Will Flyers be interested in a familiar name at trade deadline?

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Leading up to the April 12 NHL trade deadline, we're looking at potential targets on the market and why they may or may not fit the Flyers' plans.

Michael Del Zotto

  • Age: 30
  • Height: 6-0

  • Weight: 195

  • Team: Columbus Blue Jackets 
  • 
2020-21 cap hit: $700,000

Scouting report

The former Flyer Del Zotto is a fluid skater that can move the puck with his legs. He has always been known for his offensive strengths going back to when he was taken in the first round of the 2008 draft by the Rangers.

Despite playing with a willingness to block shots and deliver hits, the lefty-shot blueliner has had the reputation of being a defensive liability throughout his career. However, over his last two NHL seasons, he has been serviceable on the back end: 23 points (four goals, 19 assists), a plus-11 rating, 189 hits and 93 blocked shots in 87 games.

Del Zotto has been a well-traveled defenseman over the last five seasons, playing for five different teams: the Flyers, Canucks, Ducks, Blues and Blue Jackets.

One of his better NHL seasons came with the Flyers in 2014-15, when he played 21:55 minutes per game and put up 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) over 64 contests.

Projection

Not sure Del Zotto would be an upgrade from what the Flyers have in-house. He would be another layer of depth and experience, but the Flyers aren't lacking puck-moving guys and need to drastically cut down on their 3.55 goals allowed per game.

Currently, who would he play over? Tough to say.

What could make Del Zotto appealing to the Flyers is that he's earning the league minimum on an expiring contract and would fit seamlessly in the club's locker room, having played with a number of the current Flyers. Del Zotto would probably cost the Flyers a low-round draft pick if they think he could help them pull off a surge in the playoff race.

More targets

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