Flyers Look Ahead, Team USA Adds a Surprise Name, and Ullmark Speaks Out
As the NHL calendar rolls into late January, the Philadelphia Flyers are gearing up for their next stop on the West Coast swing, while the rest of the league continues to churn with Olympic roster surprises, trade chatter, and one goaltender’s powerful return to the spotlight.
Let’s dive into what’s happening around the league and with the Flyers.
Philadelphia Flyers: Brink Returns, Utah Awaits
The Flyers are back at it Wednesday night, heading into Salt Lake City to face the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center. Utah’s riding high on a seven-game point streak, while Philadelphia just managed to stop the bleeding with a much-needed win over Vegas.
One name to keep an eye on? Bobby Brink.
The young winger made his return from injury against the Golden Knights and looked active throughout the game, even if it didn’t show up on the scoresheet. With Travis Konecny continuing to do the heavy lifting offensively, the Flyers could use a spark from Brink to help spread the scoring load.
As for the broader picture, there’s growing chatter about the Flyers' rebuild and whether they should make a splash to accelerate it. A top-line center might be available - and those don’t hit the market often.
The question now is whether Philadelphia should consider pushing their chips in and overpaying to land a true 1C. It’s a big swing, but one that could reshape the timeline of this rebuild.
Olympic Shake-Up: Jackson LaCombe Joins Team USA
Team USA’s blue line just got a shake-up. With Seth Jones unable to participate in the upcoming Winter Olympics, USA Hockey made a surprising move by naming Jackson LaCombe as his replacement.
LaCombe may not have the name recognition of Adam Fox or Lane Hutson, but there’s a clear logic behind the selection. He played at the World Championships - Fox and Hutson didn’t - and brings more of a defensive-minded game to the table. That balance might be exactly what GM Bill Guerin is aiming for as he builds out the roster for Milano-Cortina 2026.
LaCombe’s path is also a testament to the value of development. A four-year NCAA player at Minnesota, he’s steadily climbed the ranks and now finds himself on one of the biggest stages in international hockey. It’s a reminder that not every NHL star is a one-and-done college phenom or a teenage breakout - sometimes the long road pays off.
Linus Ullmark Opens Up About Mental Health
In Ottawa, Linus Ullmark is preparing to return to the crease, but before that, he took a moment to speak candidly about the personal challenges that led to his recent leave of absence.
Ullmark sat down with TSN’s Claire Hanna and opened up about his mental health journey - a rare and admirable move in a sport that often keeps personal struggles behind closed doors. The Senators had previously addressed and shut down unfounded rumors surrounding his absence, and Ullmark’s honesty now brings clarity and, more importantly, perspective.
It’s a powerful reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health, even in a league built on toughness and grit. Ullmark’s willingness to speak out could pave the way for more players to feel comfortable doing the same.
Trade Rumors Heating Up: New York, Calgary, and Beyond
With the trade deadline inching closer, the rumor mill is starting to hum. According to TSN’s Insider Trading, both New York and Calgary are heading toward full-on fire sales. There’s no shortage of suitors circling, and the market could shift quickly depending on who’s willing to pull the trigger first.
Linus Ullmark’s situation also factors into the goaltending market, though his return to play might cool some of the speculation around Ottawa’s plans.
Devils Grind Out a Much-Needed Win
Elsewhere in the Metropolitan Division, the New Jersey Devils found a way to gut out a 2-1 win over a tough Western Conference opponent. Much like the Flyers, the Devils had been trending in the wrong direction, so this win - however gritty - could be just the kind of momentum shift they need.
It wasn’t flashy, but sometimes a low-scoring, grind-it-out win is exactly what a struggling team needs to reset. With the playoff race tightening, every point matters - especially in a division as competitive as the Metro.
What’s Next
For the Flyers, Wednesday’s matchup in Utah offers a chance to build on their recent win and start stacking points again. Keep an eye on Brink’s minutes and usage - if he starts clicking, it could be a game-changer for Philadelphia’s offense.
And across the league, the Olympic buzz, trade whispers, and personal stories like Ullmark’s continue to shape the NHL’s landscape. Buckle up - it’s going to be a fascinating few weeks.