NHL Trade Talk
Nolan Patrick reportedly being ‘shopped hard’ by Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the teams that could be looking to both buy and sell at this year’s trade deadline. They’re several points out of a playoff spot after a miserable month of March. However, the roster has a lot of talent and it could just take a tweak or two to get the Flyers back on track.
One of those tweaks could come before Monday’s trade deadline. It’s no secret that the Flyers need help on defense. If they want to add a bonafide top-pair defenseman, they’re going to need to give up some good pieces. One of those pieces could be former No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick.
Chuck Fletcher needs to acquire a top-four defenseman for this year and beyond
Nick Kypreos specifically mentioned Patrick on Friday’s Real Kyper at Noon show with Doug Maclean.
Mind you, this wasn’t in a segment about the Flyers. Kypreos brought up Patrick in passing when discussing the Oilers’ need to bolster their center depth.
Flyers have ‘shopped hard’ Nolan Patrick
“We talked about buyers and sellers. Philly’s on the outside looking in, I’m hearing that they’ve shopped hard Nolan Patrick,” Kypreos said. “That’s a new name,” Maclean interjected.
“Obviously, the injuries have taken their toll. As a buyer, I think you still would like the upside, but health is a huge concern on how healthy this guy can stay,” Kypreos continued. “I would imagine to get Nolan Patrick, if you’re the Edmonton Oilers, it wouldn’t be that expensive.”
This could just be something thrown out there, but it’s worth at least keeping this in the back of your mind. Patrick hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations in Philadelphia and a change of scenery could be a good thing for both parties.
Patrick potentially being targeted by a buyer is interesting, however, as it seems more likely for the talented 22-year-old center to be a piece in a bigger trade.
The Flyers have been linked to a few big-name defensemen over the past month, more so when they were closer to a playoff spot, and Patrick might be the main piece that they’re shopping. Chuck Fletcher might be able to use Patrick as the centerpiece of a trade for a top-four defenseman.
However, the Flyers should only trade Patrick if the deal is right. Unless a team is paying for his upside, the Flyers may be selling Patrick near his lowest value.
Scott Laughton still in the rumor mill
Maclean then mentioned another Flyers forward: “Do you go Patrick or do you go Laughton if you’re the Edmonton Oilers?”
Scott Laughton is one of the Flyers’ pending free agents and it makes sense for the Flyers to move him. The feisty two-way forward is the type of player that teams would love to have in the playoffs.
Scott Laughton moves up Trade Bait List, Penguins could be interested
There are just 15 Flyers games after the trade deadline, so trading 15 games of a Laughton for a second- or third-round pick –– or possibly more –– would be a good move by Fletcher. It’d be even more beneficial if Laughton is involved in the process and would be open to sign back in Philadelphia in the offseason.
It’s going to be an exciting weekend around the hockey world and the Flyers in particular. They have a potentially season-changing game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday afternoon before hosting the Buffalo Sabres for a Sunday matinee.
You can watch the full exchange at the 29:17 mark of the video below.