RALEIGH, N.C. – Even though Nick Deslauriers is now playing for the Carolina Hurricanes, in a way he’s still helping his former team, the Flyers.
Deslauriers was a veteran who really taught some of the young players on the Flyers about how to be a pro before he was traded back on March 6.
While in Philly, it was a labor of love for the veteran who, for now, still calls the city his home. His kids even continue to go to school there.
After Saturday morning’s skate before Game 1 at Lenovo Center, Deslauriers said he appreciated the way his time in Philly ended. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere made sure the big forward wound up in a place where he would be comfortable and feel useful.
“I think it was brewing for quite a bit, I wasn’t playing much,” Deslauriers recalled. “Had a long talk with Danny and came to the conclusion that if somebody wants me (in a trade), I’d like to.
“But I also loved it there. He (Briere) came up to me and said ‘I don’t think something is going to happen.’ And then it did.”
In the end, it worked out well for Deslauriers. He’s fit in well with a solid contender.
“I never wanted to leave,” Deslauriers said. “But at the same time, for my career, I needed to focus on something, try to prove to myself I can play in this league again.”
Deslauriers was a valuable role player with the Flyers and the same is true with the ‘Canes.
“Give credit to the Philly organization, they’re building something good, too, with all the young guys,” Deslauriers said. “So it was time for my departure after that.”
As it turns out, this was a “friendly” team for Deslauriers to join because ex-Flyers defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker were already here.
“It’s been an easy transition,” Deslauriers said. “The culture here, eight years in a row in the playoffs. It’s almost all the same group. It was easy to come in. I knew ‘Walks’ and ‘Ghost.’ And there were two guys in Montreal I played with.”
Philadelphia might even end up being a destination spot when his career ends.
“We love it there,” Deslauriers said. “My kids are there, it’s hard not seeing them but the city, I had some great years there. I think what we built there, I only have high praise for that city and the team.”
When Deslauriers was traded, the Flyers were six points out of the playoffs. Then they made their miracle run, winning 18 of their last 25 games. Clearly they have the right stuff.
“After the Olympic break, you could see something was changing,” he said.
>Tippett skates but status unknown
Owen Tippett, who did not practice on Friday as he tries to recover from a couple injuries, skated with some of the extras on Saturday morning.
His availability for Game 1 was not discussed. At least Tippett was able to get back on skates and that’s a positive sign for the team.
>Quotes of note
Carolina star Sebastian Aho on the Flyers: “It’s a great hockey team. They play at a really high level. No one is in at this time of year unless you play great hockey. I’m sure it will be a tight series.”
Ex-Flyer defenseman Sean Walker on Philadelphia’s rebuild: “I think even the year I was there, before I got traded, we were in a playoff spot the whole year. You know, you can see they’re making steps in the right direction. It’s good to see Philly having a good team.”
Flyers’ Denver Barkey on defending against the Hurricanes: “They bring a fast-paced game. We have to make sure we’re really prepared for that right off the start. Not get away from our game.”
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