Philadelphia Flyers: Chuck Fletcher needs to strike a deal for Patrik Laine
With the need for more goal scoring magnified during their playoff run, the Philadelphia Flyers would be foolish to balk at a potential trade for Patrik Laine.
Now that the 2019-2020 NHL season has finally come to a close, it is time to look into what could transpire this offseason. The Philadelphia Flyers took a tremendous step forward this year, as they won their first playoff series in nearly a decade, and came within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals. While many of the young players stepped on the stage and were key for the Orange and Black; one thing that became evident was the need for a pure goal scorer.
Enter Patrik Laine.
It is not often that a 22 year old former 40 goal scorer is available. Actually, this never happens. We have entered uncharted waters. This is why the Philadelphia Flyers would be foolish to not jump at the opportunity to add a player of Laine’s caliber. The Finnish superstar has been nothing but productive since the Winnipeg Jets made him the second overall selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Through four seasons (305 career games), Laine has tallied 138 goals to go along with 109 assists (247 points).
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Of course, a player of this caliber is not available for no good reason. There are certainly question marks about Laine’s commitment to the defensive end of the ice. However, the Philadelphia Flyers are loaded with players who play a two-way game, and have more than enough to cover up some of the defensive deficiencies in Laine’s game.
Acquiring a player like this would not come cheap. I mean, why would it? This is a 22 year old who has already surpassed the 40 goal mark in a season, and is legitimately a pure goal scorer.
These kind of players do not grow on trees, and it is something every team could use. What may it cost? Well, that is a great question as this is all up for debate. Do I believe a package of Travis Sanheim, Joel Farabee, Connor Bunnaman, and a 2020 first-round pick (23rd overall) could get the job done? Maybe.
Personally, I would lead with a player like Jake Voracek, and see what else would be needed to get this kind of deal done. Does Voracek, Shayne Gostisbehere, and a first-round pick get a deal done? Once again, maybe. You would probably need to add a bit more, but it really all depends on what exactly Winnipeg values in a return for Patrik Laine.
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One thing is for sure, the Philadelphia Flyers need a goal scorer, and one of the best goal scorers in the entire NHL is currently on the trade block. The Flyers have plenty to offer, as they have done an excellent job of stocking up assets in recent years. Now, it is all about finding the best deal possible for both sides. Laine should be the number one priority in terms of adding a player for the Philadelphia Flyers this offseason. Make it happen Chuck.