Philadelphia Flyers: 6 Most Unexpected Trades in Flyers' History

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20 Feb 1999: Eric Lindros #88 of the Philadelphia Flyers looking on during the game against the Ottawa Senators at the Corel Centre in Ottawa, Canada. The Senators defeated the Flyers 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport

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Robert Laberge/Getty Images

If it wasn't for the big acquisitions that the teams across the parking lot made, Philadelphians would still be talking about the shocking trade that sent Flyers captain Mike Richards packing.

The dust has settled now and the Phillies and Eagles have taken the load off of the Flyers' surprising moves this summer.

Looking back on the trade now, it seems as if the Flyers might have made out quite well. Also, their future is brighter than ever with the prospects they got in return.

But where does this trade rank among the most shocking in franchise history? Read more to find out!

The Flyers Traded Away Patrick Sharp

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: Goalie Cory Schneider #35 of the Vancouver Canucks gets his pad down to stop Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley

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This trade wasn't shocking at the time, but now that Patrick Sharp was one of the leaders of the Stanley cup Winning Blackhawks a year ago, you have to wonder.

And who did the Flyers get for Sharp? Matt Ellison and a third round pick.

Brian Boucher Losing His Job, and His Spot on the Team

25 Sep 1999: Goalkeeper Brian Boucher #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers waits for the action during the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Continental Ailines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Flyers 4-2. Mandatory Credit

Al Bello/Getty Images

Brian Boucher went from the Flyers goalie of the future to losing his starting job in less than two years.

The Flyers thought they had their No. 1 goalie after Boucher led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals as a rookie in 2000.

Obviously, he played himself out of the plans of Bobby Clarke and the Flyers. The young net minder was shipped off for another goalie, Robert Esche.

Trading Away Simon Gagne For......

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Simon Gagne #12 of the Tampa Bay Lightning controls the puck against David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 23, 2011 in Boston,

Elsa/Getty Images

Simon Gagne was once the face of the Flyers franchise. He always led the team in goal scoring and came back from an injury in the 2010 playoffs to score the game-winning goal that sparked the Flyers comeback out of their 3-0 hole to the Bruins.

Now I know why the Flyers got rid of him. It was to clear cap space in order to sign their veteran players to long term contracts.

What is surprising is what Paul Holmgren got (or didn't get) in return for Gagne. Matt Walker and a fourth round pick?

Walker played in a measly four games this season.

Eric Lindors Finally Traded Away

2 Dec 1999: Eric Lindros #88 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates on the ice during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. The Flyers defeated the Sabres 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

The build-up to the Eric Lindros trade was nothing shocking. Flyers fans knew that the team was looking to trade him after suffering multiple concussions.

The shocking part was the aftermath. On August 20, 2001, the Flyers sent their once prized jewel up the turnpike to one of their most hated rivals.

Lindros was deemed the next Bobby Clarke, the guy that would bring a Stanley Cup back to Philly. After eight years of drama and heartache, the Flyers future was suddenly turned upside down.

Iron Man Rod Brind'Amour Becomes a Cane and a Cup Winner

29 Dec 1998: Rod Brind ''Amour #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers waits for the puck during the game against the Calgary Flames at the Canadien Airlines Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flyers defeated the Flames 4-3 in overtime.

Ian Tomlinson/Getty Images

There are still plenty of fans mad about the trading of Rod Brind'Amour. Just check out this Facebook site.

It was a captain for captain swap when the Flyers received Keith Primeau in return.

But why in the first place trade one of the most loved athletes in the city of Philadelphia? It showed how much people still cared about Brind'Amour when hundreds of Flyers fans attended his retirement game in Carolina.

The Original Lindros Trade

Without doubt, one of the most shocking trades in Flyers, and NHL history.

On June 20, 1992, the Flyers mortgaged their future and a lot of dough to get their hands on young Eric Lindros.

The Flyers gave up Mike Ricci, Peter Forsberg, Steve Duchesne, Kerry Huffman, Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, a 1993 1st Rounder, a 1994 1st Rounder and $15 million.

If Lindros could have remained healthy, who knows how this trade would have worked out.

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