Okay Flyers fans (and I'm a huge fan), I'm surprised at the negativity. Let's break this down:

1) Niskanen is clearly a better player than Gudas and a clear cut Top 4 defensemen (albeit likely 2nd pairing at this point).

2) His 5.75 cap hit is reasonable and for only 2 more years.

3) He's right handed, and he's a good skater and does have some physicality (and will fight occasionally).

4) You want to change things up and improve, well this does just that.

In Niskanen an all-star? No. Does he make this team better? Absolutely. Gudas was solid but a fringe 2nd/3rd pairing guy. He was very expendable and retaining 30% of his cap hit (just over $1M for just this year) helps the sides make the deal.

What's the issue here? If anything I'd imagine Caps fans are disappointed - but it makes sense for both teams.

Chalk me up as a fan of this trade. Go Flyers.
- cmr.266

I think it's a good trade for Philly. Niskanen's point totals are down the last few seasons because they've got Carlson running that PP. Almost all of his points are 5v5. He can still skate and make that first pass and join the rush. Also, not a liability for a match penalty

Niskanen has 6 more points playing 4 minutes more per night.

Niskanen of a Few years ago and this trade makes sense, IMo
- ImThatGuy

I think Flyers fans overrate Gudas. He's okay. Advanced stats are very inflated because he literally fires the puck at the net every time he touches it.

It's a small but important upgrade. If it was Niskanen from a few years ago he would cost a hell of a lot more than Gudas on last year of contract.

Okay Flyers fans (and I'm a huge fan), I'm surprised at the negativity. Let's break this down:

1) Niskanen is clearly a better player than Gudas and a clear cut Top 4 defensemen (albeit likely 2nd pairing at this point).

2) His 5.75 cap hit is reasonable and for only 2 more years.

3) He's right handed, and he's a good skater and does have some physicality (and will fight occasionally).

4) You want to change things up and improve, well this does just that.

In Niskanen an all-star? No. Does he make this team better? Absolutely. Gudas was solid but a fringe 2nd/3rd pairing guy. He was very expendable and retaining 30% of his cap hit (just over $1M for just this year) helps the sides make the deal.

What's the issue here? If anything I'd imagine Caps fans are disappointed - but it makes sense for both teams.

Chalk me up as a fan of this trade. Go Flyers.
- cmr.266

I would never ever call Gudas a 2nd pairing guy, even if it's fringe. He's an OK/solid 3rd pairing guy.
Niskanen is definitely a 2nd pairing guy just like Schultz.

I wasn't expecting that one.

Dominos

Strange, Gudas was hated as the plague after last season. And his iffy PO performance.Now suddenly he is an HOF D man.

Sick blog Ek.

Strange, Gudas was hated as the plague after last season. And his iffy PO performance.Now suddenly he is an HOF D man.
- Landsbergfan

Right!? Like I mentioned, he's okay. If we had signed a Tyler Myers instead people would be complaining we're overpaying a defenseman.

Not sure what people expect in reality. This helps the Flyers. They're not close to done.

lmao

Nisky > Radko... Facts.

Which Cap will be suspended more next season? Gudas or Wilson?

The 4 teams that made the Cup finals the last two years have been big, heavy and physical.

Fletcher responds by getting smaller, slower, softer and more expensive.

Is it possible he’s part of a Trouba trade and the jets prefer him over Gudas?

Which Cap will be suspended more next season? Gudas or Wilson?
- gergeswillems

Neither. They will morph into a player named... Gudilson! He will only play one game after giving concussions to an entire team in one shift.

Is it possible he’s part of a Trouba trade and the jets prefer him over Gudas?
- Ross77

Everything is possible in the CraZy offseason.

The 4 teams that made the Cup finals the last two years have been big, heavy and physical.

Fletcher responds by getting smaller, slower, softer and more expensive.
- acd513

Niskanen is actually slightly bigger. Niskanen certainly faster.

Softer? I guess, but Gudas wasn't really a porch clearer. More expensive yes, but got the better player.

dominozzz

garbage. even with niskanen having a down year, he is still infinitely better than Gudas.

The Capitals ice crew can't be too happy about all the extra wear and tear on the ice surface from Wilson and Gudas dragging their knuckles around out there all night
- eichiefs9

LOL, couldn't have been said any better than this!

I think it's a good trade for Philly. Niskanen's point totals are down the last few seasons because they've got Carlson running that PP. Almost all of his points are 5v5. He can still skate and make that first pass and join the rush. Also, not a liability for a match penalty
- lonnyBohonos

Until last year, Niskanen was our best defender since the day he was signed.

I wasn't expecting that one.
- gergeswillems

Neither was Ek.

Neither was Ek.
- Cousinskrid

Ek still has another 24 hours with the Stanley Cup.

garbage. even with niskanen having a down year, he is still infinitely better than Gudas.
- Blackstrom2

Why are the Caps doing this?

Why are the Caps doing this?
- gergeswillems

Cap space. No pun intended.

Niskanen is 4 years older, is more expensive, is signed for longer, was arguably worse than Gudas last season (though they're pretty close) and the Flyers retained salary to acquire him for some reason.

I really don't understand why the Flyers would do this beyond "change for the sake of change" because all this does is make them a little older and a little more expensive.