The latest trade rumors have the Philadelphia Flyers eyeing a potential deal for forward Drew O'Connor from the Vancouver Canucks. With the NHL trade deadline looming on March 6, the Flyers are considering a long-term move, despite their current playoff position. The Canucks, in the midst of a teardown, are expected to sell off assets, including O'Connor, who has been a consistent depth contributor offensively. One source suggests that the Flyers could be a strong contender for O'Connor's services, given their need for a big, strong forward with size, speed, and skill.
The connection between the Flyers and O'Connor is further strengthened by the fact that Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet and assistant coach Yogi Svejkovsky previously worked with the Canucks, where O'Connor played. This could indicate a personal connection and appreciation for O'Connor's game. O'Connor, a 27-year-old forward, is under contract for next season at a reasonable $2.5 million AAV and has a history of consistent performance, scoring 16 goals and 33 points in his first full NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He then continued his strong play with 10 goals and 25 points in 84 games for the Canucks.
However, the Flyers' interest in O'Connor is not without challenges. The team already has a surplus of wingers, and adding O'Connor would further crowd the lineup, potentially affecting the playing time of players like Nikita Grebenkin and Alex Bump. Despite this, O'Connor's versatility and solid hockey skills make him a valuable asset for any team. The Flyers might be considering him as a replacement for Garnet Hathaway, who is aging and may need to be replaced soon.
The potential trade for O'Connor comes with a high price tag, as the Canucks are likely seeking a draft pick in the first few rounds. This could be a significant investment for the Flyers, especially for a team that might not even make the playoffs. The decision to pursue O'Connor would depend on the assets the Flyers are willing to part with and the overall strategy of the team's rebuild.
