The San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers are in the midst of trade discussions that could see forward Ryane Clowe on the move.
According to a report from St. John’s newspaper The Telegram, a Clowe-to-Flyers trade is close to being completed.
The report also indicates that Clowe — who becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season — and the Flyers have already worked out a new multi-year contract. Currently, Clowe, who must waive his no-trade clause for a deal to be completed, has a salary cap hit of $3.625 million.
Flyers beat reporter Frank Seravalli confirmed the report from The Telegram, however other reports suggest a Sharks-Flyers deal may not be imminent.
Clowe has been one of the best power forwards in the NHL over the last four seasons, however the Newfoundlander has not produced at his usual output this season. Clowe has recorded a mere 11 assists in 28 games this season without registering a goal.
The 30-year-old, who also has 79 penalty minutes this season, is a big body that can add a physical element to a lineup, ideal for playoff-type hockey. There are many teams reportedly interested in acquiring Clowe, including the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild and New York Rangers.
According to csnne.com, the Sharks are said to be looking for first-round pick plus a prospect for Clowe’s services.
Clowe was drafted in the sixth round (175th overall) by the Sharks in the 2001 NHL Draft and has played all 423 career regular-season games with San Jose.