Breaking Down the Flyers' Trade Deadline Landscape - Who’s Staying, Who Might Be on the Move
As we inch closer to the NHL trade deadline, the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves at a bit of a crossroads. With a roster that’s a blend of promising youth, veteran stability, and a few tricky contracts, the front office has some decisions to make-especially if they opt to enter full seller mode. Here’s a tier-by-tier look at how the Flyers’ roster stacks up when it comes to trade potential.
Most Likely to Be Moved - But Not Without Challenges
Rasmus Ristolainen
If there’s one name that pops up most frequently in trade chatter, it’s Ristolainen.
The issue? He’s not an easy sell.
Between his contract and inconsistent performance, the Flyers might find it tough to get significant value in return. Still, if a team is looking for a physical, right-shot defenseman with playoff experience, there could be a fit-especially if the Flyers are willing to retain salary or sweeten the deal.
Not Going Anywhere - And That’s Just Fine
Dan Vladar
There's simply no incentive for the Flyers to move Vladar right now.
He’s locked in and provides reliable depth in net. Unless something drastic changes, he’s staying put.
Veteran Staples: Travis Konecny, Travis Sanheim, Christian Dvorak
These three are essentially off the table.
Konecny is a heart-and-soul player who brings scoring and grit, while Sanheim continues to anchor the blue line. Dvorak adds value as a responsible two-way forward.
The Flyers aren’t in a rush to move any of them-and for good reason.
Trade-Protected: Nick Seeler
Seeler’s full no-movement clause effectively shuts down any trade talk, even though his physical style and cap-friendly deal would likely draw interest otherwise. He’s locked in for now.
Young Core Pieces - Hands Off
Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster, Trevor Zegras
These are the building blocks of the Flyers’ future.
Michkov’s talent is undeniable, Foerster has shown flashes of top-six potential, and Zegras brings a dynamic element few can match. None of them are going anywhere.
Young Talent - Available, But Only at the Right Price
Bobby Brink, Emil Andrae, Nikita Grebenkin
This trio falls into the “not untouchable, but not on the block” category.
Brink has offensive upside, Andrae is a promising puck-moving defenseman, and Grebenkin has shown flashes of creativity. If they’re moved, it would likely be in a deal that brings back a key piece-think top-six center or top-four defenseman.
Only in a Major Deal for a Center
Denver Barkey, Noah Cates, Jamie Drysdale, Owen Tippett, Cam York
This is where things get interesting.
These players aren’t being shopped, but if the Flyers are offered a legitimate top-line center, they might be willing to talk. Tippett’s speed and shot make him a valuable asset, York is developing into a steady presence on the blue line, and Drysdale has the tools to be a long-term fixture.
Barkey and Cates bring versatility and work ethic. All five are part of the Flyers’ future unless the return is too good to pass up.
Contracts That Just Aren’t Moving
Sean Couturier, Garnet Hathaway
Whether it’s term, cap hit, or performance, these deals aren’t going anywhere.
Couturier is still a respected leader, but his contract and injury history make a trade unlikely. Hathaway, meanwhile, brings toughness and energy, but his contract is a tough match for most contenders.
Depth Pieces Who Could Be Flipped in Sell Mode
If the Flyers go full-on seller, there are a few names who could bring back mid-to-late-round picks or prospect depth:
- Sam Ersson - Young goaltender with upside. Could be attractive to a team looking for a long-term backup or 1B option.
- Carl Grundstrom, Noah Juulsen, Lane Pederson, Rodrigo Abols, Nic Deslauriers - Depth options who could fit into a contender’s bottom six or serve as injury insurance. Deslauriers, in particular, brings a physical edge that some playoff teams covet.
Sabres Eyeing Blue Line Help - Who’s on Their Radar?
While the Flyers are evaluating their own roster, the Buffalo Sabres are actively looking to shore up their defensive group. GM Jarmo Kekalainen has never been shy about making bold moves, and with the Sabres in the hunt, blue line depth is a priority.
Here’s a look at some potential targets:
- Connor Murphy (Chicago) - A right-shot defenseman with a physical edge and playoff experience. His $4.4M cap hit and 10-team no-trade clause might complicate things, but he fits the mold.
- Logan Stanley (Winnipeg) - Big-bodied left-shot defenseman who can clear the crease.
Pending UFA with a manageable $1.25M cap hit.
- Justin Faulk (St. Louis) - Veteran righty with offensive upside.
One year left on a $6.5M deal and a 15-team no-trade clause.
- Luke Schenn (Winnipeg) - Classic playoff depth piece. Physical, experienced, and on an affordable $2.75M deal.
- Zach Whitecloud (Calgary) - Steady presence on the right side.
Two years left at $2.75M.
- Mario Ferraro (San Jose) - Mobile left-shot defenseman with leadership qualities. Pending UFA who could thrive in a more structured system.
- Braden Schneider (New York Rangers) - Young, right-shot defenseman with upside.
Pending RFA and could be costly to acquire.
- Nick Seeler (Philadelphia) - Mentioned earlier, but his full no-movement clause likely takes him off the table.
- Simon Benoit (Toronto) - Affordable, physical left-shot defenseman. Pending UFA with a $1.35M cap hit.
Final Thoughts
The Flyers have options-and a lot of them. Whether they choose to stand pat, make a few tweaks, or go full seller mode will depend on how the next few weeks play out.
But one thing is clear: the front office has built a roster with flexibility, youth, and a few valuable trade chips. As for the Sabres, if they want to make a playoff push, reinforcing the blue line is a must-and there’s no shortage of candidates who fit the bill.