Flyers Could Trade One Of Two Key Players In Blockbuster

The Philadelphia Flyers have somewhat hung around all season, but they weren't exactly projected to be a contender this season anyways. They have had some strong performances from certain players and it helps give management an idea of how to shape the team for the future.

The Flyers are almost there. They have some solid core pieces, a generally younger to middle-aged group of talent, and some prospects. They are on the rise, even if it takes until next season or the one after for it to really come to fruition. But the Flyers need a star. Nobody on their team really has that, even if Travis Konecny or Trevor Zegras have or could get there.

Nick Kypreos said, "I'm hearing they are willing to swing big. If not now, then certainly this summer. When that comes to pass, the biggest pieces they could move out in a blockbuster are Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny."

Moving Tippett seems more likely. He hasn't been as impactful and has been more inconsistent throughout his time with the Flyers. Konecny was or is the best player on the team, so if the Flyers want to get better, upgrading from him is less of an upgrade than upgrading from Tippett, even though the value will be lower.

Tippett is 27 years old and is in the second of an eight-year deal at $6.2 million AAV. He has no trade protection until July 1, where his contract turns to a 10-team no-trade clause, making it a little tougher to trade. But if a deal were to be struck with Tippett involved, there is time between the end of the season and July 1 to get things done. Some trades typically happen around the draft. He has 19 goals and 35 points in 56 games this season.

Konecny is in the first of an eight-year deal at $8.75 million AAV and has 22 goals and 54 points in 55 games. He plays 2.5 minutes more per game than Tippett and plays 30 second more per game on the power play and penalty kill too. Konecny has a full no-move clause until 2031, so he's not going anywhere if he doesn't want to.

It appears as though it would be a simple decision who of the two the Flyers would have to part with in a blockbuster if they were to pull one off this year.