VOORHEES – The Flyers have had one clear message since the Danny Briere and Keith Jones era began. A message that revolves around building a team to contend for many years in the future.
As their seasons goal of making the playoffs faded, their goal slowly changed back to that message. Leading to Briere once again trading away tradable pieces at the deadline for future assets.
Before the clock struck 3:00pm on Friday, the Flyers completed three trades.
Bobby Brink was the first trade of the day. He is now on his hometown team the Minnesota Wild.
David Jiricek, the 6th overall pick in 2022, was the return for Brink. If that name looks familiar, Jiricek was selected by the Blue Jackets with the next pick after the Flyers selected Cutter Gauthier.
The big, 6’3″, right shot defenseman is known for his strong offensive instincts with a powerful shot.
Jiricek adds another right shot defenseman to a position of need for the Flyers. The lone other top prospect the Flyers have at the position is Oliver Bonk.
The Flyers and Boston Bruins completed a minor league trade for the second trade of the day.
Forwards Alexis Gendron and Massimo Rizzo were dealt for forward Brett Harrison and defenseman Jackson Edward. The move was yet another move as the Flyers rebalance the Phantoms roster.
This week, the Flyers acquired Boris Katchouk and signed Garrett Wilson to an NHL deal. Two moves that gave them roster flexibility.
Between the four players, it allowed them to make other moves elsewhere. Also, the potential of an Alex Bump recall in the coming days.
Nic Deslauriers was the final move of the day. Nic was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for a conditional 7th round pick.
According to a source, Deslauriers had grown frustrated with his role and lack of game time. Something that became the norm for him over the past two seasons.
The one player that many believed would be traded, Rasmus Ristolainen, was not dealt at the deadline.
Danny Briere has stayed firm on his asking price of 1st round pick, prospect, and another pick. No team was willing to make that price and Briere stayed patient.
Detroit, a possible destination for Ristolainen, made a deal for another right shot defenseman, Justin Faulk. The Red Wings sent a 1st and 3rd round pick to St Louis for Faulk, somewhat confirming the Flyers asking price on Ristolainen.
Next up, expect Alex Bump to be recalled to get a look at the big club over the last month. He could make his NHL debut as early as tomorrow in Pittsburgh.
