7-3 to the Winnipeg Jets in a game where they dressed David Kase, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Chris Stewart, and Mikhail Vorobyev. None of these players were on the teams opening night roster.

With veterans like Claude Giroux
and Jake Voracek to lead the younger players like Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, the Flyers are approaching the sweet spot for competition. Lineup depth plays a large role in the ability for a team to compete, and shoring up that depth would be a good thing for a team already been bitten by the injury bug. There are a lot of options on the trade market, and open market with more set to come available closer to the trade deadline. Let’s dive into potential pieces that could help this team at little-to-no cost.

Sven Bartschi

With one year left on a 3.36 million dollar contract, it may be difficult for the Flyers to pull the trigger on this 27-year-old left winger for cap reasons. Bartschi was sent down to the AHL by the Canucks earlier this season, and recently requested a trade out of Vancouver to find a full time NHL roster spot.

In 17 games for the Utica Comets, Bartschi potted 4 goals and 20 assists for a total of 24 points. While tied for 15th in the AHL scoring race, Bartschi has also had some previous NHL success. In 2018-19, he scored 14 points in 26 game and in 2016-17 he scored a career high 35 points in 68 games. He would likely slot into a third line supplemental scoring role with the Flyers, further solidifying the top 9 forward group. It would take some cap
management skills to fit Bartschi in, which makes it very unlikely he ends up in Philly, unless the Canucks are willing to eat some of his salary.

Ilya Kovalchuk

The 36-year-old russian Forward in Kovalchuk, whose contract was recently terminated by the Kings, has reportedly shown interest in signing a minimum contract ($700,000) to play for a contender. Kovalchuk put up nine points in 17 games for the Kings this year, before being benched by head coach Todd McLellen. His offensive prowess would add depth scoring to the flyers bottom six, and would be some much needed firepower for the struggling powerplay. He would also be more Veteran leadership for the younger players on the roster, beings that he has played 897 games in the NHL, and 298 games in the KHL.

Despite his age, he is still able to use his 6’3″ 222 pound, frame to create space for his quick release and strong wrist shot. He could likely play 5-10 minutes a night, and if given playmakers he could be a consistent point getter for the team.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau:

As Ottawa continues their rebuilding seasons, it’s very possible that this 5’10″ two-way center in JG Pageau comes onto the trade market. He’s in his last year of a 3 year 3.1 million dollar contract, and currently has 24 points in 35 games. The Flyers may need to give a first round pick, plus a mid level prospect to get him. However, he would play big minutes on both ends, and JG Pageau would aide in getting Jake Voracek’s scoring going. He would also be able to help out on the teams, already clicking penalty kill.

Anthony Duclair

Another Senator makes the list folks in Duclair. Although, Duclair’s young age of 24-years-old, and cheap contract ($1,650,000) may keep him from being dealt. A first round pick, and prospects may be enough to pry him away from the Sens. A renowned Flyer killer scoring five points in his last six games against Philly, Duclair would be a welcome addition to the struggling Power Play. 19 goals and 7 assists in 35 games would immediately tie him for second on the team in scoring, and Michel Therrien would probably put him on PP1.

A trade for Duclair would mean that we would likely see the Flyers move on from Chris Stewart ($750,000) plus another player, or Robert Hagg to clear the necessary cap in order to obtain his services. Duclair would instantly make whatever line he is on more of a threat. At 5’11″ 198 pounds, Duclair’s speed always makes him a threat for a home run pass or 2 on 1 rush, and his puck chasing skills make him a thorn in the side of whatever team he is playing against, as well. If paired with speedy youngsters like Morgan Frost or Joel Farabee the Flyers could have one of the most explosive, and entertaining lines in the league.

Joe Thornton

Thornton is the least likely of the bunch to be traded, since the San Jose Sharks are in a “win now” mode. The lack of consistency, new coach, and aging core may force the 16-18-2 Sharks into a rebuild this offseason. This starts with moving aging expiring contracts, like a 40- year-old Veteran Center in Thornton.

Thornton has spent the past 15 years in teal, and he is unlikely to be moved from the Sharks. However, if the Flyers were to pony up an offer it would likely have to be a second or third-round pick, plus a mid level prospect. Thornton has 12 points in 36 games this season, all coming off of assists, and is a -18. Although, Thornton’s production has slowed down, his veteran leadership would aide the Flyers young core through the challenges of the end of season push and playoffs. Thornton would likely be slotted on the Flyers third line, adding some hard nose grit, to go along with his offensive skills.

Overall, the Flyers have been hit hard by the injury bug. The tragic situation with
Oskar Lindblom and uncertainty surrounding Nolan Patrick, puts the team in a spot where depth is a must have. Options for this depth are plentiful, and the Flyers may find themselves moving to acquire one of these pieces at some point during the season.

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