They say actions speak louder than words.
Flyers fans we are currently seeing the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline unfold in real time.
The header phrase defines Chuck Fletcher and the Philadelphia Flyers for all the wrong reasons.
Fresh off of a 3-2 overtime loss to the shorthanded New York Rangers last night, the Flyers head into tomorrow’s 3:00 p.m. cutoff in the midst of a four-game winless streak.
All eyes are on a handful of players who may have skated in their final game as a Philadelphia Flyer. I’m talking about pending Unrestricted Free Agent James Van Riemsdyk to the likes of 2023 NHL All-Star Kevin Hayes.
What makes the situation so bizarre? The fact that there has been a league-wide frenzy of moves ahead of Friday’s deadline. A Frenzy so big most of the big names are already off the board.
Longtime Chicago Blackhawk Patrick Kane was dealt to the Rangers. The Ottawa Senators won the Jakob Chychrun sweepstakes. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators are consistently selling pieces to accumulate assets. The latter two teams are above Philadelphia in the standings and yet have been infinitely more active than Fletcher over the course of the week.
Why on earth, in the peak of the NHL season, with the market spiraling and first round picks being handed out like candy, is the Flyers general manager radio silent?
Let’s rewind a few days.
On Tuesday, Fletcher met with the media to discuss the coming week and what direction his team would be headed for. Although still not willing to use the term “rebuild”, he dubbed his team as selling. Fletcher would add that most calls taking place were regarding players on expiring deals.
“That said, we’re willing to listen on anyone,” Fletcher clarified.
.@NHLFlyers GM Chuck Fletcher on what he hopes to do at the trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/XQM4b8cO1L
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) February 28, 2023
Back to the present.
The biggest move the Philadelphia Flyers have made thus far was sending struggling AHL winger, Isaac Ratcliffe, to Nashville for future considerations. Doing this opened up a contract spot within the organization.
What makes waiting so long to sell pieces so dangerous?
How about the fact that most buyers have already plugged holes in their lineups. This leaves players like JVR with less value and likely a lower return.
But it’s not just that. It’s all of that, the current state of the team, and Rangers fans taking over the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The fact that Fletcher even has the security to feel as though he can take a huge risk is baffling.
Mr. Snider is rolling in his grave pic.twitter.com/hppRcKleWr
— High & Wide Hockey | For Philadelphia Flyers Fans (@FlyersHW) March 2, 2023
Chuck Fletcher, Dave Scott, and Comcast Spectacor are playing with fire.
Personally I am not sure even THEY could be prepared for the aftermath if these next couple days do not go successfully.
Paul Jackson is a Contributor for HW Hockey
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