Are the Senators and Flyers potential trading partners?

After several months and many reports of purchasing groups backing out, the Senators were sold to Michael Andlauer, who had a 20% stake in the Montreal Canadiens.

While the ownership questions were being resolved, the Senators also faced trouble on the ice when forward Alex DeBrincat informed general manager Pierre Dorion that he would not re-sign with the team long-term.

It forced Dorion to find a trading partner quickly, resulting in DeBrincat being sent to the Detroit Red Wings for a meagre package considering the calibre of the player they just moved.

It leaves a gaping hole in the Senators' offensive lines and raises the question of who will replace DeBrincat. One player who has been the subject of many trade rumours over the past few weeks is Flyers star forward, Travis Konecny.

Konecny was the Flyers' best forward last year. Despite only playing 60 games, he scored 31 goals with 30 assists for 61 points. He also accumulated 77 penalty minutes and had a plus-minus rating of -12.

There are a few reasons why a possible deal could work out for both teams. Konecny's contract is only worth $5.5 million AAV for the next two seasons.

With DeBrincat gone, the Senators have ample cap space to absorb his contract, and the Flyers do not need to retain any money. Another reason is that up-and-coming winger Cutter Gauthier with Tyson Foerster should become fixtures on the Flyers' top lines and will cost significantly less while on their entry-level contracts (ELCs).

These cost savings are vital for a rebuilding franchise, as they will need plenty of cap space when these players are due for a raise.

There's also a Flyers connection through Claude Giroux. The longtime former Flyer had a great partnership with his former linemate Konecny. Bringing him into the fold would bolster the Senators' offensive lines and give Giroux a linemate he's comfortable with.

Lastly, the Senators are trying to complete their rebuild and become regular playoff contenders. The "win now" mentality dictates the need to bring better veteran talent. For a deal to happen, the Senators could offer the Flyers a package of picks and a prospect to acquire Konecny. Players like Shane Pinto or Jake Sanderson along with one of the first-round picks they have in 2024, one of which was formerly owned by the Red Wings could be enough.

As many Flyers fans are in the TK camp, it would be a tough sell to see this great winger leave the organization. Though, with Michkov, Gauthier, Brink and Foerester in the ranks, moving TK might be necessary to help in the long term and turn the page on this previous era.