The Philadelphia Flyers are still searching for their elusive No. 1 center, and it's likely they'll have to make a trade to find one. The team's struggles this season have been evident, with a recent 4-0 shutout loss to the Islanders doing them zero favors.
With the Olympic roster freeze approaching in February, the Flyers' general manager, Danny Briere, is expected to make a move that will propel the team forward. However, he emphasized that any trade must be done with long-term goals in mind and not as rentals. The Flyers are eager to find a center who can provide stability and lead the team for years to come.
There have been rumors surrounding several young centers who could potentially fill this void. One name that stands out is Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, who is just 26 years old but has already shown impressive scoring prowess. With eight years remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $8.125 million, Thomas seems like an ideal fit for the Flyers.
However, it's unclear if the Blues would be willing to part with Thomas, especially considering they need a significant return package or a top-six forward who is slightly younger than him. The Flyers, on the other hand, have draft capital and prospects that could be used as a bargaining chip in any potential trade.
Another name being mentioned is Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, who was drafted fourth overall in 2022 but has struggled to find consistency this season. At just 22 years old, Wright still carries flashes of skill that made him a coveted prospect, and if the cost is reasonable, he could be an attractive option for the Flyers.
The final name mentioned is Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, who was once a key player but has fallen on hard times since the arrival of new coach Rick Tocchet. With $11.6 million remaining on his contract through 2032 and no-movement clause, Pettersson seems like an unappealing option for the Flyers, especially considering there's little certainty about him returning to form.
Ultimately, finding a No. 1 center will be crucial for the Flyers' long-term success. With the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 6, it remains to be seen whether the team will make a move that changes their fortunes.
With the Olympic roster freeze approaching in February, the Flyers' general manager, Danny Briere, is expected to make a move that will propel the team forward. However, he emphasized that any trade must be done with long-term goals in mind and not as rentals. The Flyers are eager to find a center who can provide stability and lead the team for years to come.
There have been rumors surrounding several young centers who could potentially fill this void. One name that stands out is Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, who is just 26 years old but has already shown impressive scoring prowess. With eight years remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $8.125 million, Thomas seems like an ideal fit for the Flyers.
However, it's unclear if the Blues would be willing to part with Thomas, especially considering they need a significant return package or a top-six forward who is slightly younger than him. The Flyers, on the other hand, have draft capital and prospects that could be used as a bargaining chip in any potential trade.
Another name being mentioned is Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, who was drafted fourth overall in 2022 but has struggled to find consistency this season. At just 22 years old, Wright still carries flashes of skill that made him a coveted prospect, and if the cost is reasonable, he could be an attractive option for the Flyers.
The final name mentioned is Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, who was once a key player but has fallen on hard times since the arrival of new coach Rick Tocchet. With $11.6 million remaining on his contract through 2032 and no-movement clause, Pettersson seems like an unappealing option for the Flyers, especially considering there's little certainty about him returning to form.
Ultimately, finding a No. 1 center will be crucial for the Flyers' long-term success. With the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 6, it remains to be seen whether the team will make a move that changes their fortunes.
. The Flyers need to focus on building for the future not just filling a hole in the present. It's easy to get caught up in wanting to make a big splash but sometimes you have to be patient and build from within 
They need someone who's gonna score like, 40+ goals per season and provide stability for years to come 
He's only 26 and has already shown he can put up some serious points 
. The problem is, would the Blues trade him? 
. I don't know if the Flyers should give up too much to get him 
.
.
Who do you guys think the Flyers should go after? 
I mean, Robert Thomas is definitely an attractive option, but $8.125 million per year is a pretty penny. Shane Wright has some talent, but he's been inconsistent all season. And then there's Elias Pettersson, who seems like they're throwing good money after bad at this point 
. The Flyers need someone who can lead them to the playoffs consistently, not just make one deep run and then fade away. They should be looking for a team that's willing to take on some salary in return or maybe even throw in a top prospect like Ivan Fedotchkin? 
... what do u guys think?
. Robert Thomas seems like a good option but I'm not sure if St Louis would trade him for just draft picks and a prospect 
. Elias Pettersson is like the ultimate gamble - either he comes back strong or he flops entirely 
he seems like such a perfect fit for the Flyers! 
The Blues might be hesitant about parting ways with him, but I think it's worth a shot 
Fingers crossed they can make a trade happen 
and finally find that elusive No. 1 center 
