The Philadelphia Flyers are headed towards a rebuild that could take a few years or a number of years. Either way, Kevin Hayes’ contract, along with a number of others, doesn’t fit what the team is trying to do right now. Frank Seravalli said to expect the Flyers to facilitate a deal for Hayes this summer and noted that teams that had previous interest at the trade deadline are among those to watch. Let’s check out the five teams and reveal their interests.
Carolina Hurricanes
Even though the Carolina Hurricanes are expected to re-sign Jordan Staal to be their third line center, that doesn’t address the largest issue they had throughout this season, a second line center. The team ran with Jesperi Kotkaniemi down the stretch and in playoffs, but there were also some significant injuries and the role wasn’t addressed at the trade deadline. While Kotkaniemi did alright, Hayes would be an upgrade and create more forward depth, something the Hurricanes were short on through their playoff run with injuries.
Columbus Blues Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets don’t have what anyone would call top-six centers on their team and are in need of help if they are going to turn things around in short order. While injuries really plagued their team this season, their roster needs adjusting regardless. Their first and second line centers are currently Boone Jenner and Jack Roslovic who couldn’t record more than 45 points each.
Related: 3 Philadelphia Flyers Offseason Trade Candidates
Hayes on the other hand posted 54 points in John Tortorella’s system. Since Cole Sillinger needs more time to reach the level the Blue Jackets expect, Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine need more immediate help and Hayes is signed for three more seasons.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars could lose Max Domi in free agency this year and the team thrived by spreading the wealth over their top three lines this season. That means they need to bring in talent to replace what they are losing and there is going to be a hole down the middle. Wyatt Johnston proved that he can handle middle-six duties at center, but for security, the Stars should look for a more experienced centerman like Hayes. If the team dives into free agency to find their answer, they will probably have to sign the player for too long and for too much money. The Stars were very good running three strong lines and must do that again next season.
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings have been fairly quiet so far while they have lots to do and a ton of money to spend. This season Andrew Copp proved that he would serve better as a strong third line center, meaning the team should go out and bring in a second line center to play behind Dylan Larkin. There should be help coming internally in a couple of years in a full time role, so in the meantime while the Red Wings try to reach the playoffs, they need some help.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild have to be very conscious about money for the next two seasons again as they have nearly $15 million tied up in dead cap. The best they can hope for is bargains stepping up and providing value which they got from a number of players this season. An area that wasn’t addressed and still very much needs to be is center. Philadelphia is willing to retain salary on Hayes and his contract is three years, two factors that almost perfectly line up with the Wild’s timetable to get them through this tough time. At the very least they continue trying to make the playoffs and see how things go from there, but they need help down the middle.
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