The Philadelphia Flyers are in a tough spot, with their goaltending situation in the spotlight. With Dan Vladar out and Sam Ersson and Aleksei Kolosov not looking like NHL goalies, the team faces a challenging road ahead. The Flyers' front office, led by Danny Briere, has two main options: stick with the current trio of goalies or make a trade. While the first option may provide a top draft pick, it doesn't align with the team's goal of making strides this season. So, the Flyers might consider trading for Jordan Binnington, a goalie who could bring a change of scenery and a much-needed boost to the team's performance.
Binnington, despite his current struggles, has a history of coming through in big games and has the trust of Team Canada. His -18.5 goals saved above expected and .871 save percentage are career lows, but his ability to lock in and perform in crucial moments is notable. A change of scenery, especially to a city like Philadelphia, could reignite his potential. Binnington's versatility is evident in his consistent starting record, with at least 54 games in three straight seasons. His save percentages have fluctuated, but a .900 save percentage would be a significant improvement for the Flyers.
One concern is Binnington's contract, with a $6 million cap hit for the next two seasons. However, the Flyers' financial situation allows for this investment, and the rising cap makes it a manageable decision. Trading for Binnington could also address the locker room dynamics, as his hot-headedness might be embraced in Philadelphia. The best-case scenario is a playoff run, with Binnington potentially stealing a round. However, there's also a risk of him flaming out and taking the team to the bottom of the standings. If the trade doesn't work, the Flyers can deal with his contract for one more season and potentially trade him to another team.
The idea of trading for Binnington is intriguing, and it might just be the crazy move that turns the Flyers' fortunes around. It's a risky move, but one that could bring a much-needed boost to the team's goaltending situation and overall performance.
