It should not be a surprise to anyone that the Flyers defense was abysmal for the most part of the shortened 2021 regular season, and GM Chuck Fletcher has a lot of work to do this offseason. Obviously needing to beef up the defense the Flyers have been rumored to be one of the favorites to land Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones in a trade. The 26 year old defenseman is entering the final year of his 6 year $32.4 million dollar contract and has made it clear he will not resign with Columbus in 2022. If the Flyers were to take on the risk of trading for him they would have to ensure that they could resign him after the upcoming 2021-2022 season.
The asking price for the former 4th overall pick in the 2013 is rather high however, with an estimated package of Joel Farabee, Phil Myers, two high draft picks, and a prospect to acquire to Jones. The asking price is large, but if I were Chuck Fletcher I would take the time to determine where the near future for this franchise lies. Trading a lot for Seth Jones is a major win now move, and this roster last season did not win a lot, but if Fletcher believes Jones is the difference between last years team sucking and making the playoffs, then I am all for this move. However, I would not do the deal with Farabee involved and would rather substitute Travis Konecny in the deal if it will be enough. Farabee lead the Flyers in goals last season and was a lone bright spot on offense, it does not make much sense to me to trade him now for a defenseman.
Another question mark for the Flyers is whether or not they protect Jakub Voracek from the expansion draft, where he will most likely be chosen by the Seattle Kraken if not protected. It would be bitter sweet to let someone like Voracek get taken, but the cap relief would be very kind on the Flyers front office. It is most likely the Flyers figure out what they are doing in the expansion draft before making any kind of free agency moves or trades this offseason. But if the price is right, the Flyers should make the deal for a proven first line defenseman that will definitely get Carter Hart some help for the long term.