Hey look at that, it’s not a Sunday and I’m here! That must mean something hockey related for the dozens of you that read my stuff (I thank you with all my heart). The trade deadline is in just over 24 hours from now (assuming I finish this before bed here in Hellissandur AND get it to Kev for him to toss up on the ole website). And if you’re reading this, it means that the Flyers haven’t made a move at all yet, we’ll allow me to introduce the notion that they might not, and it’s okay.
The hockey trade that saw Frost and Farabee moved to Calgary for Kuzmenko, Pelletier, a ‘25 2nd rounder and a ‘28 7th that I definitely will forget about by then may be the only move the Fly Guys make before Friday afternoon’s deadline. And yes, I advocated for them to ship Laughton and Risto and anything else that wasn’t deemed “part of the future” in an article around the same time that trade hit, but allow me to play devil’s advocate (RIP to the best bar in Tempe, gone but not forgotten).
The two trade targets the flyers have and HAVE had for the past season or two are Laughton and Risto. Laughts is straight up beloved here. He is an institution. He also has one more year left on his contract at a very “team friendly price”. The ask from Danny B has been a 1st and he held to his price last year with Sean Walker and eventually got the 1. He’s going to do the same this year with Laughton for two reasons. First, if you move off your price in this game, the rest of the league will know forever that they can just wait you out to get assets at a lower cost. That is not a good look for a relatively new GM. And second, he doesn’t necessarily want or need to move Laughts, so if the high ask isn’t met, then why move the asset?! The same can be said about Risto who has two years left after this season at a VERY palatable 5 and change AAV. But in addition to those previous points, Risto has the added benefit of Torts flat out saying he doesn’t want him moved. He’s playing his best hockey in years and is a RHD, so again either meet the high price or he stays.
Now, with that analysis done, let’s move on to why you clicked, speculation bay bee. I think that since the Centreman market is drying up quickly that Laughton gets moved and probably to the Leafs, Knights, or if they MASSIVELY OVERPAY THROUGH THE NOSE the Devils. I know, I know, “JJ why would the Flyers move Laughton to North Jersey? Your Bedarded!” I doubt it happens, like 1-3% chance, but if they massively overpay because they are SO injured at Centre that they don’t have a choice, we could end up proffering off their misery down the middle. I personally think it’s the Knights for a 1 and a prospect and we send back a 2 or something similar. This screams Vegas. I’ll take my flowers later.
I personally think the team is fun as is and could be interesting down the stretch if they don’t make a move at all, which again completely contradicts my previous assessment, but that’s what a toxic relationship is, sweets, I’m ready to be hurt the same way all over again. But no, I still don’t think they make the Wild Card, and I don’t have to enjoy a heaping helping of Alpo per my bet a few weeks ago. Now go away, I’m enjoying the Artic Sea:
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