We are quickly approaching the stretch run in the NHL as the All-Star break begins this weekend. The Flyers find themselves right in the thick of it as a bubble playoff team. With ownership desiring the Flyers be a playoff team, and with a plethora of prospects and young players in the system, the Flyers will likely look to add some depth pieces to help their franchise overall. So, who might the Flyers look to add? Let’s look at some different options that are available to them.
Wayne Simmonds
Flyers fans are well versed in the game of Wayne Simmonds. The long-time Flyer was traded at the deadline last season and is currently on a one-year contract with New Jersey. Simmonds has asked the Devils not to trade him, but with the Devils axing both their GM and Coach, his request is far from a guarantee.
Simmonds would fill a void on the Flyers roster currently, while also being on an expiring contract. At this point in his career, Simmonds is a bottom-six forward. He can still play on the powerplay and offers strong leadership. He wouldn’t be asked to do as much and would fit great as a depth piece for the Flyers. He will also likely come with a cheap price tag, between a 3rd and 5th round pick.
Zach Bogosian
In his draft year, Bogosian was considered in the same category of player as Alex Pietrangelo. This is hard to imagine now. Injuries have plagued Bogosian for years now, including this season (meaning if he is still injured, he may not be a viable option for the Flyers). He is currently playing for Buffalo, but did ask for a trade earlier in the year.
At this point in his career, Bogosian is a third-pairing option. Like Simmonds, he could provide leadership and experience to a young group, while not taking ice-time away from the Flyers top young talent. He is also on an expiring contract and therefore a potential option. He could easily be had for a late-round draft pick
Jimmy Howard
It might be a bit of a surprise to see a goalie here, but the tandem of Hart and Elliott have been below league average goalies for the majority of the season. The current Flyers team has shown they can be a bubble playoff team without it, but they could guarantee their position with a potential depth upgrade at the position.
Howard has had a rough season for the Red Wings this season, but he is playing for the worst team in the league. His past body of work has shown he can be at the very least an average starting goaltender. Playing in front of a decent Flyers’ defensive squad could guarantee the Flyers a spot. He could likely be had for a 2nd-3rd round pick, or a low to mid-range prospect.
Connor Sheary
The Flyers are well aware of Sheary’s exploits. The former Penguin has been one of the best players on the forecheck and at puck retrieval since entering the league. Sheary has been toiling for the Buffalo Sabres for the past two seasons. He would be perfect, affordable middle-six forward option with versatility.
Johan Larsson
Larsson has been a solid two-way fourth-liner for a few years now. He is versatile and can play all forward positions and doesn’t look out of place moving up or down the line-up when injuries hit. The Buffalo Saber could be had for a mid-round draft pick.
These are just a few players the Flyers may look into acquiring come deadline day. The Flyers are likely looking for depth pieces and the above players are a good start.
