The Philadelphia Flyers are drawing attention ahead of the NHL trade deadline, with Scott Laughton, Travis Konecny and Rasmus Ristolainen surfacing in speculation. Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0NTA2MjAyNDYwNDY1MDI1/usatsi_21556844.jpg] Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton Over three weeks ago [https://thehockeynews.com/news/whats-in-store-for-the-philadelphia-flyers-at-the-nhl-trade-deadline], we noted the Philadelphia Flyers' third-place position in the Metropolitan Division raised questions over whether they'd be buyers or sellers at the NHL trade deadline. As they continue to hang onto that playoff berth, speculation persists regarding several of their key players. The Hockey News Philadelphia's Siobhan Nolan [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news/john-tortorella-gives-more-insight-into-flyers-trade-plans] took note of Flyers coach John Tortorella telling reporters on Feb. 19 he'd spoken to the players who could be moved. He indicated it was showing them respect rather than leaving them uncertain about their futures while trade rumors were swirling. Meanwhile, The Hockey News contributors Rob Couch and Sam Belton noted that Scott Laughton has drawn some attention of late in the rumor mill. Couch cited a rumor [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/features/flyers-alternate-captain-linked-to-avalanche] linking the 29-year center to the Colorado Avalanche, while Belton noted [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/features/buffalo-sabres-eyeing-feisty-flyers-forward] that Sportsnet's Jeff Marek wondered if the Buffalo Sabres were eyeing the feisty Flyer. The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Kevin Kurz [https://theathletic.com/5279012/2024/02/16/rangers-scott-laughton-flyers-trade-deadline-nhl/?source=emp_shared_article] indicated there were reports the New York Rangers were also interested in Laughton. They believed it could cost the Blueshirts a first-round pick and perhaps more, given they're a division rival of the Flyers. Couch cited that report [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news/flyers-could-raise-laughtons-asking-price-for-division-rival] and said the Flyers would have to make it worthwhile, especially if they face each other in the playoffs. Interest in Laughton stems in part from his contract. He's signed through 2025-26 with an affordable $3.5 million average annual value, making him an enticing trade target for clubs seeking more than a playoff rental. However, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Marcus Hayes [https://www.inquirer.com/sports/flyers-trade-deadline-scott-laughton-john-tortorella-20240220.html] said it would be a mistake for the Flyers to trade away their “glue guy.” In an interview with The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun [https://theathletic.com/5283977/2024/02/19/hurricanes-trade-deadline-plans-don-waddell/], Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell said he'd like to add a top-nine forward by the trade deadline. LeBrun noted that the Hurricanes had expressed an interest earlier this season in Flyers winger Travis Konecny. However, he doubted Konecny is available after the Flyers recently named the 26-year-old winger an alternate captain. Sean Walker and Rasmus Ristolainen also surfaced as Flyers' trade candidates, but that doesn't seem as likely as it did a few weeks ago. Sportsnet's Jeff Marek [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/rink-fries-whats-next-for-the-columbus-blue-jackets/] said Flyers GM Daniel Briere could hang onto Walker for a playoff push if no club meets his asking price for a first or second-round draft pick. Meanwhile, THN contributor Harrison Clark [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/news/future-uncertain-with-physical-flyers-defender] cited a report indicating that Ristolainen's recent upper-body injury could sideline him past the trade deadline.
