Reason Revealed Behind Flyers Ducks Swap

PUBLICATION

Matt Garland
January 8, 2024 (8:41 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

An NHL Insider has revealed the details to the blockbuster trade between the Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers

Daniel Brière has been busy reworking the roster as General manager of the Philadelphia Flyers since taking the role in March 2023. Brière has moved on from Ivan Provorov, Kevin Hayes, Anthony De'Angelo.

Today Brière traded Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenceman Jamie Drysdale and a second round pick in 2025.

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Philadelphia had a lot of trouble trying to meet with Gauthier at World Juniors. There was belief within the organization that Gauthier preferred not to play there.

The former 5th overall pick in 2022, Gauthier is in his second year at Boston College. In 17 games this season he has scored 13 goals and 23 points.

Anaheim has paid a steep price to add the American to the franchise. The former 6th overall pick in 2020 Drysdale had a breakout season in 2021-22 scored 8 goals and 32 points in 81 games. Unfortunately he has been unable to replicate that season with injuries being a theme throughout Drysdale's young career. The 21 year old has missed twenty nine games so far this season dealing with injuries. In 10 games he has scored 1 goal and 5 points while averaging 21:35 in ice time.

It's a deal that works out for both teams in the short term as Philadelphia is able to turn an unhappy asset into a potential top four defenceman for years to come and get a second round pick as icing on top. The Ducks add another exciting forward to an already deep cast that includes Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish and Troy Terry.

In his media availability, Daniel Briere confirmed all reported details.