Are More Moves On The Horizon For The Flyers?

Ever since GM Chuck Fletcher was put into power, moves being made were just a matter of time. The moves that fans have been asking for haven’t been made just yet. However, things are starting to be put into motion.




First, Fletcher sent role-playing center, Jordan Weal, to Arizona for a 6th round pick and a minor league player. Then, last night, Fletcher sent Taylor Leier to Buffalo for Justin Bailey.

 

The Jordan Weal trade was essentially opening up a roster spot on the NHL roster. A roster spot that has been yet to be filled. But, the second move, Taylor Leier for Justin Bailey, brings in some possible insight to a future role with the team.

 

Bailey, a former 2nd round pick in 2013, is just 23 years old and has seen limited NHL time, 52 games, in his 4 years pro. But, Bailey is a big, 6′ 4″, speedy winger uses his body and athleticism to his advantage. If Bailey turns into a role-playing forward, it is a good move.

 

However, don’t get your hopes up. From the outside, it was just a typical AHL for AHL player swap. Both players were are in their final year of contract and both players didn’t really look to be in their teams future plans. But, the trade allows both players to play for a new contract with their respected teams.




Both of the trades Fletcher has made already have gotten rid of guys that were brought in by the previous regime. Could another player that was brought in by that regime be on his way out too?

 

Dale Weise signed a 4-year $9.4 million contract back in the summer of 2016. A move that many fans found shocking for a guy that struggled after being moved to cup-contender, Chicago Blackhawks, at the deadline the year prior. After performing well in year one, Weise has went down-hill ever since. Seeing his role taken over by younger, faster players. Which led to his waiver decision to start the season.

 

But, do to injuries, Weise stayed with the team and has been a pleasant surprise at some points during this season. However, just like previously in his Flyers career, Weise couldn’t maintain his success for long periods of time and the Flyers waived him again earlier this week. Again being passed on and going unclaimed.

 

However, this time, it seems Weise’s waiver decision may be the last with the Flyers.



 

According to a source, after going unclaimed, Dale Weise requested a trade. The Flyers granted Dale Weise’s agent permission to talk to teams and find a potential trade partner.

 

Now, you may ask, why would someone trade for him if he want unclaimed? Well, this is the magic of agents. Dale Weise’s agent is now in the drivers seat. His agent is going to teams, just like if he was looking for a contract, and supplying teams with what Weise can bring to the table.




Plus, going the trade route, the Flyers can help this process with holding back salary or formulating a bigger trade with a team if his agent can find one or if one presents itself. If his agent can’t find a team, it seems a buyout is very much possible. From the players tones in the locker room, it seems Weise will not dawn the Flyers jersey again this season or next.

 

In the end, the Weise situation is just another move the Flyers are making to rid themselves of moves that the previous regime made. Over the next month, the Flyers will be in the market of selling off veteran assets to the highest bidder in preparation for next season.

 

Moves that could see some veteran Flyers players time in Philadelphia come to an end.



By Brandon Sommermann | January 18, 2019