PhHN Daily: Flyers Trade Chips; First Defenseman Moved; Could Canadian Captains Be on the Move?

NHL trade rumors are the story once again, as the March 6th NHL trade deadline inches closer and closer. More rumors about the Philadelphia Flyers are swirling around the rumor mill. We also saw the first trade to fall ahead of Friday’s deadline.

More trade rumors, one prominent centerman expected to be traded openly discussed his mindset, including his no-trade clause. We also look at two possible reunions, a Metro rival’s trade chips, and a strange possibility.

Also on the 3/3 edition of the PhHN Daily, we talk about the Flyers’ latest game, which picked up a BIG two points for Philly.

Get it all on the PhHN Daily.

Philadelphia Flyers

Let’s start with the Flyers’ game yesterday.

Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers earned a BIG two points on Monday in a 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Already without Travis Konecny to start the game, the injury bug bit again when Nick Seeler exited the game during the second period.

No update has been provided yet, but one may become available at Tuesday’s practice.

Despite the injuries, individual performances from Dan Vladar and Noah Cates helped the Flyers to a big-time win, as they told everyone that they’re not done yet and are very much still alive in the playoff race.

Now, to the juicy stuff. Trade rumors continue to pour in as Rasmus Ristolainen continues to impress. The Flyers’ Finnish defender has become a top trade target. As many as 12 organizations were at Scotiabank Arena to watch Monday’s Flyers-Leafs game. One team that had FOUR scouts in-house for the game has become a new team to watch. Could the Buffalo Sabres be interested in a reunion with the blueliner?

NHL trade rumors & news

Chicago Hockey Now: The first domino has fallen at the trade deadline. Connor Murphy, 6’4″ RHD, has been traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a second-round pick. Jack Bushman has the analysis of the trade.

Personally, I think this only helps the Ristolainen market. If Murphy fetched a second-rounder, there is no way the Flyers can get anything less than a first—or at least equivalent value. The Murphy trade set the floor.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils look like sellers this time around, as they have fallen further out of the postseason hunt. So, with what looks like a shift in gears, James Nichols writes the Devils’ six trade chips.

Colorado Hockey Now: Reunions could be a growing theme around this NHL trade deadline. One that has been growing some traction, and one to keep an eye on: Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche. Aarif Deen breaks down the latest rumors about the Avs.

TSN: Could American captains of Canadian teams be on the move? Bryan Hayes and Jeff O’Neill discuss the possibility of Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk being pushed out of their current organizations, especially after their post-Olympic reception.

My take? Put Auston Matthews on the trade block. I dare you.

NHL.com: The Vincent Trocheck sweepstakes are heating up, and he has confirmed what was always assumed: he won’t go out west. Trocheck had a very open conversation in New York and talked about his future, including what might be the greatest quote from a player’s child. “Well, I’ll stay because, you know, I have a hockey team here, I didn’t get traded.” Check out the full story.

Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers Trade; Maple Leafs ‘Embarrassing’; Trocheck Reunion?