How “In’ Are the Flyers on D-Men Seth Jones and Dougie Hamilton?

As per Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Flyers might be players on both Dougie Hamilton and Seth Jones. Hamilton is a free agent who just finished off a contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, while Jones is a defenseman with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jones has let the Jackets know he has no intention of signing an extension this season and intends to test free agency. As such, he’s likely to be traded.

Where do the Flyers fit into all of this?

Flyers’ Top Priority is Defense

Carchidi writes that the Flyers are looking to add a top-tier right-handed defenseman. He notes, “Jones and Hamilton are two of the best who fit that description.” He goes on to say that he thinks Hamilton would be a perfect fit with the Flyers, but he will probably re-sign with Carolina. As for Jones, Carchidi explains:

Columbus’ Jones would be a great consolation prize, and he has said he will test the free-agent waters when his contract expires after next season. So what would he cost in a trade? Plenty. And before the Flyers put together a hefty package, they would need to get assurances that Jones would sign a long-term deal here.

One of the things going for the Flyers is that buzz is Jones wants to play in a hockey mad market in a big U.S. city. He has a home in Dallas, so the Stars are also rumored to be a team in the mix, but the Flyers fit the description of the type of team Jones would consider. Carchidi asks, “Would a package of, say, a first-round pick, Phil Myers, Nolan Patrick, and Scott Laughton get it done?”

More Insiders are Linking the Flyers

Elliotte Friedman noted on his latest episode of Morning Skate, “I would not be shocked at all if he ends up there.” When it comes to Philadelphia, the team has pieces the Blue Jackets might consider so as not to feel like they lost their best defenseman for nothing.

If the Flyers are able to get themselves in the mix and do land him, they’ll immediately look to extend him. What will it cost to do so? It is a “whatever it takes” scenario? Or, do the Flyers and Jones have that conversation before any deal is finalized?

What’s interesting about both Jones and Hamilton being linked in a trade to the Flyers is that Jones might want to wait to see what Hamilton gets in free agency before agreeing to anything.