Flyers Face Tough Trade Deadline Decisions, But the Writing’s on the Wall
With the NHL trade deadline looming, the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a familiar but frustrating spot: stuck in the middle. Not quite out of the race, but not convincingly in it either.
The front office has said the team’s direction - buying or selling - will depend on how things unfold over the next few weeks. But with the Flyers sitting eight points out of a playoff spot and boasting one of the league’s bottom-ten offenses, the odds of a late-season surge are slim.
That’s led to growing signs that selling may be the most logical move - even if it’s not the most exciting one.
The problem? Philadelphia’s list of pending unrestricted free agents doesn’t exactly scream “deadline gold.”
The most notable names are veteran wingers Carl Grundstrom and Nicolas Deslauriers - solid depth pieces, but not the kind of players that typically spark a bidding war. Unless the Flyers are willing to entertain offers on players with term left on their contracts, this could be a relatively quiet deadline in Philly.
Still, selling doesn’t always mean a fire sale. Sometimes it’s about clearing the decks strategically, opening up cap space, and giving younger players more ice time. That could be the play here - especially with the team’s long-term vision still in development under a front office that’s been preaching patience.
Avalanche Prospect Max Curran Commits to NCAA Path
In prospect news, Avalanche forward Max Curran is taking the college route. The 19-year-old announced this week via Instagram that he’ll be heading to UMass for the 2026-27 season. That’s a notable decision for both Curran and the Avalanche, who selected him in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2024 draft.
Curran’s been productive in the WHL this season, racking up 14 goals and 27 assists in 31 games for Edmonton. But had he stayed in juniors, Colorado would’ve faced a decision by June 1 - either sign him or relinquish his rights. Now, with Curran heading to the NCAA, the Avs get more time to evaluate his development before making that call.
It’s a smart move for a young forward still refining his game. UMass has been a strong development program in recent years, and the NCAA schedule will give Curran a chance to grow physically and mentally without the grind of a 68-game junior season.
Maple Leafs Reassign Rifai to Marlies Amid Olympic Break
Meanwhile, in Toronto, the Maple Leafs made a roster move that feels more procedural than anything else. Defenseman Marshall Rifai has been sent back to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, giving him a chance to keep playing during the Olympic break while also freeing up a bit of cap space for the Leafs ahead of the trade deadline.
Rifai, who missed the start of the season with a preseason injury, has four assists in 12 AHL games. He was recalled late last month and logged one NHL game, playing just under 10 minutes. With the big club on pause, this reassignment lets him stay sharp and gives the Leafs some flexibility as they weigh their deadline options.
It’s a small move, but one that reflects how even the little transactions matter in a tight cap world - especially for a team like Toronto that’s always looking to squeeze every dollar of value out of its roster.
As we inch closer to the deadline, expect more of these strategic decisions - from playoff hopefuls, rebuilders, and everyone in between. Whether it’s the Flyers quietly selling, the Avalanche playing the long game with prospects, or the Leafs managing their roster down to the decimal point, the pieces are starting to move.