Just another Philadelphia Flyers’ mailbag:
Dave Isaac of the Courier Post: Again, the big question becomes what happens to Wayne Simmonds. Does he get traded? Chuck Fletcher and the Philadelphia Flyers face this question now and the growing sense is Simmonds goes. Where does he end up? That is anyone’s guess.
Furthermore, the return could surprise as well. Simmonds attracting interest despite an underwhelming season is a good sign. Could it turn into a second or third round pick and a prospect? that’s quite possible.
It appears Brian Elliott may just stay and any off the cliff moves would wait until the summer.
When will Chuck Fletcher pull the trigger?
John Boruk of NBC Sports Philadelphia: The Montreal loss sapped the spirit of the team.
The problem Chuck Fletcher has is trading Wayne Simmonds. Given his struggles (1 goal in last 15 games), can the winger turn it on in a new location? Maybe, he needs a change of scenery now. Things appear to be weighing on Simmonds.
Besides Boston and Tampa Bay, teams like Arizona are showing interest.
It is rumored that as many as 6-8 teams are at least talking to Fletcher about the right winger. Finally, a loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday may precipitate a trade as soon as Sunday.
The reality of the Tampa Bay loss…
John Boruk of NBC Sports Philadelphia: Was the loss to Tampa Bay the first sign? Tampa Bay is no ordinary team. They present as one of the best regular season teams in maybe a decade or longer. The Lightning won on Tuesday 5-2 without Brayden Point, Victor Hedman, and a point from Nikita Kucherov. Tampa Bay scored at least five goals in all three regular-season meetings.
If Philadelphia sneaked into the playoffs, the Lightning greeting them in the first round would mean a speedy exit.
Now, the question becomes is it worth it? Chuck Fletcher has the weekend to decide what he needs to do. Which pieces can he sell and for how much? Finally, can he acquire a few picks and prospects to start retooling for 2019-20?