Let’s not bury the lede here, the Flyers announced a blockbuster trade right in the middle of a game on Monday night.
Prized forward prospect Cutter Gauthier is headed to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second round pick. The trade came as a complete shock, as most anticipated that Gauthier would finish up his collegiate career this season and head to the Flyers.
According to Keith Jones and Danny Briere, dialogue began over the summer with Gauthier’s camp about his apparent displeasure with the organization. The Flyers gave the player space after that. Then, communication fell apart.
I don’t want to spend too much time talking about Gauthier here. If the Flyers are to be believed, then that tells me all I need to know about Gauthier and his character. He wouldn’t have been able to hack it in a city like Philadelphia if he could be so easily pushed over the edge.
Moreover, the Flyers are getting a quality, equally tantalizing talent in return in Jamie Drysdale. That’s the exciting part. The 21-year-old Drysdale possesses high-end hockey sense, coupled with electric skating ability. Injuries have been a concern. However, his potential is that of an impact player at both ends of the ice that should comfortably average 20-plus minutes per game.
That could happen as soon as this week.
Flyers Fall to the Pens
Owen Tippett was the lone goal scorer for the Flyers in their 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh. Carter Hart made 35 saves in the loss as well. While it may be hard to beat a team three consecutive times, Philly likely would’ve preferred to put some distance between them and the teams chasing them for a playoff spot currently. Right from the onset, the Penguins Rickard Rakell scored just 45 seconds into the contest and they didn’t let up after that. Pittsburgh now pulls within just two points of the Flyers.
Did You Know?
Travis Konecny (5-5—10 in 7 GP) had his recent point streak snapped at eight games in this game.
On Deck
The Flyers return to action on Wednesday, when they host the Montreal Canadiens.
