Are Several Flyers Becoming Trade Candidates in 2024?

Occasionally, circumstances align perfectly, and teams obtain exceptional draft picks that lead them to acquire generational talent, turning them into NHL powerhouses. However, to achieve this, trades often become necessary to acquire talented veterans or depth players, rounding out the roster.

The Flyers are currently in their rebuilding phase, and it is highly expected that the team will make some moves at next year's trade deadline. They have already brought in a few veterans to strengthen the roster and make it semi-competitive.

With the salary cap set to rise by at least $4 million the following year and expected to continue increasing over the next few years, teams will have the flexibility to make moves without financial constraints.

Several trade candidates on the Flyers' roster could potentially help other organizations make a playoff run. Among them are
Marc Staal, Nick Seeler, and Cam Atkinson.

Staal has been an NHL veteran for 18 years, drafted in the first round, 12th overall in 2005. As the only defenseman among the four Stall brothers, he brings a strong pedigree to teams seeking defensive support for a playoff push. Over his career, he has played 1101 games, scored 52 goals, and recorded 177 assists, accumulating 229 points. With a +50 rating and 523 penalty minutes, his toughness and defensive skills make him an attractive option for teams in need of a reliable fourth or fifth defenseman. He will likely be traded at the deadline.

Next is Nick Seeler, another defenseman on the Flyers' roster who could be a potential trade candidate. Standing at six feet two inches and weighing 201 pounds, Seeler's physicality would be beneficial to a team seeking a player willing to protect his teammates and bring some muscle to their lineup. He has shown great potential as a depth player for a playoff team. Additionally, the 30-year-old defenseman comes with a very affordable cap hit of $778,000, making him an attractive option for teams seeking cost-effective solutions. If he continues to showcase his defensive prowess, he could be offered a contract extension by his new team.

Lastly, there is Cam Atkinson. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued him since joining the Flyers. Whether it's bad luck or poor health, the team needs to move away from him as quickly as possible. To facilitate this trade, the Flyers would likely need to retain 50% of his salary, which currently stands at $5.8 million for the next two seasons. However, given the Flyers' need to retain salary for other players like Kevin Hayes and their upcoming influx of younger talent, they cannot afford to buy him out. A team like the Arizona Coyotes, who are currently in the second phase of their rebuild, might be interested in acquiring a player like Atkinson.

It's important to note that these names are speculative, and while some of these players may indeed be traded, it's uncertain at this point. However, I believe that a few of these players could significantly enhance other teams' chances of making a deep playoff run and competing for the Stanley Cup.