Will Danny Briere Stay True to the Rebuild?
As we inch closer and closer to the trade deadline, more and more questions surrounding Philadelphia’s rebuild have surfaced.
There is little doubt at this point that the Flyers have caught lightning in a bottle this year, but they’ve also established what looks to be a new culture that has spread from top to bottom. Guys look like they’re having fun again. Players actually want to stay here, knowing this team is unlikely to contend, at least seriously, for a few years. Most players still here have “bought in” on John Tortorella at this point. The question remains, who will stay and who will go?
Daniel Brière of the Philadelphia Flyers is seen prior to round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
We’ve all heard the names most likely to be moved by now. None should come as a surprise, given that most available players are veterans. Judging from what I’ve heard publicly and privately, Danny Briere and the Flyers are holding their players at probably a higher value than some are worth. Players like Sean Walker and Scott Laughton are currently available for first round picks. It may sound unreasonable to some people, but it really isn’t. Both Walker and Laughton have been great for the Flyers this season in their own right, and any serious contender would be crazy to simply dismiss them.
However, things have changed for the Flyers in the last few weeks that could alter their plans. It is unlikely, but it’s certainly worth mentioning, as teams will certainly look for a way to get players cheaper than their current asking price. The Flyers find themselves in a playoff position but have stated repeatedly that nothing will stop them from continuing the rebuild, even if it means parting with players fans have come to love. That said, injuries have also begun to pile up for Philly. Other GMs will certainly hold the Danny’s feet to the fire and try to use injuries as leverage in negotiations. Anybody looking for the Flyers to “clean house” at the deadline may need to temper their expectations.
As of this writing, Tyson Foerster, Owen Tippett, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Jamie Drysdale are all banged up to varying degrees. Drysdale is unlikely to be going anywhere, and Tippett was just signed to an extension, but any of the other players mentioned could all be on the block. That includes a healthy Morgan Frost, too. The question is, how far are the Flyers willing to go in the name of the rebuild? Surely losing some of these players will make them worse in the short term and likely kill their playoff chances, regardless if they squeak in or not. Will injuries to guys like Ristolainen, for example, make the Flyers think twice about moving Sean Walker? It shouldn’t, but it can’t be ignored. There have already been reports circulating that the Flyers may have to adjust their expectations at the deadline, as well as navigate who is coming or going with injuries still lingering.
Joel Farabee #86 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his third period goal against the Washington Capitals with Sean Walker #26 and Nick Seeler #24 at the Wells Fargo Center on December 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
I am The Negadelphian after all, so here comes the part some of you won’t like hearing. The Flyers are not a serious team this year. Yes, they have outperformed consistently. Yes, they have developed players a bit better. Yes, the chemistry is amazing in the locker room right now. All that said, you have to be realistic. This team has played great, but they are not Stanley Cup contenders just yet. They will not be hoisting the Cup this year, or even next year. You have to remember what Danny Briere said in his own words. They will not deviate from their plan. The real question is, will he stay true to his word?
While the hope for first round picks from trading players like Sean Walker or Scott Laughton might sound great for us, they have to find a team willing to part with those assets. Regardless of whether Danny stays firm on his asking prices, he may have to settle for less. What’s most important, however, is that he does not allow himself to be walked on. He’s shown he won’t be already, as he handled the entire Cutter Gautheir situation perfectly. But how many of those “Danny B masterclass” trades will he be able to actually pull off? I’m not sure. The Flyers could very well end up walking away with a few second round picks, even third rounders, depending on how things play out.
I do believe Danny Briere will hold firm on his asking prices, and I think ultimately we will not see many trades because of it. Any trades we do see are likely not to be anything crazy, and I wouldn’t expect anything more than a low first rounder for even the most coveted of available players. At that point you have to ask yourself, is the player worth more than the pick, and will they be useful to the rebuild? Briere will have to find a delicate balance between cleaning house and not destroying what they’re trying to build back; a winning culture and organization.
If you want the “I ain’t reading all that” part of this article, it’s as simple as this. Don’t get too excited for the trade deadline. Make it a passing thought in your head and nothing more. You will likely be unsatisfied with how the trade deadline works out, and there is certainly a few guys who won’t be moved no matter how many articles have been written about them or how often their name is brought up. Our expectations have been pretty high lately, it is time to temper them.
-The Negadelphian/ Olde City Sports Network