It’s Time For The Flyers To Sell

Photo Courtesy of Mitchell Leff, Getty Images

As the NHL Trade Deadline rapidly approaches the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a position where they should be selling off assets to contending teams. These assets will likely consist of James Van Riemsdyk, Justin Braun, Nick Seeler, Patrick Brown and a potential dark horse candidate in Tony DeAngelo. 

Currently, James Van Riemsdyk holds a ranking of 15th on TSN’s trade bait list that tracks assets projected to be moved at the deadline. Though it is worth noting only 6 players on this list have scored more points than JVR. All of them aside from Jakob Chychrun have played more games than him this season as well. 

This demonstrates the value Van Riemsdyk could have to a variety of contending teams looking to add scoring depth at the Trade Deadline. The forward has notched 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points in 37 games. Placing JVR at a 0.60 points per game average so far this season. One scenario that may unfold is the Flyers attempting to move JVR sooner than later to get a jump on the trade market. Instead of waiting until Deadline day to trade the player. 

The benefit for the Flyers here is the assurance that teams interested in acquiring JVR are still in the mix to bid for his services. While waiting until March 3rd opens up the possibility that teams may have already acquired a depth scoring piece for their playoff runs. In turn eliminating them from being interested in acquiring JVR.

Obviously, the flip side of the scenario would be waiting until the deadline where other scoring forwards have already been traded to other teams. This could increase the potential return due to the demand for JVR rising. That’s a dangerous game to play though as there might be limited suitors for the veteran forward at that point.

Ultimately, it will be an interesting few weeks ahead in terms of what the Flyers will do with the assets they are looking to sell off at the Trade Deadline. On one hand making the decision to sell JVR earlier secures a return for the pending free agent. Although, waiting until the deadline to trade him could result in acquiring a higher return for the pending UFA.

Typically, a forward of JVR’s caliber would be traded on deadline day. However, with Vladimir Tarasenko, Bo Horvat, and Ryan O’Reilly already off the trade market, organizations looking to acquire reliable scoring depth may attempt to make their move now. In order to avoid a potential bidding war and secure the asset they are looking to add to their team. 

With that being a plausible circumstance, Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher and staff may potentially have to make a decision in a short period of time on how to approach moving an asset like JVR. At this point there’s still uncertainty surrounding what the best route is regarding when to trade the forward. Which should result in an interesting next few weeks ahead. As we’ll see what type of return the Flyers get back for Van Riemsdyk and when the trade gets executed.

Gettin Gritty Wit It

On episode 148 of the Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast Yariv and I dive into all things Flyers. Touching upon a variety of different topics. Such as, if the time is right for the Flyers to sell and the team’s lack of scoring.

We also get into the topics below:

• Flyers have lost 4 in a row and 8 of their last 10 games.

• Lack of scoring, creating chances but can’t finish.

• 2nd most blocked shots this season, 3rd lowest offensive zone puck possession time in the league. 

• Konecny, Frost and Farabee.

• Goaltender talk, Flyers carrying 3 goalies.

• What to do with Jay O’Brien, could get a 2024 2nd rounder or 2023 2nd rounder if unsigned.

• Dan Hilferty named CEO to Comcast Spectator parent company.

• Phantoms talk, in 5th place and poised to secure a playoff spot.

• Great for young players to go on a playoff run with the Phantoms and gain experience.

• Trade Deadline talk, JVR, Seeler, Braun.

• The Flyers are still in a good draft position. 

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Have a great week everyone!

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