Philadelphia Flyers Trade Rumors: Kerby Rychel

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in acquiring some talent on defense and are willing to part ways with left wing prospect Kerby Rychel in order to do so. The Philadelphia Flyers are in desperate need of left-wingers and are all about acquiring youth to give their hockey team a bright future. For these reasons, Ron Hextall should reach out to Columbus and see what it would take to get Rychel sporting orange and black next season.

One other thing: CLB looking for D and hearing Kerby Rychel’s name out there. Jackets are loaded with good, young forwards. He has value. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 16, 2015

In the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the Blue Jackets took Kerby Rychel with the 19th-overall pick. Although his NHL experience this season was limited to only five games, the 20-year-old from Torrance, California still managed to record 3 assists. In the AHL, Rychel was able to tally 12 goals and 21 assists; giving him 33 points with the Springfield Falcons. At such a young age, Kerby Rychel brings with him a large amount of promise and potential.

Although the Flyers have plenty of defensemen to send the Blue Jackets way, there is no guarantee that Columbus would be interested in giving up Rychel for what Philadelphia has to offer. Ron Hextall would love to send Andrew MacDonald in a package; but this is highly unlikely due to his very undesirable contract. In reality, the blue-liners that could be featured in a deal with Columbus would include either Luke Schenn or Nicklas Grossmann (possibly both). In addition, the Flyers would most likely have to include a mid-round draft pick or a young defender. Brandon Manning would most likely be the defensive prospect that Philadelphia wouldn’t mind parting ways with. The Flyers also have an abundance of picks in this year’s draft so parting with one may not be too big of a deal.

Sep 17, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kerby Rychel (52) shoots during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Flyers chances at acquiring Kerby Rychel all depend on what Columbus is looking to get for him. Everybody is aware that they want defense; but what caliber of defender are they looking for? If they want a top-tier defensemen, Philadelphia would unfortunately have nothing to offer them.

Adding Kerby Rychel to the Flyers roster would be a great acquisition. He would help fill a huge need, and has the potential to be a solid NHL player for years to come.