Flyers Defenseman Lands on Athletics' 10 Worst Contracts List

Fletcher, the son of the legendary general manager Cliff Fletcher, also known as Trader Cliff, was tasked with building a competitive Flyers team year in and year out. However, as his tenure progressed, it became evident that the deals he signed put the Flyers at a severe disadvantage, leading to his dismissal in 2022.

In a recent post on The Athletic, they compiled a list of the ten worst contracts signed in 2023, and Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim landed at number seven.

Sanheim made headlines when rumours surfaced about a potential mega-deal that would have sent him and Kevin Hayes to the St. Louis Blues, reshaping both organizations. Unfortunately, the deal fell through when a defenseman on the other team refused to waive his no-trade clause.

Currently, in the first year of an 8-year, $50 million extension, Sanheim holds a full no-trade clause for the first four seasons, giving him the power to reject any potential trade.

However, his performance has been lacklustre at best, with a $6.25 million cap hit and disappointing numbers. The organization expected him to be a top-two-pairing defenseman and contribute more offensively, especially on the power play, but he has yet to live up to these expectations.

Given the combination of his high salary, poor production, and a full no-trade clause, the Flyers have two options. They can approach Sanheim and his agent, requesting he waive the no-trade clause if a suitable team is interested in acquiring him.

Alternatively, Sanheim needs to step up his game and become a more reliable defenseman, particularly in offensive situations. Only time will tell if either of these scenarios will come to fruition.