The Winnipeg Jets are apparently willing to tango as a Philadelphia Flyers trade partner.
The Flyers have scouted many Western Conference teams this year, just as the Jets have scouted many Eastern Conference teams. However, the two sides have scouted each other a substantial amount in recent months.
But, what would Winnipeg want in a Flyers trade? Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press asserts on X that the Jets are looking for reinforcements on the blueline. The Flyers, obviously, have a few defenders that might pique their interest, including the likes of Nick Seeler and Sean Walker.
#NHLJets have heavily scouted the Flyers as well, including GM Kevin Cheveldayoff staying behind an extra day in Denver during December road trip to watch them play the Avalanche.
Winnipeg in the market for blue-line add. Philly has a few likely to be available. https://t.co/JFNoqFLdvR
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) February 19, 2024
McIntyre’s commentary was in addition to an observation made by Dave Minuk of Illegal Curve, who noted that the Flyers have been scouting the Manitoba Moose for some time now. Not only that, they’ve been sendingdifferentscouts to each game, getting a fresh set of eyes on the Moose roster each time.
That said, there’s five players who could be available that would make a ton of sense for the Flyers in a potential trade.
No. 5: Cole Perfetti, C, Winnipeg Jets
Let’s start with the obvious and perhaps the most desirable candidate in Perfetti. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft is coming along just fine, but he hasn’t developed much from last year to this year.
The 22-year-old has played fewer than 14 minutes in three of his last five games, and hasn’t scored a point in any of those games. Perfetti, does, however, have a respectable 30 points in 53 games overall. That would tie him with Travis Sanheim for fifth in scoring on the Flyers – three points behind Sean Couturier’s 33 and five behind Owen Tippett’s 35.
Perfetti’s scoring pace of 0.56 points-per-game puts him on track for well over 40 points across an 82-game season. The Flyers certainly could use young centers to build towards the future with, but getting the Jets’ blue-chip forward prospect in a trade for a rental defenseman is going to be a tough ask.
No. 4: Brad Lambert, F, Manitoba Moose
Lambert could be off the table for the same reason Perfetti might be. One could make the other expendable, which means the Jets would have to make a choice.
Lambert, the 30th overall pick in 2022, is a dynamite skater who uses his speed and skill to manipulate defenders and create offense. The 20-year-old’s greatest pre-draft concern was his lack of production in Finland’s Liiga. That’s all gone now that Lambert has put up 15 goals and 30 points in 41 AHL games with the Moose this season.
If he is available, the Flyers would suddenly have another electric talent to pair with the likes of Tippett and Matvei Michkov as part of their future. Again, this is a huge ask, but there’s no harm in trying.
No. 3: Ville Heinola, D, Manitoba Moose
Heinola is a player whose NHL career is yet to get off the ground, though it’s not due to a lack of talent. The Finnish defenseman has actually played with the Jets at the NHL level in four different seasons, though he’s never been able to stick for more than a dozen games at any given point.
The 22-year-old profiles similarly to Cam York, a player with bundles of hockey IQ and offensive talent who can play well at both ends of the ice. Heinola had 37 points in 48 games with Manitoba last season and was poised to make the big club this year, but broke his ankle in early October and lost the chance.
Now back in the AHL, would the Jets be willing to move a defenseman in the minors for Flyers defensem*n in the NHL? On paper, it would make a ton of sense for both sides.
No. 2: Chaz Lucius, C, Manitoba Moose
Lucius is as much of a tragedy as he is talented. The 18th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Lucius has suffered four season-ending injuries in four straight seasons.
The American forward will turn 21 on May 8, but his season is already over after undergoing ankle surgery towards the end of January. Lucius is an incredible offensive talent with a menacing shot, high in-zone IQ, vision, and a quick processor when he has the puck.
It’s hard to say whether Lucius would be enough in a Flyers trade on his own at this point, but he’s the kind of talent the Flyers would love to have more of in their cupboard. His injury history undoubtedly darken the clouds which hang over his NHL future.
No. 1: Nikita Chibrikov, F, Manitoba Moose
If the Flyers want to bring in another Russian to help onboard Michkov, Chibrikov is going to be their guy. Chibrikov is playing in his first season of pro hockey in North America this year, and has managed to put up 14 goals, 19 assists, and 33 points in 46 AHL games with the Moose so far. His 39 penalty minutes will probably be a sore spot, but those could be due to a pace adjustment if not for causing tussles and such.
Chibrikov was drafted 50th overall in 2021, and for good reason. The 21-year-old is a skilled passer and puck-handler who can threaten with his shot, and few defenders can handle that in combination with his speed. The only caveat is that Chibrikov doesn’t always use his gifts to create chances or put himself in positions to score or help his teammates score.
Given the way the Flyers and head coach John Tortorella have developed players this year, that wouldn’t be an issue for long.
The Flyers have plenty of options when it comes to trading with the Jets, but it will, of course, come down to a mutual understanding between Danny Briere and Kevin Cheveldayoff on the returns.
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