The NHL all-star weekend is over and the Philadelphia Flyers return after a week plus of rest since their last game. The Flyers were riding hot into the break with a three-game winning streak against playoff teams. They return tonight at home to face a strong Winnipeg Jets team behind young goalie Carter Hart.
General Manager, Chuck Fletcher, spoke to the media this morning about the trade market and what he expects from his new team for the unofficial second half of the year. Making it clear that Claude Giroux would not be involved in any trade, Fletcher was very positive for what the team could do on the backend of the season. A few predictions on the Flyers' remaining 34 games...
The next eight games set the tone
As mentioned, the Flyers are riding a three-game winnming streak, all against playoff teams. Starting tonight, they have six of the next eight games at home, and five the opponents are either playoff teams or within a point of a playoff position. The Flyers are 14 points out of a playoff position and face both of the current wild card teams during these next eight games. Fletcher told the media this morning that the team could both be a buyer and a seller, depending on these next eight games.
Wayne Simmonds will probably play his final games for the Flyers
Chuck Fletcher's biggest asset, if he's serious about Giroux not being involved any trade discussions, is Wayne Simmonds. The pending free agent has been involved in several rumors throughout the NHL on his future, including staying put in Philadelphia with an extension. I find it difficult to see Simmonds still playing for the Flyers at seasons end no matter how these next eight games fall. The Flyers face a serious uphill climb to fight for a playoff spot, despite the recent hot streak, and Fletcher should try and pick up a first round pick for Simmonds before he walks in the offseason for nothing.
Claude Giroux and the new core
I've said in the past the current core of the team should be blown apart for the betterment of the team. If Giroux is in fact not traded this season, (and he would have to approve any trade anyway) his challenge will be improving the new core of the team. I would think the new core of the team is Shane Gostisbehere, Ivan Provorov, and Nolan Patrick or Travis Konecny depending on Fletcher's preference. If the Flyers are going to have any chance at making a playoff spot, Giroux has to light a fire under the young guys, especially if Fletcher trades players like Simmonds and Jake Voracek .
