It’s that time of year again, folks, when the NHL rumor mill starts churning and GMs across the league are working the phones. While the Philadelphia Flyers are usually associated with trade rumors surrounding Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen, a new name has emerged from the City of Brotherly Love: Nicolas Deslauriers.
This isn’t entirely surprising. Both Laughton and Ristolainen have heftier salary cap hits, making a potential deal more complicated. Deslauriers, on the other hand, provides a simpler trade option for teams looking for a specific skillset.
Why Nicolas Deslauriers?
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently reported growing interest in the veteran forward. So what’s attracting teams to Deslauriers?
He’s a prototypical fourth-line enforcer. At 6’1″ and 218 pounds, Deslauriers brings a physical presence and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. He’s a throwback to the old-school style of hockey, and for teams looking to add some grit and toughness, he fits the bill.
His contract also makes him an attractive trade target. With a cap hit of just $1.75 million and another year left on his deal after this season, he’s an affordable option for contending teams looking to add some muscle for a playoff run.
Let’s be honest, the Flyers are in a transitional phase, and with limited ice time under Coach Tortorella, a trade seems mutually beneficial. It allows Deslauriers a chance to contribute to a contender, while the Flyers potentially gain assets for their rebuild.
It’s worth noting that Deslauriers is 33 years old. While he may not be a long-term solution, he can be a valuable asset for a team looking for a short-term boost of energy and physicality. He’s the kind of player who can make a difference in the playoffs, where games are often tight and physical.
Keep an eye on this situation as we get closer to the trade deadline. Deslauriers could be a valuable addition to a contending team, and the Flyers could be looking to move him for future assets.
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