With the Philadelphia Flyers season spiraling out of control, hopes of a rebound season are now a long shot. Something that has changed the course of the Flyers season & direction at the trade deadline.
Initially, all attention will immediately go to captain Claude Giroux. Who is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end and could net the Flyers a high pick & prospect in return for his services.
But, after Giroux, attention will be on the other Flyers free agents at season’s end. Players like Rasmus Ristolainen, Justin Braun, Keith Yandle, & Martin Jones could all be traded by the deadline.
One name that already has trade interest is Martin Jones.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman first broke the news of Martin Jones interest on the Jeff Marek Show on Friday. Mentioning the Edmonton Oilers as a team to watch for Jones.
Jones, who signed a 1-year $2M contract in the offseason, has been as advertised so far this season. A reliable backup who gives you a chance to win when behind the pipes.
In 14-starts this season, Jones is 6-6-2 with 3.31 GAA & .908%. While Jones’ numbers don’t stand out, it has been a tale of two seasons for Jones. With Jones’ home & road numbers telling the real story.
In 5-starts at the Wells Fargo Center this season, Jones is 2-2-1 with 4.15 GAA & .897%. Which is the reason his GAA & save percentage are so high.
On the road, Jones has had much better numbers. In 9-starts on the road, Jones is 4-4-1 with 2.80 GAA & .917%. Which, before today’s performance, were great numbers on the road.
The NHL trade deadline is not til March 21st. But, the Oilers interest is intriguing. Especially with the Oilers struggling & goal-tending being one of their main issues.
With Edmonton looking to improve now, Jones would be seen as an upgrade over their two options at the moment.
No word on what Jones’ value could be. But, in any deal, the Flyers would have to take one of the Oilers struggling goalies. Which would increase the return for the Flyers.
Tomorrow, I will be publishing a creative way for the Oilers to acquire Jones. As well as, a way to create some much needed cap space in Edmonton.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bruce Bennett – Getty Images
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