Carl Grundstrom has quietly put himself in the middle of a Flyers roster problem, and it’s the kind of problem coaches usually like until they have to actually solve it.
In the early part of the 2026-27 season, the 28-year-old Swede has worked his way into Philadelphia’s top six alongside Trevor Zegras and Owen Tippett. That’s a very different lane than the one he’s usually occupied, but it has fit. Grundstrom has given that line some ballast, helping both Zegras and Tippett at even strength while the Flyers continue to search for more consistency as a team.
The numbers from Natural Stat Trick tell the story pretty clearly. Without Grundstrom, Zegras and Tippett were out-attempted 26-10 and out-chanced 13-1.
That kind of impact is exactly why Grundstrom has spent two seasons earning trust in Philadelphia. He’s been willing to do whatever the staff asks, and right now that means the unglamorous work: forechecking hard, leaning into contact and making life easier for skill players around him.
"Obviously, two really, really good hockey players. I love playing with those guys. I just try to be hard on the forecheck, play physical, play my game to help them out," Grundstrom glowed to The Hockey News after Sunday's practice.
It’s not the first time he’s been used in this kind of supporting role. Last season, he also spent time on the wing with Noah Cates and Matvei Michkov.
His path to a lineup spot wasn’t exactly secure, either. The Flyers placed Grundstrom on waivers Sept. 23, and he cleared. That move came with some roster flexibility in mind, especially with Denver Barkey and Nikita Grebenkin injured and Philadelphia keeping an eye on possible openings when either player returns.
Grundstrom isn’t spending much time worrying about the business side of it.
"Just try to play my game... play my game and work hard. That's my mindset."
He has appeared in at least 47 games in each of the last six seasons, so he’s no stranger to sticking around. Still, nothing is guaranteed here. He’s the kind of bottom-six piece teams can live with, maybe even count on, but his hold on an NHL job remains fragile.
For now, though, he’s doing the one thing that makes roster decisions complicated: he’s making himself useful. If he keeps bringing the physical edge and pace that have helped stabilize Philadelphia’s lines, the Flyers are going to have to make some uncomfortable choices.
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The move also comes with a tough decision elsewhere, as Alex Bump is expected to come out of the lineup to make room. For a club trying to balance development with immediate performance, those calls can say plenty about where the staff sees its depth chart right now. Dan Vladar will also be back in goal for his second start of the season, adding another layer to a game that will offer a clearer picture of how the Flyers want to line up as Barkey re-enters the mix. [Read more 🡒]
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Simon Edvinssons frustration with his contract negotiations has opened the door to the possibility of a move, even as the Red Wings still want to work something out. Seattle and Pittsburgh are also said to be in the mix, which means any team serious about making a push may have to come in aggressively before Detroit is forced to decide whether to keep negotiating or listen more seriously to outside interest. [Read more 🡒]
Flyers Get Timely Boost Before Tampa Bay But Two Statuses Loom
The Flyers got a little healthier at the right time as they prepared for Tampa Bay, with the latest injury report bringing some encouragement to a lineup that has had to absorb its share of bumps. Denver Barkey appears close to returning from a lower-body injury, and his progress gives Philadelphia another option as it looks to sharpen its depth for a tough matchup.
There is still some uncertainty, though, because Rasmus Ristolainen remains in the mix after leaving a recent game with a hand issue. Barkeys possible return also comes with a procedural wrinkle, since he would have to come off injured reserve first, which could mean a corresponding roster move before he is available. [Read more 🡒]