The Wheels Are Off, Where Do The Flyers Go From Here?

Photo Credit: Ricky Brown

The Flyers are now on an eleven game losing streak and sit just one point out of last place in the Metropolitan division. The reality of their bleak situation is apparent to almost anyone who’s actually watching, with each loss seemingly more demeaning than the last. It’s also become quite clear that saving this season is all but impossible and the Flyers will not be playing any hockey this postseason. So where does the team go from here? There are major decisions looming for this franchise and they must make the correct ones or else they risk sliding even further into mediocrity. The first steps toward a more successful team must be taken now and at the trade deadline. 

Their first step must be making a decision on Chuck Fletcher’s future within the organization. His inaction during the season so far is directly responsible for where the Flyers find themselves. Even with a slew of injuries and Covid-related absences, he has yet to make any trades or additions to the NHL roster, leaving the team almost unrecognizable from the first ten or so games of the season. With the team currently in the middle of it’s second ten game skid and Daniel Briere (who is reportedly highly regarded within the Flyers organization) making it deep into the Canadiens GM race, it is hard to imagine Fletcher doesn’t find himself on the hot seat. Making a decision on Fletcher will in turn set the direction of the organization for the coming months as well as at the trade deadline. After making a decision on Fletcher, the Flyers face potentially the toughest deadline decisions in recent team history. 

It’s become clear that the Flyers will have to be sellers at the deadline, and it has come time for the team to attempt to build a new core. As painful as it is, if captain Claude Giroux is willing to or requests to waive his no movement clause, the Flyers must field all offers on him. At this point in his career, Giroux deserves the ability to compete for a cup and be on a team that is better-equipped to use his talent at a higher level. Outside of Giroux, the Flyers will likely be looking to move other players on expiring contracts including Rasmus Ristolainen, Justin Braun, and Martin Jones. Assuming these players get moved, the Flyers should be able to pick up pretty good draft capital and prospects in exchange for them. It is also likely not out of the question for the Flyers to field offers on other players on the roster including James van Riemsdyk, and Scott Laughton. They would likely have to retain salary on van Riemsdyk, but if they decide to go in the direction of a rebuild it would not be surprising for them to do so. Lastly, there was talk from NHL-Insiders that the Flyers have received calls about Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov. Personally, I do not think either of those players will be moved, at least until the offseason, but if a deal does come that blows the Flyers brass out of the water it would make sense for them to pull the trigger. 

Lastly, the Flyers will need to set a clearer direction for the team. Currently the roster is constructed from a mix of good players and waiver claims/AHL regulars. With the team in an already tight cap situation, the Flyers GM, whoever it may be in the coming weeks, will have to decide if they’re going to commit to the rebuild. The Flyers are built like a contending team cap wise, but they clearly are not at a high enough level to be in the upper-echelon of teams. 

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Thus, we find ourselves all in a pretty painful spot trying to watch this team. If you’re finding that this team is seriously frustrating you or making you angry, perhaps consider taking a break for a little while. This team, as constructed, is likely not going anywhere positive anyway. Let’s all hope that in the coming weeks we’ll see some answers as to the direction this team will be headed in the future.