Wow! Minutes after the roster freeze went into place, we got this BOMB yesterday. Ryan Ellis is going to a Philadelphia Flyer.

Before we get into what this means for Ellis and the Flyers moving forward, let’s take a look at what the Flyers sent the other way.

Phil Myers ($2.2)

Myers is a 24-year-old, right-handed defenseman, who like his teammates, didn’t have the best 2020-2021 season. Signing a 3-year extension with the Flyers on December 8th, 2020, Phil came into last season carrying a little more responsibility than he did a year prior. As one of the first in-house options last year when the topic of who’s going to replace Matt Niskanen came up, Myers didn’t quite fill those holes management and fan were hoping he could. Looking back on it, I think fans and even the front office put way too much responsibility on Myers’ plate after having one good year in his first full season in the league. Myers was projected to be one of the three defensemen protected for expansion but Ryan Ellis will take that spot now.

Nolan Patrick ($874,125)

An RFA this off-season, I had the Flyers protecting Patrick solely based on the fact that I didn’t think they would risk losing him for nothing, felt like, despite his disappointing season, they still thought they could get some kind of value for him. Cody Glass is also a part of this deal, with Vegas hopping in on the action and sending their first-round pick in 2017 to Nashville while receiving Nolan Patrick in return. Nolan Patrick’s status with the organization was something that has been talked about since the year has ended, it’s nice to finally get some clarity.

4G-5A-9P in 52 games this year, this was always a possible scenario, I wish Nolan Patrick all the best.

Ryan Ellis ($6.25 AAV)

I’m really excited to watch Ryan Ellis play hockey in Philadelphia. A right-handed shot, Ellis is only 30 years old and holds a cap hit of $6.25 AAV that doesn’t end until 2026-2027. With the Flyers reportedly not interested in Seth Jones anymore based on his unwillingness to extend his contract in Philadelphia, Chuck Fletcher switched gears and made some noise another way.

Provorov – Ellis

Sanheim – ??

York – Braun

Morin/Zamula

With the roster freeze taking place not even an hour ago, I’m sure we’ll see a couple more trades leak through just like we do on trade deadline day but this is probably it for Chuck Fletcher until the expansion draft on July 21st. Ellis didn’t have the best year, only putting up 5G-13A-18P in 35 games, but he’s a guy who can play in your Top 4 and eat minutes with Provorov. I’m guessing Chuck is banking on last year as being an outlier considering Ellis always seems to be good for 6-7 goals and 20+ assists a year.

I can see some people looking at his down year, some of the injuries, that contract that pays him $6.25 until 2026-2027 and have some worries, they’re warranted. The truth is this; There was always going to be some sort of risk when you’re trying to acquire a player that fills the need the Flyers needed, this was a good trade for Chuck and a solid way to get this oh so important off-season rolling.

Side Notes

Myers’ protection slot will be filled by Ryan Ellis so that’s not a question. Patrick (I assumed) was going to be protected, now that leaves a spot open (NAK? JVR?)

I don’t see why Chuck would want to protect JVR and that $7.0 AAV so I’m interested to see his lists, they should be released to the public tomorrow.

The prediction of one of Sanheim/Myers being moved seemed to be on track, pretty much tells us Sanheim is here to stay unless Chuck is REALLY making some changes.

Read More: Looking ahead at the Flyers and the expansion draft

Mandatory Credit: YONG KIM Inquirier