It’s time for another round of NHL Rumours to start the week. We’re getting near the start of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, general managers may already be dealing with the future. There are some teams trying to get into the post-season, but what happens if a team falls short? We’ve got plenty to unpack on this early-week edition. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Calgary Flames and the Philadelphia Flyers.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Calgary Flames
Rumour: The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie looked at the possible knock-on effect of making Dustin Wolf the Flames’ goalie of the future.
Dustin Wolf has ways to go. But he definitely looks like a goalie who needs more time in the NHL.
I spoke to Dustin about that dreaded San Jose loss and how he’s since rebounded from it. I also wrote about what has to happen next. @TheAthleticNHL https://t.co/SjFvW8Pjwk
— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) April 7, 2024
Analysis: Wolf played well in the AHL and won a number of awards for his exploits with the Calgary Wranglers. In contrast, there were some early struggles in his first few starts this season. The 22-year-old has tried to make some adjustments to the NHL game and it’s been a little bit better as of late.
He still only has a 3-7-1 record with a 3.30 goals-against-average and .895 save percentage. However, there has been tangible growth that gives the Flames some hope. Wolf has acknowledged that there will be some growing pains. Despite this, he’s gotten better at dealing with these setbacks.
This brings up the question for the coming offseason. There was plenty of chatter that General Manager Craig Conroy was going to move starter Jacob Markstrom at the trade deadline. However, none of that came to fruition. Markstrom was unhappy about the way things were handled when it came to trade talk. The veteran Swedish netminder does have control of where he wants to go. He does have a full no-movement clause that he would have to waive in order to make a move happen.
If Markstrom does get moved, prepare for a lot more of Wolf and Daniel Vladar in between the pipes. There may be some issues in dealing with a young goalie, but the Flames seem to be ready to deal with them.
Philadelphia Flyers
Rumour: Kevin Kurz of The Athletic discussed the ramifications of the Flyers missing the playoffs and what may happen in the offseason.
If Flyers miss the playoffs now, there could be offseason repercussions
More 🔗 https://t.co/QqJIrUxJgf
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) April 7, 2024
Analysis: Philadelphia has held a post-season spot for most of the campaign. However, the team is fighting for its lives with the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Islanders all in the mix for the spot the Flyers have held onto all along. Many thought the Flyers weren’t ready to contend for a post-season spot this early, but their early-season play got them into position.
However, finishing the story is a different matter all together. The pressure is on Head Coach John Tortorella and there have been some odd decisions that have been made. Dealing Sean Walker and scratching team captain Sean Couturier have been just a couple of the more head-scratching actions. Tortorella has even admitted that he’s made some mistakes down the stretch.
Philadelphia has dealt with some things that have been out of its control like the Carter Hart situation. That’s forced the Flyers to give Samuel Ersson, Felix Sandstrom, and Calvin Petersen a chance in goal. Ivan Fedotov has been pressed into service and not been given much of a chance to adjust to the North American game.
But what do the team’s struggles mean? Does General Manager Daniel Briere need to make a move or two in the offseason? Kurz mentions Tortorella and Briere are evaluating talent towards the end of the season. Some players like Travis Konecny, Joel Farabee and others have struggled at times during the streak. The Flyers took steps this season, but it may not be enough. Some changes may need to be made.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
