Finding a true top-line center is becoming one of the toughest jobs in hockey right now, and the Philadelphia Flyers are feeling that reality more than most teams. They are looking to add another center who can be an impactful player within their top-six. The problem is that most of the obvious options either aren't available or come with serious obstacles.
Dylan Larkin reportedly only has three teams on his trade list, including the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights. Robert Thomas reportedly isn’t leaving the St. Louis Blues, and Mathew Barzal would likely cost a fortune to acquire from the New York Islanders. Now, Flyers GM Daniel Briere has to accept that he may not be in the running for the top available centers, but he can still find a solution.
1. Mason McTavish
If the Flyers want to swing big, Mason McTavish is probably one of the more interesting names out there. He has the size, skill, and edge that teams spend years looking for. Unfortunately, he appears to have fallen out of favour under Joel Quenneville. However, at just 23 years old, he could fit in well with the Flyers’ young core and could find good success under Rick Tocchet.
This could be the third trade that Philadelphia and Anaheim have done, with the Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras trades being the other two. And now they could land McTavish for the right cost. If the Ducks are willing to listen, Briere should at least make the call. He could be the exact player that they're missing to finish their rebuild.
2. Barrett Hayton
Next up, Barrett Hayton, who feels like a different type of bet. He doesn't have the same ceiling as some of the bigger names being discussed, but there is still plenty to like about his game.
As a restricted free agent with the Utah Mammoth, he could also be easier to acquire than some of the other options on the market. That's part of what makes him interesting. Philadelphia wouldn't necessarily be paying for what Hayton is today. They'd be betting on what he could still become over the next few years. That said, rather than going down the road of offer sheeting, the easier solution may be to trade for his RFA rights and sign him to a contract.
3. Boone Jenner
Lastly, Columbus Blue Jackets’ captain Boone Jenner, who might be the most realistic target of the group. He isn't going to solve Philadelphia's center position for the next decade, but he would be a great addition. Jenner brings stability, wins draws, plays hard, and can play big minutes against the opponent's top line.
Despite making the playoffs and beating the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Flyers are still trying to build an identity. Jenner is the kind of player that coaches trust immediately. He’s not going to be the flashiest addition, but he would give Philadelphia a dependable top-six option while some of the younger players continue finding their footing at the NHL level.
