Photo Credit: Rebecca McCormick
The Flyers are looking to put two abysmal seasons behind them, but it’s hard to do that with no top tier talent in sight. Some fans want a full rebuild, while other fans want the Flyers to add a few good pieces in free agency or at the draft for that matter to remain competitive.
Some Flyers fans believe the Flyers are going to need a full rebuild at some point, and this “Aggressive Retool” will wind up setting the Flyers back two or three more years anyway. It’s confusing times in Flyer Land, and it’s understandable why. There really is no right or wrong answer, it’s merely an opinion, to which everyone has one. If the Flyers are going to remain competitive, then Chuck Fletcher needs to make a big deal. For once it’s time for him to think outside the box. No I’m not talking about a trade, I’m talking about having some guts. Force some organizations hands to make tough decisions with some of their Restricted Free Agents.
Fletcher really has nothing to lose at this point within the Flyers organization. If the Flyers do not make a dramatic improvement this coming season and at least make the playoffs, then Fletcher more than likely would be on the unemployment line. One thing that rings true is Comcast Spectacor does not like losing. They are in the business of making money, and losing does not make money. Yes, making offers to RFA’s hockey is rare, but some of these organizations are against the wall already cap wise.
There are three restricted free agents that could really benefit this Flyers team moving forward, so it’s time for Fletcher to get creative. Some of these players will cost the Flyers two first round picks, a second round pick, and a third round pick as compensation, but it would be worth it to jump start this “Aggressive Retool.”
Matthew Tkachuk
There is a growing sense in Calgary that the Flames will lose some of their key stars this coming offseason. One of the major factors are 11 roster players are on expiring deals, and one of those includes the biggest name for the Flames at the moment in Johnny Gaudreau AKA “Johnny hockey.”
Tkachuk, is one heck of a Winger, and he has leverage in terms of this next contract as he can arbitrate his deal. Even though, his cap hit was $7 million this past season, it actually turned into $9 million in terms of his base salary. If Fletcher wants a really good, young 24-year-old Left Winger, then this is the way to obtain one. He netted 42 goals and registered 62 assists for 104 points and 82 games played this past season.
Fletcher would really force the hands of Flames General Manager Brad Treliving, while making him choose between two big stars on the offensive side of the puck in Gaudreau or Tkachuk. It would be very hard for Treliving to keep both, especially with Gaudreau expecting a contract near north of 8 million dollars.
Tkachuk would be a great add for the power play that has given the Flyers fits for the past four seasons, and he would be a good goal scorer for the orange and black that they so desperately crave. They are desperately in need of a sniper like player, with seasoned ability like Tkachuk. He’s not afraid to shoot the puck, but Tkachuk always makes smart decisions with the puck. Typically he does not skate flat-footed, and is excellent in transition.
Compensation after he signs a new contract with Flyers- 2 first round picks, a second round pick, and a third round pick. Mind you the Flyers do not have a second round pick, so what Fletcher has to do is get creative and back load or front load bonus money to lower the AAV so a second round pick is not included. It would be tough but it’s possible.
Realistically Tkachuk will make at least $9 million per year, probably a 4-5 year deal, as well. He would be a better addition than Gaudreau or Nazeem Kadri (Free Agent), to which both players are supposed to command money and term. The Flyers will more than likely be in on both players anyway, so why not add Tkachuk?
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Luc Dubois, is exactly the prototypical Center the Flyers need. The Flyers are craving a second line Center, as Kevin Hayes has been playing out of position for the past few years. Hayes is a 3C not a 2C, Luc Dubois’s actual salary was $6.65 million this past season, so realistically he is looking to command $7.75-8 million per season with his new contract.
Like Tkachuk, he has arbitration rights, so he has leverage as he’s able to negotiate his salary. With the Winnipeg Jets being a mess right now with Mark Scheifle publicly stating that he might want to trade out of Winnipeg to win. Maybe Luc Dubois wants out of Winnipeg too, so he might not re-sign with the Jets. Irregardless, Fletcher could get ahead of this situation and become the only team submitting an offer sheet for Luc Dubois, an offer the Jets can’t match and one that Luc Dubois would sign.
He would be a massive asset to a Flyers team that is in need of more top tier talent. Let’s face it, the Flyers need more talented players, whether some want to believe it or not. This young 23-year-old netted 28 goals, and registered 32 assists this past season. Luc Dubois is physical, and his skating allows him to get to the front of the net to finish the play with a goal. His play away from the puck is vastly improved, and would compliment the Flyers defensively.
Compensation after negotiating a new contract with the Flyers- A first round pick, a second round pick, and a third round pick
Luc Dubois will command a 3-4 year deal, north of at least $7.5 million per season.
If the Flyers want to head back into the playoffs, then one of these two players would make this Flyers team vastly improved. Of course, they would have to finally part ways with James van Riemsdyk, and maybe another player to fit in one of these two players salary. However, it’s time to show these goaltenders named Carter Hart and Ivan Fedotov that they will not let their prime go to waste. It’s time to add more top-end talent, with one of a few ways to do it.
It’s not easy to part with draft capital as mentioned above. However, every move is risky, but both of these players are worth it in the end. The Flyers have to fill the void of Claude Giroux, and this is a great way to do it.
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I like the players but they do not have the cash to get either one since fletcher messed that all up.
Also, the cost is too high, it’s this line of thinking that keeps this team mediocre for another 10 years. You cannot trade this many picks and mess the future up more for one of these guys who are not enough to make you top 8 teams in the league.
I agree. But, if Schiefele wants out of Winnipeg I would let Winnipeg pick any 2 veteran players off the roster. To rebuild a team with Tippett, Cates , Fedotov, York or Frost does not cost a lot. Then you can supplement the roster with all of the young guys that are due to come up soon. That way we get rid of two older vets that command a salary. Winnipeg would not want Hayes back and probably not want Coots coming off back surgery. That would give you a better center group and still be able to be around the cap. Signing a free agent , restricted or otherwise can only come with losing salary and roster spots for that free agent.
I like where you are going but the vets here are just not worth anything in trade. With the bad contracts and term you would have to retain so much salary. To get him you are going to have to give up youth and picks.
The only way to get better is to dump salaries to match what Sheifele makes.His cap is $6.125000 Konecny and Laughton would get it done. Only downside is Scheifele is 29 and would be turning 30 during the season. We would still get the best player in the trade. Trading 2 for 1 opens a spot on the roster also. He only has this year and next before he is an UFA. If it is true that he wants out we could add to the package with a couple of 3rd round picks we have in next draft. Also it doesn’t have to be these two Flyers just using them as an example to get under the cap hit. Of course it is all contingent on Schiefele wanting to come to this mess of a team.
Wrong anyone one of those two would be vastly better than any draft pick.
Tkuchuk would cost the Flyers 4 first round draft picks. He’s not that good. He’s a cancer in his own locker room and he’s hated throughout the NHL for his dirty play. He is famous for the cheap shot and then doing the turtle move, where he cries “ Mommy help me!”, because he can’t fight either. He is a disgrace to the NHL and I wish some bruiser would send him into La La land before he lays down on the ice. This is not the kind of crybaby that Flyer fans cheer for. Next!
No one costs 41st round picks.no one makes that deal,the flyers are a b ad hockey team and they will finish at the bottom probably for several years.They will be drafting high for the next several years.Build with youth hungry,kids.
Just sign Johnny Hockey and call it good!
As far as giving away draft picks, I couldn’t care less. The Flyers through their history have been abysmal in the draft, so giving away draft picks for true talent is okay with me.
Also, getting rid of James van Reimsdyk would be a huge step in the correct direction. JvR is a massive waste of money, and his best years (those spent in Toronto) are long behind him. The Flyers could also part with with Provorov or Travis Konecny, as neither of those players are the stars that most Flyers fans think they are. Provorov isn’t a top defenseman, he’s the third best D-man on the Flyers current roster (behind Sanheim and Ellis), and Konecny is a bottom six forward, yet most Flyers fans consider him All-Star worthy. Put him on any roster of any team in the playoffs this year and he’d be a healthy scratch on most nights.
I didn’t hear those comments before.They g ot a lot n of good hockey out if all three of those players.How soon we forget,sounds like yiurva fair weather fan.
You do know you need your own picks , 1st, 2nd and 3rd to offer sheet right?
Its just Dubois. Pierre-Luc is his first name. You guys need a better editor.
Why would either one of them come to Philly? They will commend top dollar from all the teams who bid for them. If you were either of those players why in the world would you come to Philly?
Why they would come here? This is all not going to happen since there is no cash left here so its irrelevant. But to answer you, fame and glory, you are first line player for years to fill the egos of these players and security of a long ter contact. But this is all a pipe dream. The flyers need to hire a coach before worrying about players. Who knows who fits the next system the next 3 year mediocre product. As long as the dinosaurs run them they are not going anywhere. They should of rebuilt years ago, now they prolong the inevitable. 3 years away from 5 years away.
Very negative,they can create a lot with trades,that will free up cap space.Trade older players no matter what the return,again that will free up cap space.There are no untouchables on this team including hart that’s had 2 medicore years and teams would take a chance on him and I think the return would be decent,young hungry kids.
I am all for trading everything. But I do not think the older players bring you anything back. In most cases you have to eat 50 percent of their salaries. How many top level players can you get with 4m after eating jvrs contract as an example? This team is where you do not want to be. Just around Playoffs but no real chance when healthy. Monday you that this is the low bar the front office is aiming for. A meh, team.
$$$$$$ that’s why
Money that’s why,the flyers can match or even make a better offer to bring in either one of those players
Money talks everything else is bs.Im not sure we have the right gm,there hasn’t been any notable additions that have improved this team.Perhaps it’s better to draft young hungry players that will move this team forward.It may take 5 years to rebuild and retool to get the team competitive to compete for the cup.Ive been a fan since inception.Im 82 years old I don’t have a lot time to watch this team mature
Oh by the way they come for money and philly a great town
It looks like the Flyer Organization is in a proverboal Catch 22 situation. IF Fletcher does whats right for the Organization LONG TERM ; the only problem with that; from where he stands; is that he might not have a job 12 Months from now. Its a fine line Fletcher has to walk; improve the Flyers; while moving towards building a Team that can truly contend for the Cup.
Having fletcher still around is a big problem. He should of never of been hired in the first place as his track record is blah, but certainly should have been fired by now. Now he has an impossible task. he will make poor longer term decisions under the delusional thought that they are competitive now and push the eventual rebuild out longer
Hindsight is always cheap,did you question his hiring??
Yes, absolutely hated his hire. He did a terrible job in Minnesota that they are just now getting out of the mistakes there.
Remember one thing the players lace up thier skates not the owner,gm,or coach
Agree that Fletcher should have NEVER been hired in the first place. Was it a coincidence that the Wild started to Win as soon as he left? No; i dont think so. What the Flyers need more than anything right now; outside of young players that can actually play; is a Keith Allen type of GM that actually KNOWS what hes doing. Fletcher and Scott DO NOT know how to evaluate Hockey Talent on an individual and collective bssis.