With a flurry of trades transpiring throughout the NHL, to include a contract on Jakub Voracek’s contract being shipped to Arizona, the Flyers have remained silent. They have only made one minor move with shipping Isaac Radcliffe to the Nashville Predators for future consideration. Will this trade mean something today when the trade deadline commences? Will JvR and Justin Braun be shipped out? There is only one answer, hopefully.
JvR
James van Riemsdyk has remained a true professional throughout this entire process, especially with two little ones, it’s no wonder he would feel a bit stressed, “It’s obviously been a little bit of a stressful last few days coming into this. And obviously the uncertainty around it, so you just try to prepare yourself the best you can…a little bit stressful for sure,” JvR said following practice on Wednesday.
Teams know exactly what they’re getting from JvR. They’re getting a player that obviously can score, although he only has nine goals on the season, but one that has very good hand eye coordination to deflect pucks whether it be a 5–on-5 or on the Power Play.
He is streaky, but when he gets hot it’s very hard to stop him. The who from the contender is he would get hot in the playoffs. There are teams that are looking to bolster the offensive side of the puck with the likes of the Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and the Winnipeg Jets. At this point, the Flyers would be happy to walk away with a third round pick, anything better is a victory. Maybe a prospect could get thrown on if the team also takes Justin Braun.
Justin Braun
Braun, 36-years-old is one serviceable defenseman. He can play up and down each pairing, as needed to fill a void. He may not be the guy that can log 23 to 25 minutes on a nightly basis anymore, like he did earlier in his career, but he can play 16 to 17 minutes rather well.
He doesn’t complain, and I have heard through numerous players that he’s a great teammate. Actually, if anyone has been in the Flyers locker room, then they would know he is always seen smiling. He’s a stay at home defenseman, that barely contributes offensively, but plays the game the right way.
Patrick Brown
A native of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Brown stands at 6’1 and weighs 210 pounds. He can be physical at times, and Brown has NHL experience. Brown has played 87 games the Flyers, and has tallied six goals and 10 assists for his efforts. He brings leadership to the locker room, and always appears to be a happy person.
Brown, 30, is a former captain of Boston college hockey, the Charlotte checkers, and the Silver Knights. Brown is highly respected, and can win crucial draws.
As it stands these are the three that are likeliest to move, as I do not foresee a trade to include the likes of Ivan Provorov, Kevin Hayes, or Nick Seeler. If the Flyers move Provorov or Hayes it’s most likely going to transpire in the offseason. Now let’s see how this all plays out, I do not expect anything more than a second or third round pick for JvR.
