More Flyer dealing: Gauthier traded for a pair of Kings

The NHL free agency period has begun today, but that hasn't stopped the Flyers from continuing to make trades. The Flyers traded away recently waived Denis Gauthier and his 2.1 million dollar salary, along with a second round pick, to the Los Angeles Kings for defenseman Patrik Hersley and left wing Ned Lukacevic. The second round pick the Flyers traded away is for the 2010 draft.

Both Hersley and Lukacevic appear to be more AHL fodder for the Phantoms, although both are 22 and have some upside. Hersley appears to be the better prospect. He is big at 6'3'', 205 pounds, and he was the 15th ranked prospect in the Kings system according to Hockeysfuture.com. Hockeysfuture.com believes that Hersley could be a No. 2 or 3 defenseman in a few years, citing his size, strength, physical play and mobility as positives. Lukacevic has less upside and his future is more of a defensive forward.

I applaud Paul Holmgren for getting rid of Gauthier and getting anything in return. The Flyers were likely going to have to buy out Gauthier's contract which would have cost them against the cap, so making this deal frees up even more free agent money. Giving up the second round pick as well may seem like a lot to give up but it was probably the piece that convinced the Kings to take on Gauthier's contract.

Yet another deal where Holmgren gets a defenseman. He hasn't had to give up too much to acquire nearly a half dozen quality d-men, all he needs is for 2 or 3 of them to pan out down the road and this will shape up to be a great off-season.