In an effort to improve team defense, over the Summer Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher sought out veteran players who had the reputation of being reliable in their own zone. Specifically, on defense. This led to trades with both the Washington Capitals, and San Jose Sharks, that saw the team acquire Matt Niskanen, and Justin Braun.
While there was a contingent of backers, both trades were criticized at the time, with one of the more prevailing thoughts being that team added two players who were past their primes and, more importantly, whose positive on-ice contributions were no longer outweighing their negative ones.