Post expansion

Nah. Seattle has so many better options than JVR to take from Flyers, despite his amazing start to this year. A measly 3rd won't change a thing here.

Just curious, if Flyers protect:

Coots, G, Jake, Hayes, TK, Lindblom and Patty
Provy, Sanheim, Myers
Hart

What would be Seattle's "better options"? I really like Laughts but since he's a UFA, Flyers probably won't protect him.

Also, what do you think the Flyers would need to add to get Seattle to take JVR?

Don't see them taking UFAs either, so it'll probably be one of their younger guys. Aube-Kubel, Rubtsov or Bunnaman. Maybe Ghost if he can get his ducks in a row. Or Hägg.

They pale in comparison to JVR in terms of level, but they're also $6M cheaper (aside from Ghost). Saying they're better options is a bit subjective, I admit, but none of them are going to become an issue for the team, unlike JVR should he start declining.

In the VGK draft, Tampa paid 2nd+signing rights of Gusev in order for VGK to take Garrison's big contract off their hands. So there might be an example for you.

Maybe Samuel Morin and a 2022 2nd round pick as compensation for taking JVR?

JVR is scoring at over a 100 point pace right now. Even if that isn't sustainable, Seattle wont take German Rubstov who will probably never be an NHL player over him and Philly won't have to pay for them to want to take JVR

Doesn't really matter. If he could sustain it, PHI would protect him. If he can't sustain it, SEA is not picking him. Point being, it's very unlikely that Seattle actually take him. Too expensive and too fickle.

I don't see Rubtsov being the realistic option. It'll most likely be Aube-Kubel. Or possibly Myers, should PHI strengthen their D near the deadline. I kinda reckon they will.

Wouldn't be too surprised if they acquired Dumba.