Radko Gudas
After several weeks of activity, all the wheeling and dealing happening over the last two weeks, the weekend where free agency opens may not be all that eventful.
The draft still marks an important offseason event for the Flyers. But this year, it is different. It is Chuck Fletcher’s first draft as GM of the Flyers. And that means a new approach to the draft for the Flyers.
It’s been a busy week for Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher and there may be more to come, but the latest moves to the team’s roster have already shown the immediate willingness to improve the on-ice product.
Could the Flyers trade the 11th overall pick? GM Chuck Fletcher is not actively looking to trade a fairly high draft pick, but he is not opposed to moving it for the right price.
With less than a week before the open negotiation period opens to free agents, the Flyers are nearing a deal with Kevin Hayes. According to a report from TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the deal will be for seven years and worth $50 million, an average annual value of $7.14 million.
One day after they acquired defenseman Matt Niskanen from the Capitals for Radko Gudas, they officially placed defenseman Andrew MacDonald on waivers for purposes of a buyout. MacDonald is expected to clear waivers and have the contract bought out, making him a free agent.
The Flyers are holding out hope that Niskanen’s on-ice performance improves to form while his off-ice intangibles serve as the immediate value. Niskanen has gone the distance with a team before. He’s been the veteran in a group of young defensemen. He’s had to be a leader, saying on Friday that he “grew into” the role.
The Flyers announced that they have acquired defenseman Matt Niskanen from the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenseman Radko Gudas.
Finland is on top of the hockey world again after a 3-1 win over Canada in the Gold Medal Game at World Championships.
Team Canada advanced to the Gold Medal Game on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Czech Republic. They will face Finland in the title game on Sunday.
