PhHN Daily: Flyers Prospects; Hughes Injury Update; Panarin Wants What?

We have a fun one for the last PhHN Daily in January, where we talk about the latest Philadelphia Flyers news. That includes some prospect talk, a chat with one NCAA head coach, as well as a veteran’s frustrations.

Today is the Beaver Stadium Game, as No. 5 Penn State hosts No. 2 Michigan State at the football cathedral in State College, PA. Could it be a precursor to a future NHL event? Who knows, but Saturday will be a big test.

Around the league, we have more trade rumors regarding the biggest name on the market. We also have more talk regarding what could be the downfall of a big-time Eastern Conference team. We also get an injury update on one Flyers’ rival’s biggest star.

Get it all on the 1/31 edition of the PhHN Daily.

Philadelphia Flyers

Two Flyers prospects are in Pennsylvania right now, as the Michigan State Spartans are in Hockey Valley, taking on the Penn State Nittany Lions. I am at my alma mater, getting the chance to see the prospects in person for the first time.

Philly Hockey Now: Before the big game at Beaver Stadium, the two teams played at Pegula Ice Arena on Friday, where Michigan State won 6-3. Both Vansaghi and Martone stood out, both in good ways, but each in a different way. Getting to see both prospects in person for the first time, what did we see?

After the game, Philly Hockey Now had a chance to speak with the Spartans’ head coach, Adam Nightingale, about the Flyers’ prospects. Nightingale has a deep coaching history, including roots in USA Hockey, the NHL, and the NCAA. He knows talent, so his high praise means a lot. He raved about the pair of Flyers’ prospects in East Lansing.

Now, to the current team, Travis Konecny is frustrated. The Flyers have not made it to the playoffs in five seasons. Philly is trending for a sixth season as its playoff hopes are fading. As the Flyers’ chances slowly drift away, the team’s alternate captain voiced his frustrations.

Lastly, the Flyers play a game on Saturday. 12:30 p.m. EST at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Can they get back on track vs. the Kings?

NHL rumors & news

Let’s start with what has been all the talk lately: Artemi Panarin trade rumors.

Sportsnet: Artemi Panarin wants WHAT?! A trade won’t occur without an extension in place, and Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Rangers’ star wants $50 million on his next contract. Here is the latest on the Panarin trade rumors.

Now, here is what Kevin Weekes is hearing on Panarin.

Friedman had mentioned the Flyers’ interest in Panarin. But I am sure every team is interested in Panarin, so I would not buy much stock in that, especially when THAT many teams are considered in on Panarin.

TSN: Another day, another major outlet talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs, and that maybe selling and restarting is the route to go. So, is it time for Toronto to sell?

Just a reminder, the Flyers have Toronto’s 2027 first, which is top-10 protected. So, if the Leafs’ 2027 pick is protected (top-5), Boston would then get Toronto’s 2028 first unprotected. Per PuckPedia, the Flyers would have the option to give Boston the 2027 first in exchange for the unprotected 2028 pick if the Leafs’ pick is protected this season.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Jack Hughes is hurt, again. The franchise center exited the Devils’ game vs. the Predators on Thursday. James Nichols has the latest update on Hughes as the Devils await test results.

Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers Injuries; Panarin Trade Rumors; Robertson’s Cost