The Philadelphia Flyers are a team to watch heading into the Mar. 6 trade deadline, as GM Daniel Briere appears open to just about any move he feels will make his team better. The Flyers have been linked to several teams, and could wind up acquiring upgrades in net, on defence, and up front over the next few weeks. The Olympic roster freeze is up as of next week, so expect to see the Flyers amongst the action.
Philadelphia entered the break with a 25-20-11 record, sitting eight points out of a playoff spot, and with over $22 million in available deadline cap space, Briere can get creative when it comes to the finances, which means he could acquire an expensive pending free agent, or a salary dump with incentives.
As for trade candidates, here's three Flyers who have been linked to deadline deals:
Owen Tippett
It sounds like Briere is open to listening on offers for Tippett, who has gone through an up-and-down season to this point. The 27-year-old winger is signed through the 2032 season at a reasonable $6.2 million AAV, and his trade protection doesn't kick in until July. Tippett is averaging 16:25 of ice-time per game and has recorded 19 goals and 35 points, in 56 games. He's a volume shooter who isn't afraid to throw the body, and a lot of contending teams are going to look long and hard at making an offer. Teams linked of late include the Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Carl Grundstrom
Grundstrom's a pending unrestricted free agent and is very likely to be moved ahead of the deadline. He's a capable fourth-line option on a contending team, and his in-your-face style of play is perfect for a long playoff series. Grundstrom carries a $1.8 million cap hit and doesn't hold any trade protection. Through 27 games this season, he's scored eight goals, and added two assists, and don't be surprised to see a couple of Western Conference teams circle in on the former San Jose Shark.
Matvei Michkov
Frankly, it's just not working out between Michkov and head coach Rick Tocchet, so don't be surprised to see Briere make Michkov available for the right price. He's been given a declined role this season, which is concerning given his age, and Tocchet hasn't been able to motivate the Russian winger as much as the team hoped. It's going to take a top prospect or established young roster player with term on his contract to get Briere to bite, and one team who could be a fit would be the Minnesota Wild, who could offer Jesper Wallstedt in return.
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