Another trade deadline came to a close yesterday with some expected moves out of Philadelphia. Chuck Fletcher did a good job yesterday ridding the Flyers of some contracts to give the youth more of an opportunity, to include Wade Allison and Tanner Laczynski specifically. Moreover, at least Shayne Gostisbehere will be in the lineup for the rest of the season barring injury as Erik Gustafsson was shipped to the Montreal Canadiens. Here is a breakdown of the trades, and a report card for Fletcher.
Scott Laughton- Re-signed to a 5-year $15 million deal, worth an AAV (Annual Average) of $3 million per season.
Erik Gustafsson- Traded to the Montreal Canadiens for a 7th round pick in 2022, while Philadelphia retains 50% of his salary. He does need to quarantine for seven days before joining the Habs.
Michael Raffl- Traded to the Washington Capitals for a 5th round pick in 2021, while the Flyers retain 25% of his salary. He will wear #17 with the Caps, and he will miss the next week or two with an injury.
According to Fletcher, Raffl’s spot immediately opens a spot for Tanner Laczynski. Fletcher said to Bill Meltzer and Jason Myrtetus following Fletcher’s presser to the media that he would have kept Raffl if they would have inched closer to Boston this past week. Moreover, Fletcher also told Meltzer and Myrtetus that Allison will see playing time, as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms have been postponed due to the Coronavirus affecting the Phantoms team at the moment. I like seeing the Flyers contingency plan with allowing the youth to play. Fletcher understands that the youth must play, he gets it, who knows maybe Allison will make his NHL debut tonight.
One important note from yesterday’s press conference with Chuck Fletcher. He indicates that there are teams looking to make changes in the offseason, and he will be consulting with those teams. Fletcher did say he has had conversations with GM’s (Possible groundwork), and knows what most want. Everyone is still playing for their jobs that’s for certain, so the Flyers must finish the season with pride and strong.
My grade for Fletcher is a “C” for this particular trade deadline. Even though, I think he did a good job, he did exactly what was expected from him given the state of team. If there was one move outside the box, then this grade would be higher. I like he has a vision and a clear path for the youth, there will not be a veteran player blocking the youth and in particular Allison and Laczynski this season. In addition, I also liked that Fletcher praised Shayne Gostisbehere for his play calling his play a “Resurgence.” Fletcher does realize that the roster needs more, and he did not make any excuses for the way this season has gone. These are some good things moving forward.
Regardless of what happens with the Flyers with the rest of the season they must play with pride and finish strong. All players are playing for their jobs, and I would like for Carter Hart right the ship before the season ends.
