NHL Rumors: 3 Philadelphia Flyers Expected to be Traded

The Philadelphia Flyers have struggled this season sitting with a 13-20-8 record, good for fourth last in the Eastern Conference. Management is expected to start selling off some assets, including some of the team's leadership core. Let's take a look at three Flyers expected to be moved before the Mar.21 trade deadline.

Claude Giroux

The Flyers captain is in the final season of his contract, making $8.27 million on the salary cap. Giroux holds a full no-movement clause and will certainly be in control of his future. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek mentioned on the 32 Thoughts podcast they see the Colorado Avalanche as a fit. A couple of other team's with cap space and appear to be playoff bound include the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks. Both teams could make a run at Giroux as they have roughly $20 million in cap space. So far in 38 games, the 34-year-old has recorded 33 points. His 73 points in 85 games of Stanley Cup playoff experience could be used on all the teams across the league. We'll have to see if Giroux wants to move, and who's willing to meet the high asking price.

Rasmus Ristolainen

The towering defenseman is another pending free agent, making $5.4 million against the cap, however he doesn't hold any trade protection. In his first season in Philly, Ristolainen has recorded 10 points in 37 games. He loves to throw his body around and is one of the most physical defensemen in the league. There's going to be a ton of interest as right-handed defenseman are hard to find. There's been some rumblings teams have already made offers to the Flyers so we'll have to see if he makes it to the trade deadline. It's a matter of when and not if Ristolainen gets moved.

Martin Jones

The veteran netminder is signed for $2 million this season and with Carter Hart as the goalie of the future in Philly, Jones' name has been mentioned on the rumor mill. The Edmonton Oilers have checked in according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN and while his numbers don't jump off the page, Jones could provide some teams with more depth for their crease. While the Oilers could be interested, so too could the Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Expect to see Jones moved before the Mar. 21 trade deadline as the Flyers look to cash in on some assets.

Photo credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports