Philadelphia Flyers Rumors: Beleaguered Defenseman On Trade Block

It's never a great situation when a player is at odds with his head coach. But when said head coach is John Tortorella, it becomes even more combustible. That was the situation for the Philadelphia Flyers' top offensive defenseman Tony DeAngelo late this season, when he was benched for the last five games by Torts.

DeAngelo called the benching "ridiculous" and now the Flyers are apparently looking "aggressively" at what the feisty D-man's trade market might hold.

Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) went on The Jeff Marek Show and reported that the #Flyers are exploring the Tony DeAngelo market:

“I think they are aggressive on that front about trying to see what the market is for him.”

(HT @NHL_Watcher) pic.twitter.com/zu40Iyu3iQ
— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) June 8, 2023

“I think they are aggressive on that front about trying to see what the market is for him," said Insider Elliotte Friedman.

Flyers Insider Anthony DiMarco recently echoed those thoughts. “I’ve heard that the Flyers will explore ways to move DeAngelo and may be willing to retain money on the final year of his contract ($5 million AAV) to help facilitate a deal."

And while DeAngelo once again had a strong offensive season with 42 points to lead all Flyers blueliners, his defense left a lot to be desired, as he registered a team-worst minus-27.

After spending several draft picks (and a 2-year, $10M contract) on acquiring him, the Flyers and Tortorella expected more, and are now seemingly ready to move on from DeAngelo after just one season.

As for the seven-year NHL veteran, he was thrilled to come to his hometown team, and wants to stay in Philly, regardless of the issues with his coach.

"The way I put it: I love being a Flyer," he said at the end-of-season press conference. "My whole life I've wanted to be a Flyer. Now that I am, I don't take it for granted at all. It's something that means a lot to me, so we're not going to let any relationship stuff get in the way...

"I don't care who the coach is — I want to come back and this is where I want to be."

Time will tell if he'll get that chance.

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports