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The Philadelphia Flyers are a work in progress, a competitive project, constantly evolving.
Pick your favorite label here, but know that Flyers general manager Daniel Briere has continued to have a different look for his franchise as he settles into the decision-making process over the years.
Briere has already made significant changes to his roster, including the acquisition of promising defenseman Jamie Drysdale, the deal that sent center Kevin Hayes to St. Louis and the trade that sent defenseman Sean Walker to Colorado. But more trades with the Flyers could happen soon – and it appears Briere has done so a bunch of different players offer potential business partners.
Need a top-four defender? According to TSNthe Flyers are interested in D-man Rasmus Ristolainen.
Need a durable center that won’t break the bank? According to the same report, the Flyers are listening to interest in veteran center Scott Laughton.
There were also whispers on the future of the Morgan Frost Center – a recent healthy scratch – and left winger Joel Farabeeboth of whom saw limited ice time this season.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
In short, the Flyers seem open for business. That’s the right philosophy for Briere and the rest of the Flyers’ management as they chart a course toward a perennial rivalry.
Given that the Flyers currently sit in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division with a 10-10-3 record, one should always focus on the future in Philly and not worry too much about the present.
Plus, the Flyers definitely have room for another young high-end player. You don’t get those kinds of assets unless you’re at the top of the NHL draft. And you won’t get one of those top draft spots unless you have a terrible 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 might not fit his long-term vision.
The Flyers surprised everyone last year, climbing to the top of the Metro standings last year before sinking to sixth in the division. Could they have done better in the draft if they had faltered a little more to start the year? You can certainly make that argument. But this season, with Briere reportedly already answering the calls, there appears to be no illusion about what the Flyers are.
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