The Philadelphia Flyers weren't supposed to be here - not in the playoff conversation, not flirting with relevance in a deep Metropolitan Division, and certainly not making noise in the Eastern Conference. But for a while, they were doing just that.
A strong start to the 2025-26 season, fueled by improved goaltending and the addition of Trevor Zegras, had fans dreaming of a postseason return. Then came the crash.
Heading into Tuesday, February 3, the Flyers have dropped 11 of their last 13 games. That once-promising surge has slowed to a crawl, and at 24-20-10, they sit with 58 points - seven back of third place in the Metro.
Not out of it, but no longer in the thick of it either. They’re not spiraling quite like the rival Rangers, but the gap is closing.
Now comes the Olympic break. After Thursday, the league presses pause, with teams returning to action at the end of the month.
But the break doesn’t just offer rest - it brings reflection. The March 6 trade deadline looms large, and every GM is facing the same question: buy or sell?
For Flyers GM Danny Briere, the answer isn’t so simple. The recent skid has put him in a tight spot, and the market isn’t exactly overflowing with easy fixes.
Trade Market? More Like a Minefield
If the Flyers were looking to add a true difference-maker, the big name floating out there is Artemi Panarin. But let’s be real - that’s not happening.
Panarin has a full no-move clause, is reportedly seeking a $50 million extension, and oh yeah, he plays for the Rangers. Even if he were willing to waive his clause, it’s hard to imagine New York dealing their star to a division rival.
Beyond Panarin, the options thin out fast. There’s always chatter about a Rick Tocchet-Vancouver connection, but the Canucks aren’t exactly dangling ideal trade targets.
Elias Pettersson has the skill, no doubt, but he’s not producing at a level that justifies taking on the six years and $11.6 million left on his deal. Jake DeBrusk and Evander Kane?
Neither moves the needle enough to justify giving up future assets.
Nashville could be a wild card, with big-name veterans like Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly on the roster. But the Predators are in the playoff hunt themselves, and their asking prices reflect that. They’re not giving those guys away.
So, what’s left? Not much - and that’s exactly why Briere is preaching patience.
Sticking to the Plan
This was never supposed to be a “playoffs or bust” season. Flyers President of Hockey Ops Keith Jones and Governor Dan Hilferty made that clear before the puck even dropped.
The goal was growth - to see strides, not necessarily results. And for a while, they got that.
The Zegras addition looked like a home run early, and the young core was starting to find its rhythm.
But the injury bug hasn’t been kind. Tyson Foerster’s season-ending shoulder injury was a major blow, and the depth just hasn’t held up under the strain.
That’s why Briere is staying the course.
“It doesn’t change the vision,” Briere said. “It doesn’t change what we’re trying to do.
It’s still about the future. It’s not just in the moment.
Don’t bank on any rentals and to give up assets. We’re not at that stage yet.”
And he’s right. Mortgage the future for a short-term boost?
That’s a risky play for a team still figuring out who it is. The Flyers may be tied for eighth in the East, but there’s a long road ahead - and no quick fix that’s worth the long-term cost.
Deadline Decisions Still Loom
If the slide continues, the conversation could shift from “who can we add?” to “who can we move?” The Flyers have several players on expiring deals, and if the postseason starts to slip further out of reach, Briere may need to explore selling - not just to recoup value, but to keep building toward something sustainable.
This isn’t about giving up. It’s about understanding where the team is in its arc.
The Flyers showed early this season that there’s something brewing. But instead of chasing a playoff spot at all costs, the smarter move might be to let the process play out - and make sure the foundation they’re building actually lasts.
There’s still time to right the ship. But whether they climb back into the race or not, the Flyers’ long-term vision remains unchanged. And that kind of discipline - especially in a city that demands results - might be the most important win of all.