Photo Credit: Zack Hill
There is no denying that this is a huge month or so for the Flyers, with the trade deadline looming on March 21, 2022. After missing the playoffs last season, and enduring losing streak after losing streak this season. The Flyers are doubtful to make the playoffs for a second straight season, as the team sits currently in last place in the Metropolitan Division with 34 points. Chuck Fletcher’s left searching to make shift his roster trying to rebuild on the fly as Dave Scott indicated during the presser, and he is left with expiring contracts that he will try to move out by the deadline to receive assets in return, such as, draft capital: Contracts like Martin Jones, Justin Braun, Derick Brassard, Keith Yandle, and Claude Giroux.
“Our fans are angry. We are sick of losing,” Dave Scott said to open the presser. “I do not believe this is a 3-4-5 year rebuild. Two or three pieces would be great. The core is good, we just have to get healthy.”
The Flyers will make moves, by selling off expiring contracts as mentioned above. To Flyers fans demise, Fletcher has preached patience of staying the course with the youth, and to refrain from including them in trades if necessary. He specifically stated that they have to find a way to make them better, and “Are better than how they performed last year.” Fletcher said he is high on Travis Konecny and Joel Farabee in particular, and that this was, “An opportunity to show what the young players can do,” Fletcher said of the youth for the rest of the season.
“Again a lot of key players out of the lineup, other players not playing up to their capabilities. We have been decimated up front, and struggling to score goals.” – Chuck Fletcher on why this season has gone South
There will be many moves by the deadline, but it appears Fletcher’s job is safe, at least for now. Dave Scott seemed to stand by his guy in Fletcher, but I would caution this, as Scott indicated no one is safe past April. Just take a look at what happened to former Head Coach Alain Vigneault after Fletcher stood by his guy, as well.
“I like the way he (Chuck Fletcher) built this organization, I like his style, collaborates. I like what he did to start the season. Injuries did happen, and we got hit hard with injuries. We will give him a shot to get this thing right.” – Dave Scott
Goaltending is not an issue for the flyers, but it would have been nice for either Fletcher or Scott to mention how good the goaltending has been from both Martin Jones and “The” Carter Hart. In any sense, Fletcher did indicate that he will try to Re-Sign Rasmus Ristolainen with saying he obtained him, with the hopes of keeping him.
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Lastly, it was good to hear Fletcher say they “Need more top-end players,” finally someone within the Flyers organization gets it, but Scott quickly rebutted saying that they believe in the core. Moreover, Fletcher also indicated he needs more shooters, while obtaining Cam Atkinson and adding Tyson Foerster as a prospect. He also mentioned Samu Tuomaala, as well.
What will transpire by the trade deadline is anyone’s guess, but it’s clear that Fletcher is staying the course with the youth, and Danny Briere will also be added to hockey ops in the future too.
