Philadelphia Flyers claim Johnny Oduya off waivers

The Philadelphia Flyers added a notable name on trade deadline day, claiming Johnny Oduya off waivers.

NHL trade deadline day has brought a solid flurry of deals. But some players have landed on new teams after being waived, and to that end the Philadelphia Flyers have reportedly claimed veteran defenseman Johnny Oduya off waivers from the Ottawa Senators.

Oduya had eight points (four goals, four assists), a plus-2 rating and 32 penalty minutes over 51 games for the Senators this season. But he is of little use to a team with the second-lowest point total in the Eastern Conference, and as a trade deadline seller Ottawa apparently couldn’t find a trade partner.

Oduya is now 36 years old, and he won Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015 before signing with the Dallas Stars ahead of the 2015-16 season. He was traded back to the Blackhawks late last season.

For the Flyers, Oduya puts some veteran savvy and ample playoff experience (106 games) at the bottom of the depth chart along the blue line. His plus-minus and influence on puck possession metrics should remain relatively neutral, assuming similar, or probably a little less, ice time compared to what he had this season with Ottawa (17:12 per game).

As a side note, Philadelphia would be on the hook to pay Oduya an additional $500,000 in bonuses if he plays another 14 regular season games this season and they hold on to a playoff spot.

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The Flyers are getting hot again at the right time, as they’re 9-0-1 over their last 10 games with five straight wins entering Monday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Oduya isn’t likely to move the needle much as the regular season winds down. But if he can come up with a timely play once in awhile during the playoffs, and be a steady presence “in the room”, the Flyers will be happy with it.