Elliotte Friedman Drops A Bomb Regarding A Blockbuster That Almost Happened

In a surprising turn of events, the Philadelphia Flyers traded top prospect Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks due to his reluctance to play for the team.

The move, which brought in Jamie Drysdale, raised questions about whether the Flyers could have secured a more significant return for Gauthier.

Insights from Elliotte Friedman's podcast, 32 Thoughts, revealed that the Flyers had initially explored a deal with the Colorado Avalanche involving highly touted defender Bowen Byram. Friedman stated,



The proposed 1-for-1 trade, Gauthier for Byram, faced resistance from the Avalanche, who insisted on a more substantial package for their promising defenseman.

As a result, the Flyers turned to the Ducks and secured Drysdale in the deal. While Drysdale is a promising addition, the revelation about the initial pursuit of Byram adds an intriguing layer to the trade narrative, leaving fans to ponder what might have been in an alternate scenario.

Trade negotiations in the NHL often unveil complex dynamics, showcasing the delicate balance teams navigate in their pursuit of optimal player acquisitions.

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NHL players in this story
Bowen Byram
Jamie Drysdale
Cutter Gauthier