As the NHL season resumes, the Philadelphia Flyers are stepping back into the thick of things with renewed focus. With the Olympics wrapped up, players are returning from Milan, bringing fresh narratives to the team, particularly for two of their defensemen.
Travis Sanheim, who represented Team Canada, had an impressive run, skating alongside some of the NHL's elite. Despite settling for a silver medal, Sanheim's performance has undoubtedly elevated his status. As the Flyers face the Capitals on Wednesday, all eyes will be on him as he continues to establish himself as a top-tier defenseman.
Rasmus Ristolainen, on the other hand, was a standout for Team Finland, playing a pivotal role in their bronze medal victory. His physical, high-minute gameplay, especially in partnership with Niko Mikkola, showcased his value. With the NHL trade deadline looming on March 6, Ristolainen's stock is on the rise, making him a hot topic for potential trades.
The Flyers' pre-Olympic season was a rollercoaster, marred by injuries, inconsistency, and fatigue, leaving them on the outside of the playoff picture. Currently, they're sitting at 25-20-11 with 61 points, trailing behind the Bruins and Sabres in the Wild Card race. With just 26 games left, the Flyers face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot.
The upcoming stretch of five games before the trade deadline is crucial. General Manager Danny Brière faces a tough decision: stay the course or pivot towards a deadline sell-off to gather assets for the future.
While playoffs weren't a must this season, visible progress was the goal under new head coach Rick Tocchet. Early signs were promising, with standout performances from Trevor Zegras and Dan Vladar, but a rough January derailed their momentum.
Injuries have taken a toll, notably with Tyson Foerster sidelined for the season. Matvei Michkov's sophomore slump hasn't helped, and the team's depth, particularly at center, remains a concern. The power play struggles continue, adding to the challenges.
Brière has been clear that the players' performance will dictate the pace of the rebuild. The message before the break was clear: there's still a long way to go. With Porter Martone excelling in college hockey, finding a spot for him will soon be essential.
Ristolainen's Olympic performance has likely attracted interest from other teams. With a manageable $5.1 million contract for next season, he could be a valuable trade piece. The Flyers also have a surplus of wingers, presenting another opportunity to make moves before the deadline.
To truly compete, the Flyers need a game-changing center, either through the draft or a trade, as the free-agent market doesn't offer a clear solution.
As the season grinds on, the Flyers aim to finish strong, hoping to make a last-minute playoff push if everything falls into place.