Heard in the Cheap Seats

The NHL’s trade deadline is Wednesday, and it is fast approaching. Like usual, there are tons of rumors floating around, and like usual the Flyers are a team mentioned in quite a few rumors. For awhile there were rumors that the Flyers would like to trade for a goaltender, but the reality is, there are no top end goalies that will be moved at the deadline. So, most of the talk surrounding the Flyers seems to be that they are looking to add a defenseman. The most common names being bandied about are Chris Pronger, Tomas Kaberle, and Jay Bouwmeester.

The Flyers like all 3 players very much, although I would think that Bouwmeester would be the preference due to the fact that he is only 25. My worry is that the Flyers will get too desperate to make and deal, and hurt the team in the process. They have continued to say they are happy with their defense, yet they are obviously actively looking to make a trade to bolster the blue line. I am not against the Flyers making a trade, but given their current situation, it is very difficult for them to make a quality trade without giving up too much in return.

The Flyers have had a nightmare of a time trying to stay under the salary. In order to reactivate Danny Briere, the Flyers had to waive Metropolit and Vaananen, and send Giroux back to the Phantoms. Giroux has been playing excellent hockey for the Flyers. These moves show how strained the Flyers are just to fit under the cap. So, how do they make a beneficial trade for a top defenseman and fit it under the salary cap? It can certainly be done, but they would likely be giving up players like Giroux, Coburn, or Lupul. Those are pieces that I personally would not give up in a trade. There comes a point in time where it might be better to continue with the team that is assembled rather than making a trade for the sake of saying you made a big acquisition.

The Flyers could still shock us and pull off a trade that makes sense for this team’s Stanley Cup run. They have done a great job building this team, and it would be a shame to see the balance and depth compromised just to add a defenseman. I know that the Flyers wouldn’t make a deal that they didn’t feel will help the team win, but I am one fan who thinks that this year they would be better off standing pat. If Briere can come back healthy and bring even more depth to the team, that is probably as good as making a big trade deadline acquisition. We have 3 days left to see how this all plays out and I am sure there will be quite a few rumors between now and then.