3 Philadelphia Flyers Who Could Be Traded This Offseason

The Philadelphia Flyers found themselves on the outside looking in to the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season after a regular season of ups and downs. Some inconsistent performances across their lineup got in the way of success and management will be looking to make some changes to the roster for next season.

3 Flyers Who Could Be Traded This Offseason:

1. Shayne Gostisbehere: The offensive-defenseman has been amongst the trade rumors for years now and being sent to the waiver wire this season was a tell-tale sign the team has seen enough. The 28-year-old has two years left at $4.5 million per season and could very well find himself selected by the Seattle Kraken this summer. If the Kraken stay away, expect to see a trade with the likes of the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators having different levels of interest. Gostisbehere scored 20 points in 41 games last season.

2. James van Riemsdyk: Another Flyer who could be left unprotected for the expansion draft, JVR will be a little harder to trade because of his cap hit. The scoring winger makes $7 million the next two seasons and at his age may be slowing down a touch. Last season JVR potted 17 goals and 43 points in 56 games, however the Flyers are looking for goaltending options and a defensive stud and JVR could be included to facilitate the acquisitions.  

3. Claude Giroux: The long-time Flyer is entering the final season of his current contract, and rumblings have begun about his desire to play back closer to 'home' for the second half of his career. A trade to the Ottawa Senators would be a blockbuster and is a deal that both sides could pull off because of the amount of young talent on the Sens. Time will tell if it's just rumors or if there's legit substance to Giroux heading to Canada's capital.

Honorable mention goes to Nolan Patrick who is the most likely of any Flyer to be moved after changing agents and notifying the team he wouldn't mind a change of scenery. The Flyers are expected to be aggressive this offseason, and are looking to add someone like Dougie Hamilton to their mix. If they don't end up spending some cash on the free-agent market, look for management to make a big trade or two. These names could be involved, one way or another. 

Photo credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports