In the interest of both team cohesion and future success, the Philadelphia Flyers must prioritize finding opportunities to include Marc Staal more frequently in their lineup and on the ice.
Despite being 37 years old, Staal has only participated in three of the Flyers’ last 13 games, largely due to the team’s surplus of defensemen following Jamie Drysdale’s acquisition from the Anaheim Ducks. As the veteran among the group, Staal has consistently found himself as the odd man out.
It’s probable that Staal anticipated a rotational role when he joined the Flyers in July, but injuries and the emergence of Egor Zamula have further limited his playing time. Carrying eight defensemen isn’t conducive to a healthy roster, and it’s understandable that no athlete, regardless of their career stage, wants to sit on the bench consistently.
If the Flyers aim to give Staal a chance at one last Stanley Cup run with a competitive team, they might struggle to find suitors for him in the trade market. Staal’s lack of significant playing time and potential concerns about his fitness could deter potential trade partners.
With the trade deadline looming, the Flyers may look to offload some of their older players, with Scott Laughton being a particularly sought-after asset. However, the lack of interest in Staal’s services could present a challenge for the team.
For the sake of Staal’s career, the team’s performance, and their long-term prospects, the Flyers would benefit from shaking up their lineup to incorporate him more consistently, even if only for a few games.