As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in an interesting position.
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren would like to add another physical body to his blueline, but the team will have to move some salary in order to make any changes to the lineup.
According to several published reports, the Flyers are entertaining the thought of trading one of forwards Joffrey Lupul, Scottie Upshall and Mike Knuble.
While Lupul is under contract long-term, Upshall will be a restricted free agent this summer and Knuble can become an unrestricted free agency July 1.
Knuble, 36, is making $2.8 million this season and is on pace for 30 goals. He's proven to be a valuable part of the Flyers' roster, both on and off the ice, and his presence on such a young organization is important.
Sources tell TFP the Flyers are interested in keeping Knuble beyond this season, but negotiations on an extension have not yet started.
Having already won a Stanley Cup [in 1997-98 with the Detroit Red Wings], Knuble is the type of player who can help form a young squad into a consistent winner.
With just over $6.5 million in available salary cap space in 2009-10, the Flyers are going to have to be creative in how they approach the subject of re-signing Knuble.
Both of Philadelphia's goalies, Antero Niittymaki and Martin Biron, are UFAs at season's end, and Holmgren plans on addressing that issue in the off-season. It's believed the Flyers would like to move center Danny Briere, but his $6.5 million price tag makes him almost impossible to trade at this point in the season.
The Flyers possess limited veterans on their roster, and keeping Knuble would be a smart move.
