Philadelphia Flyers Trade Target: T.J. Oshie

With only fifteen days until the draft, we will start witnessing trades taking place between teams very soon. Right before the draft is usually the busiest time of the offseason for trades, and one can imagine this year will not be any different. Since Ron Hextall took over as General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, the team has done more of acquiring draft picks than acquiring players when it comes to trades. The Flyers currently have twelve draft picks in what promises to be a deep draft. This mindset will set the orange and black up for a promising future; but if Philadelphia wants to make the playoffs next season, they are going to need to make a deal for some established talent that can help the team immediately.

Mar 12, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing T.J. Oshie (74) scores a goal past Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) during the shoot out at Scottrade Center. The St. Louis Blues defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

One team that may be interested in making a deal with Philadelphia is the St. Louis Blues. After another highly impressive regular season, the Blues once again failed to do anything in the postseason. Although this is a very talented hockey team, it is clear that some changes need to be made. The word around the NHL is that St. Louis is open to dealing “American hero” T.J. Oshie for the right price. It is unclear if the Flyers have what the Blues desire; but Ron Hextall should definitely make a phone call and find out.

For the past seven seasons, T.J. Oshie has played a key role in the Blues success. This past season, Oshie tallied 55 points, 19 goals and 36 assists. In addition, he was never a risk on the ice as he recorded a +/- number of 17. The Flyers are in desperate need of more consistent offense, and T.J. Oshie would certainly help.

What the Flyers would have to give up in order to acquire T.J. Oshie from the Blues is unclear. St. Louis is in need of solid, experienced defenders, which could make them interested in either Grossmann or Mark Streit. In addition the Blues are without a first round draft pick. The Flyers could send the first round pick they received from Tampa Bay in a package. One could also speculate that the Flyers would not mind sending over Brayden Schenn in a deal as well. If the Blues are truly interested in gaining some postseason experience, the Flyers could try to pitch the idea of adding Lecavalier to the deal; but it is hard to believe that anybody wants him and his undeserved contract.

I am all about the Flyers adding promising prospects to the organization in order to set the franchise up for a bright future. At the same time, I feel it is necessary to surround Giroux and Voracek with talented players now while they are in the prime of their careers. Although trading for Milan Lucic would be my first choice, bringing T.J. Oshie to the orange and black would not be a bad alternative.

Mar 12, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing T.J. Oshie (74) scores the game winning goal during the shoot out at Scottrade Center. The St. Louis Blues defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports