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The Philadelphia Flyers are a work in progress, a competitive project, an ongoing evolver.
Pick your favorite label there, but understand that Flyers GM Daniel Briere has continued to have a different look for his franchise as he’s settled into the decision-making progress over the years.
Briere has already made significant roster alterations, including the acquisition of up-and-coming defenseman Jamie Drysdale, the deal that sent center Kevin Hayes to St. Louis and the trade that moved defenseman Sean Walker to Colorado. But more Flyers trades could be coming soon – and it seems like Briere has a slew of different players to offer potential trade partners.
Need a top-four defenseman? As per TSN, the Flyers are getting interest in D-man Rasmus Ristolainen.
Need a durable center who won’t break the bank? Per the same report, the Flyers are listening to interest in veteran pivot Scott Laughton.
There have also been whispers about the futures of center Morgan Frost – a recent healthy scratch – and left winger Joel Farabee, both of whom have seen limited ice time this season.
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In short, the Flyers seem to be open for business. That’s the right philosophy for Briere and the rest of the Flyers’ management as they chart a course toward perennial contention.
Considering the Flyers are currently sitting in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division with a 10-10-3 record, there should still be a focus on the future in Philly and not so much worry about the present.
What’s more, the Flyers definitely have space for another high-end young player. You don’t get those types of assets unless you’re at the top of the NHL draft ranks. And you don’t get one of those top draft spots unless you put up a dreadful record and do well in the draft lottery or get lucky with another team’s first-rounder. So Briere can go about his business knowing that, even if he trades a decent player like Ristolainen, Laughton, Farabee or Frost, they may not ultimately fit into his long-term vision.
The Flyers surprised everyone last year, climbing to or near the top of the Metro standings out of the gate last year before sinking to sixth in the division. Might they have done better in the draft lottery had they wobbled a bit more to start the year? You can certainly make that argument. But this season, with Briere reportedly already taking calls, there appears to be no illusions as to what the Flyers are.
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