Philadelphia Flyers Fans Wait As Trade Deadline Day Approaches

As the trade deadline approaches many Philadelphia Flyers wonder if the team is going to make any significant trades to bolster their lineup for the remainder of the season and subsequent playoffs?

General Manager Paul Holmgren has a couple of wild-cards should he choose to use them, as well as some available cap space to make a number of situations viable.

The Flyers have $2.337 million in available cap room, and are tied for the league-lead in terms of players signed with 28 (St. Louis is the other team with 28 players signed). Subsequently, the Flyers are looking at a lengthy list of possible free agents on their roster who would be open to the market if the Flyers are unable to get a deal done before Jul. 1.

Possible free agents up front include Mike Knuble and Scottie Upshall. With all due respect to Upshall, Mike Knuble would be the likely keeper here. Knuble has had 25 or more goals in four of his last five NHL seasons, and has 19 up to this point in the season. While his age may be of concern (35), there is no question that Knuble can still consistently perform at an elite level, and continues to be a force on the power-play.

As for the young, talented Upshall?

Upshall's league interest may in fact be higher now then it was in in 06-07 season when the Philadelphia Flyers acquired him from the Nashville Predators. Upshall's current contract of $1.25 million is very desirable. However, Scottie is likely to seek more on the free agent market come July, making a possible trade a very real option for the Flyers, who can still get assets for such an up and coming player.

On the blue line, the Flyers have four unrestricted free agents that have to be looked at. Among those defenseman is Darrian Hatcher, who has quite possibly played his last game in a Flyer uniform insofar as his contract is too much, and the game has changed from what made him so dominate in the past.

There isn't much value in Hatcher from a Flyer perspective due to the fact that he has been on long-term injured reserve since the beginning of the season. However, Andrew Alberts, Ossi Vaananen, and Lasse Kukkonen would raise some eyebrows on the open market.

As for in-between the pipes, the Flyers have many questions to answer, as the three top goal-tenders in the organization Antero Nittymaki, Martin Biron, and Scott Munroe are unrestricted free agents on Jul. 1.

With these weapons, what is Holmgren willing to do?

The Flyers have expressed interest in a puck-moving defenseman, most notably Florida's Jay Bouwmeester, who is quite capable at the age of 25.

Holmgren is unlikely to make a move that jeopardizes the future in Philly, however, at the right price, Bouwmeester would be a welcome edition to the Flyers blue line from a long term point of view.

As for the goaltending situation, it seems the number one job has been given back to Biron for the time being due to his 5-1 victory over the Islanders and his 5-2 decision over the Rangers.

However, Nittymaki has recovered from the flu, and should press for the number one job down the stretch.

Losing either goalie for next to nothing on July 1. would seem like such a waste, however with the two battling for the number one job, and with the Flyers being a considerable Cup contender this year, only a jaw-dropping offer would likely be considered.

The Flyers have substantial depth within its farm system, so making a trade off of its current roster is not a huge deal for the foreseeable future.

With the team as strong as it is now, and with much optimism towards the future, a deal isn't necessary to appease the fans. However, the opportunity does present itself to shake a roster that looks poised to make another deep run in the playoffs, and if they get a vote of confidence from team management—the sky is the limit from there on out.