Last Friday, the Chicago Blackhawks had the Montreal Canadiens in town, and Keith Jones was among the people in the press box acting as a scout. Jones is the current President of Hockey Operations for the Philadelphia Flyers, and his presence only adds to the sense that Philadelphia may be taking a hard look around the league as the season starts to tilt in an uncomfortable direction.
The Flyers are sitting at 3-7-3 through 13 games, which leaves them with the worst points percentage in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-worst mark in the NHL. That comes just one year after they made the playoffs and won a series. If the losing keeps piling up, it will be worth watching how quickly they decide to turn from evaluating to selling.
That matters for Chicago, because the Flyers could line up as a useful trade partner. The Blackhawks are off to a rough 3-8-0 start, and while some teams react to that kind of beginning by changing coaches, it does not seem to make much sense for Jeff Blashill to be the one paying the price right now. A deal that brings in the right piece may be a more realistic way to jolt the roster.
Philadelphia has several veterans who could fit what Chicago needs. The biggest name is Travis Konecny, a forward with seven 20-goal seasons on his résumé, including two years with more than 30.
He has also posted 50-plus points in most of those 20-goal seasons, and he brings a tough, edgy style that can be miserable to deal with. If there is any friction between Konecny and the Flyers, he could be moved sooner rather than later.
There are other Flyers who could surface in trade chatter as well, including Owen Tippett, Cam York, and Rasmus Ristolainen. If they are healthy, all three would make some sense for a Blackhawks team that is looking for a spark.
That spark could come in a few different forms. Chicago could use help for Connor Bedard at even strength or on the power play, but it could also use a veteran who settles things down. Nothing should really be off the table.
The Blackhawks are not close to being buyers, but they do need a change in momentum. They cannot keep getting blown out against good teams. If one of these Flyers can help shift that, it is at least worth exploring.
The question then becomes what Philadelphia would want back. Young players who do not look like part of Chicago’s long-term plans would be in play.
Kevin Korchinski is a name to watch, especially if he is going to remain in the press box. And with so many forwards Chicago likes already on the NHL and AHL rosters, there are only so many spots to go around.
There are moves here that could make sense for both sides.
In Other News...
Blackhawks Suddenly Face A Trade Question Flyers Fans Will Watch Closely
The Flyers are still hunting for a top-six center, and that search has naturally sent them looking at younger options around the league, including a pair of Blackhawks forwards who fit the age and upside profile Philadelphia wants. General manager Danny Briere has been exploring trade possibilities as he tries to upgrade the middle of the ice, while also weighing how much future value he is willing to sacrifice to get there.
From Chicagos side, the interest matters because it puts two of its promising centers in the conversation for a team that clearly needs help down the middle. Frank Nazar has drawn attention in that process, and Oliver Moore is part of the discussion too, but Philadelphias own internal caution about how each player might project only adds another layer to the intrigue. For now, the idea of a move is still just that, but it is the kind of scenario Flyers fans will keep watching closely as the market develops. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Loss Still Revealed A Reason For Real Blue Line Hope
Even in a 3-2 loss to the Panthers, there was enough on Chicagos blue line to give the Blackhawks a reason to keep watching. Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski each left a stronger impression than the final score suggested, offering a glimpse of how the teams young defense could start to look more settled as the season goes along.
Rinzel continued to look more comfortable in a two-way role, while Korchinskis game showed a steadier, more reliable edge. For a Blackhawks team still sorting out its long-term defensive picture, those are the kinds of developments that matter, especially when they come against a good opponent and hold up over the course of the night. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Face An Uncomfortable Test To End This Homestand
The Blackhawks wrap up a seven-game homestand with a matchup that does little to offer comfort, drawing the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center after a stretch that has tested Chicago at every turn. While the home side has been trying to steady itself, there has at least been a small bright spot in the system: prospect Xavier Villeneuve was named Hockey East Rookie of the Week after piling up three assists in a recent game.
Los Angeles arrives with momentum from a productive road swing, and the Kings have also had to manage their own roster news after winger Mats Zuccarello was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. For Chicago, the bigger concern is still the broader picture, with the end of the homestand offering one more chance to interrupt an ugly slide before the schedule turns. [Read more 🡒]