The Big buzz around the Flyers recently was that they would make a play for Johnny Gaudreau. He is a local kid, reportedly wants to play here, and would certainly be a big upgrade to this Flyers roster. The problem is, they have no cap space, and would need to create some to sign him. Many thought the Flyers would dump James Van Riemsdyk to create that space. But we now know that they are not willing to give up a future first round pick to get someone to take that contract, per Sam Carchidi.
Source: @NHLFlyers not willing to deal a No. 1 pick to move JVR.
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) July 13, 2022
If that is the case, it is hard to see the Flyers working out a deal to move JVR. And if they cant move JVR, they cant sign Gaudreau. This is the latest in a frankly confusing Flyers off season. They moved a large package of picks to bring in Tony DeAngelo. They made a win now type of hire at head Coach by brining in John Tortorella. It seemed liked the Flyers were skipping the idea of a rebuild, and focusing on making the best team now. But then this happens.
If the Flyers were committed to a rebuild, it would be for the best, because this Flyers team is clearly not set up to win anytime soon. But combined with their other moves its puzzling why they would balk at this. It would net them a star player, who is a local kid, and wants to be here. You will sacrifice all those picks to bring in a controversial defender who isn’t even good on defense, but don’t want to bring in the guy every fan will love? And to make it worse, the Devils appear to be the front runners to lead him with the Flyers unable to do so.
Chuck Fletcher’s approach to this off season continues to be baffling. They seem unwilling to commit to either a rebuild, or to make good moves for this season. It leaves them in limbo. Not good enough to win now, but without the assets to build for the future. And its costing them a chance to make a move that would be universally beloved by fans by bringing in Johnny Gaudreau. It probably would have gone a decent way to finally getting them some good PR. But instead the local kid may end up in Devils red, and Flyers will get nothing. Thank you Chuck Fletcher.