The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly looking to make a big move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, as they're said to be shopping veteran winger James van Riemsdyk.
The 33-year-old forward is on an expiring contract. With the Flyers sitting outside of playoff contention, it seems likely that he could be on his way out of town.
According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the Flyers are seeking a third-round pick in return for van Riemsdyk's services. Several teams are said to be interested in the veteran winger, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets.
This season, Van Riemsdyk has posted nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 41 games. However, his real value comes from his experience and goal-scoring ability. In the last seven seasons, the veteran forward has scored 161 goals in 474 games, making him an attractive trade target for any team in need of offensive firepower.
Van Riemsdyk is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which could make him an even more attractive option for teams looking to bolster their roster for a playoff run. With the Philadelphia Flyers struggling to find consistent success this season, it seems likely that they could move on from some of their veterans to build for the future.
It remains to be seen which team acquires Van Riemsdyk, but with several interested parties reportedly in the mix, it seems likely that a deal will be reached before the trade deadline. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.
Philadelphia Flyers' 2022-23 season so far
The Philadelphia Flyers have had a disappointing 2022-23 season, sitting in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division and out of the playoff picture. With a record of 23-28-11 through 62 games, the Flyers have struggled to find consistency and have also been plagued by injuries to key players.
Offensively, the Flyers have been led by veteran forward James van Riemsdyk, who has registered 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 41 games. However, the team has lacked secondary scoring and has struggled to score consistently.
Defensively, the Flyers have been inconsistent, allowing 205 goals, the second-highest total in the Metropolitan Division. Goaltending has been a particular area of concern, with both Carter Hart and Martin Jones struggling to find form and consistency all season.
Nevertheless, there have been some bright spots for the Flyers. Rookie forward Cam York has shown promise in his first NHL season, while Joel Farabee continues to develop into a reliable offensive threat. Additionally, the Flyers have several talented prospects, including Morgan Frost and Wade Allison, who could make an impact in the NHL in the near future.
With just over 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Philadelphia Flyers need to embark on a strong run to get back into playoff contention.