Flyers Could Have Big Moves Coming in the Off-Season

The Philadelphia Flyers made depth moves at the NHL trade deadline, but their big names weren't moved. What's could be in store for some players in the off-season?

Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher's inability to make any significant moves during Friday's NHL trade deadline drew considerable scorn from fans and pundits. While Fletcher and coach John Tortorella defended the club's failed efforts to move James van Riemsdyk, there's speculation that bigger moves could be coming in the off-season.

Philly Hockey Now's Sam Carchidi cited reports claiming the Flyers had a deal in place to ship van Riemsdyk to the Detroit Red Wings, but it fell through. There was also talk of the 33-year-old winger getting dealt to the Seattle Kraken, but nothing came of it.

It's too late for the Flyers to trade van Riemsdyk, who will likely depart this summer as a UFA. However, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reports they could make bigger moves around the draft in June.

Marek said the Flyers had some conversations with the Columbus Blue Jackets regarding players like Kevin Hayes. He noted they have a lot of players (like Hayes) with term remaining on their contracts. Any deals involving them weren't going to happen at the deadline.

CapFriendly indicates Hayes is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $7.14 million and a 12-team no-trade list. It was also rumored the Flyers received calls about defenseman Ivan Provorov, who's earning an AAV of $6.75 million through 2024-25.

On pace to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, there could be some big changes coming to the Flyers this summer. Don't be surprised if Hayes and Provorov resurface in the rumor mill as the draft approaches in late June.