The Flyers as of today see themselves 8 points behind the Boston Bruins for the last and final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference despite having points in their last 7 games and going 6-2-2 in their last 10. Their recent run is a result of the team finally settling in with stellar goaltending (RIP Mason) and playing Berube's system at full force for the first time all season. A team-wide commitment to defense and timely offensive have been the catalyst of their recent strong play. Helping them to finally get over the .500 mark for the first time since the early stages of the season. So what are we to make of these last 28 games? They are too good at the moment to settle for a top 5 draft pick but also too far behind to realistically catch the Bruins for the 8th seed. The recent injury of Steve Mason who has been quietly playing at an elite level since November all but ends their playoff hopes. However top 4 defensemen (on the Flyers top 2) Braydon Coburn and the miraculous return of Kimmo Timonen are on the horizon which should bolster the blueline tremendously. So what's Hextall to do come the March 2nd trade deadline if this team is a handful of points out of a playoff position? Will he attempt to sell off assets for draft picks or try to make a legitimate run. One things for sure whether the Flyers are out of it or not they will have 9 healthy defensemen once Coburn and Kimmo return.
Contenders looking for an extra veteran defensemen will certainly be calling.
My question to the readers are would you be in sellers mode if the Flyers are a handful of points of a playoff spot come the deadline?