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Flyers' Hextall open to a trade before league freeze

The GM is working the phones but says there is only a slight chance he makes a deal.

Flyers GM Ron Hextall at the Flyers Skate Zone in April.
Flyers GM Ron Hextall at the Flyers Skate Zone in April.Read moreDAVID SWANSON / Staff Photographer
    by Sam Carchidi | Columnist
    Published 

Some of quick hitters from Ron Hextall's news conference Friday at the Skate Zone in Voorhees:

* He said there was a 25-75 chance the Flyers will make a deal before the 3 p.m. trade freeze on Saturday.

As you get close to the deadline, general managers "get a little more serious," Hextall said. "They come at you straight instead of around the bush. You never know."

* On the Jonathan Drouin trade from Tampa Bay to Montreal: "I think any trade of that magnitude everyone is shocked, but it makes sense for both teams. I think it was a good deal for both teams. Tampa got a young defenseman. Tampa had a protection problem and cap problems, so when you think about it, it makes sense for both teams."

Hextall would not comment when asked if the Flyers were talking with Tampa about Drouin.

* The GM said the Flyers don't plan to buy out any players. He added that it was still possible they re-sign Steve Mason, but Mason's agent made it sound like a long shot. The Flyers still have not made an offer to Mason, a prospective unrestricted free agent.

* Hextall said the Flyers "in a perfect world" will draft seven forwards, three defensemen, and a goalie next week.

* The GM said that he has not finalized his expansion list for Vegas, and that he will use the seven-three-one protection format, meaning he will protect seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie.

Teams must submit their list to Vegas by 5 p.m. Saturday.