I don't hate this trade (not sure I like it, though) and understand the rationale. Flyers get their veteran leader on defense in Niskanen and they will buyout McDonald to open a space on defense. Bummed to see Gudas go. Thought he was decent last year, had a good contract and seemed well liked. Niskanen had an off year, but he's got more meaningful experience than Gudas. I will say this: the void of players difficult to play against gets bigger. Gudas was at least somewhat tough to play against. Niskanen can be cheap, but I don't know if he's difficult. Maybe I don't know enough about his game. Did hate him on the Penguins. Maybe Morin fills the void?
I was initially put off with the retained salary, but it's only for one year and the Flyers have room. However, I suppose this may be one more case where Fletcher blinked and perhaps wasn't aggressive enough when making the deal. I don't know. I felt that way a little bit about the Talbott and Simmonds trades. This smells a little like more of the same. Oh well.