NHL Rumors: 3 teams who should make a trade offer for Patrick Kane

Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher has rarely met a trade conversation he didn’t like, dating back to his tenure with the Minnesota Wild, even if it meant giving up draft picks for a middling veteran. To that end, in what would be a move for a player firmly in his prime if not with it still ahead of him, they may be in the conversation to get Patrik Laine from the Winnipeg Jets.

With just $4.8 million in cap space right now, the Flyers would have to give up a notable player or two to make any significant trade. Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere lingers as a trade candidate, with three years left on his contract as he fell down the pecking order (due partly to injury).

The Flyers won a first-round series this past season, before losing to the Islanders in seven games in the second round. Bold moves may be required to make a push for a deeper playoff run, hence the idea they are interested in Laine. If Laine is off the table, then a pivot to someone like Kane can’t be ruled out.

Let’s figure Kane is willing to go to Philadelphia, and Chicago possible retains a bit of his salary. But this deal works without any money being retained.