How Does Trade Deadline Affect Lehigh Valley?
While the Philadelphia Flyers were relatively quiet on trade deadline day, there were several moves made by the organization that has a direct effect on their AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms, who are currently in first place in the Atlantic Division.
Philadelphia Flyers claimed defenseman Johnny Oduya off waivers from Ottawa Senators
The Flyers' lone move of the day saw them add a veteran defenseman that was a part of two Stanley Cup Championship teams to help bolster their depth on the back end. It turned out to be a very important move from the Phantoms' point of view because of what else happened on the waiver wire Monday.
Colorado Avalanche claimed defenseman Mark Alt off waivers from Philadelphia Flyers
In a bit of a surprise, the Avs claimed Mark Alt off waivers. Flyers reporters caught up with Alt after the team's morning skate in Montreal in advance of their game tonight.
"Yeah, very actually. I mean these things can happen," Alt said when asked if he was surprised when he was told the news. "I figured it was more of getting ready for the potential to play in playoffs down in Lehigh and that's kind of something they have to do this time of year. Definitely surprised, but excited for the opportunity at the same time."
At the time he spoke to media, Alt said he hadn't spoke with anyone from Colorado yet about his role with the team, etc.
"There's mixed emotions. It's good and bad," Alt said when asked about moving on from the Flyers. "Good to feel wanted, at the same time it's tough leaving the team. It kind of goes both ways there. I have been in Philly for five years, up and down I have gotten to know all these guys, coaching staff and all the staff in general. That part is hard because I really felt at home here. It's going to be tough making that move, but I'm so excited for the new opportunity."
Since Alt was claimed on waivers Monday, he is not eligible to play in the AHL so at least for this season the pending restricted free agent will remain in the NHL.
If Oduya wasn't claimed by Flyers, which GM Ron Hextall said happened before they knew that Alt was claimed by Colorado, it would have left the Flyers with only six defensemen on the roster - likely requiring them to call up a defenseman from the Phantoms. Instead, these two waiver moves canceled each other out with regards to impact on Lehigh Valley.
Alt would have been assigned to the Phantoms and made him AHL-eligible this season/postseason had he cleared waivers.
Philadelphia called up forward Matt Read, reassigned goalie Alex Lyon and forward Oskar Lindblom to Lehigh Valley (AHL) prior to 3 p.m. ET deadline
Matt Read was called up to the Flyers and since the move was made before Monday's 3 p.m. ET deadline, he won't be eligible to return to the Phantoms this season or postseason.
The silver lining for the Phantoms came with the news that both Alex Lyon and Oskar Lindblom were assigned to Lehigh Valley prior to Monday's trade deadline, meaning they'll both be eligible to play in the AHL this season.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Flyers' lack of trade activity Monday is good news for its AHL affiliate.
Here's a look at who is eligible to play with Lehigh Valley the rest of the season including the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs:
Goalies
Alex Lyon (currently with Flyers), John Muse (signed to NHL contract after clearing waivers Monday), Anthony Stolarz and Dustin Tokarski
Defensemen
Sam Morin (injured), Phil Myers, Travis Sanheim, Will O'Neill, Max Lamarche, Mark Friedman, James de Haas, T.J. Brennan and Reece Willcox (injured)
Forwards
Cole Bardreau, Greg Carey, Tyrell Goulbourne, Colin McDonald, Corban Knight, Mikhail Vorobyev, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Danick Martel, Radel Fazleev, Mike Vecchione, Chris Conner, Phil Varone, Oskar Lindblom (currently with Flyers) and Alex Krushelnyski
Additionally, the Flyers prospects playing in juniors and the collegiate ranks are eligible to join the Phantoms on amateur tryouts at the end of their respective seasons as well.
Any player on an NHL roster is not eligible to participate in the AHL this season or postseason.
