Welcome back to the Thursday best prospect ramblings on the internet. I will touch on a few topics being Shumakov’s return, what Hextall’s firing means for the Flyers prospects, and a recent trade in a one year pool.
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Shumakov returned for the Hershey Bears over the weekend posting two points in three games, and chipping in only two shots. After a wrist injury that kept him out of the line-up for about six weeks his shot totals will stay low as he begins to regain his comfort with his stick. Shumakov is not a typical high volume shooter though so the totals will not be gaudy.
This season the Capitals have really no room for Shumakov unless injures strike. If he stays in North America he could have a top nine spot in the upcoming season.
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With the recent firing of Ron Hextall in Philly, because he did not have a #Gritty enough team (mascot aside) and preferred to go a more patient approach, word is Paul Holmgren wants a GM that can help Philly now and not in time. That can have crazy consequences for the team’s prospect cupboard, which is one of the better ones in the league. When the Flyers bring in a new GM with a mandate to improve the team immediately, and add grit, we should expect some prospects to be on the move.
The Flyers are a nice team for fantasy hockey as they have plenty of scoring. In the plethora of scoring however there are a lot of established players that will keep young players from getting an opportunity to play top six / #1PP time. A move could benefit them the most.
I will list my ideas on the untouchables versus the ones up for grabs. Though will Philly you have to assume no one on that team is untouchable. And yes I do realize that once I write this a majority of players I think are off limits will be moved… *sad face*
Untouchable:
Morgan Frost – Frost is one of the best players in the OHL, and in the entire CHL, you do not just move a player like that.
Joel Farabee – The recent first round pick was the first of the Flyers’ two 2018 first round picks making him unlikely to be moved so soon. He is having a tougher go at hockey for Boston College with just six points in 11 games, but he was projected to be a player you would need to wait a couple seasons on.
Jay O’Brien – O’Brien is the likelier of the two 2018 first round picks to get moved (if one was to be moved); simply because recent first round pick pedigree can command a lot more than it should in a trade.
Philippe Myers – The Flyers’ other other other potential stud defenseman would take a lot to move. Especially as he has 11 points in 18 games in the AHL after finishing last season with 21 points in 50 games. Very unlikely he would be moved.
Cater Hart – Everyone knows who Hart is, he was recently voted top goalie prospect from a consensus of Dobber Prospect writers (for the record I had him fifth and has Samsonov as my #1 as I am right and everyone else is wrong). The Flyers have needed help in net since forever so I would not expect him to be moved at all.
Can be had in a trade:
German Rubtsov – A responsible two-way forward who could be a great #2 centre, but has a tendency to get injured likely lowering his ceiling to that of a #3 centre. On a new team the injury bug may leave him alone and he may finally get some momentum to build on his skills.
Isaac Ratcliffe – The second round pick would be a perfect sweetener for a trade. On a new team there is far less in from of him, and possibly far less players who were first round picks, which could prop him up the depth charts and give him a greater chance to make the NHL.
Maksim Sushko – Has slowed recently in the OHL and has not looked as good as he has in previous seasons. Would be a good “throw in” part of a hockey trade that could come back to bite the Flyers as he still has scoring line upside, the fourth round 2017 pick just needs to become more consistent.
Pascal Laberge – The injured (hip surgery) second round pick from 2016 may be able to help fetch a return but it would not be much as no one knows how young players react to long-term injuries.
Felix Sandstrom and Matej Tomek – Tomek’s value has really crated this season in the NCAA and Sandstorm recently lost the starters’ crease in the SHL. Goalies are really voodoo to predict but these two’s value are at an all-time low. A change of scenery/training system may help.
Because it is Philly they may move:
Nolan Patrick – The second overall selection from 2017 has only briefly looked like a #2 NHL centre in the 94 games he has played so far. Sure injuries have played a large part but doesn’t Patrick just seem like the perfect trade chip for Philadelphia?
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So what was the trade you asked? In a H2H one-year league that counts G, A, Points (no idea there), PPPts, SHPts, Hits and Shots on Goal, I traded Thomas Chabot for Matt Dumba. HEAR ME OUT!!!
Dumba may have 18 points in 24 games, substantially less than Chabot’s 29 points in 25 games, realistically how much will each player end up with? Around 50-60 for each so in my mind I got out while the going was good on Chabot and grabbed the steadier option in Dumba. If Chabot end the season with over a point-per-game then I lose this deal but in the remaining ~55 games (going too quick!) they should have similar points. The bonus for Dumba is that he gets more Hits and Shots than Chabot, and hey both get #1PP time.
Anyway, I think I won the deal. If you disagree tell me on twitter: @FHPQuinn
Thank for reading!