REPORT: Flyers rumored to be interested in acquiring Tyler Boucher

As a young team in the midst of the rebuild, the Philadelphia Flyers have been in the rumor mill throughout the entire summer. They were recently linked to the Ottawa Senators, who are in deep cap trouble just a few weeks ahead of the regular season. And with Shane Pinto still unsigned, they are in desperate need of space.

Enter in the Flyers. They had originally been linked to Pinto, even being said to have given an offer to the Senators that included taking on the contract of Mathieu Joseph as well. Philadelphia was waiting on Ottawa to make a decision, but didn’t expect to come back to the table at that time. The Senators were still believed to be interested in re-signing Pinto.

The Flyers have now reportedly pivoted away and are now interested in Tyler Boucher, the son of Brian Boucher. Acquiring Joseph as a salary dump is still on the table as well.

"“The Philadelphia Flyers have spoken with the Senators about Joseph and are believed to be one of the teams asking for a high-priced asset to accommodate a trade. Multiple sources have told TFP’s David Pagnotta the Flyers are interested in forward Tyler Boucher, whom the Senators drafted 10th overall in 2021, but Ottawa has been reluctant to consider such a move.”"

Since the Senators drafted him, nothing has gone right for Boucher. His college stint in 2021-21 with Boston University lasted just 17 games where he scored just two goals and had three points overall. He was forced make the decision to leave Boston as ice time and injuries cost him too much time. He went off to the OHL to play with the Ottawa 67’s. There he had seven goals and 14 points in 24 games. During that year, he suffered multiple bouts of COVID-19 and separate knee and shoulder injuries.

Boucher has recently had more injury concerns that have kept him off the ice. He only appeared in 20 games for the 67’s last season after suffering a shoulder injury while playing for Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship. He recorded three goals and four points in six games for USA. He had tried to return to the 67’s lineup before re-injuring his shoulder. He had 10 goals and 17 points in 21 games that year. After working out in Ottawa during the summer, the Senators were hopeful to have him back in the lineup at the rookie tournament. Unfortunately for him, Boucher then suffered a groin injury that kept him out.

Belleville head coach David Bell mentioned that it was more of a precaution that he was kept out during rookie camp. They expected him to be ready to take part in main camp. Boucher has not returned, however, missing the Senators first two preseason games. The Flyers already have plenty of competition amongst there group so adding in more doesn’t necessarily make sense for them. There hasn’t been word on what Philadelphia would potentially have to give up in order to make a deal for Boucher happen. But there has been speculation on what it would take to land Joseph.

Anthony DiMarco of The Fourth Period has mentioned that the Senators believe to be asking for a first round pick or equivalent prospect in any deal for Joseph. With the Flyers looking to stock up on draft picks, they may not be looking to trade any away. But they certainly have some interest in helping the Senators out.

Joseph is another player that has recently had injuries stunt his growth. He came to Ottawa in a trade toward the end of the 2021-22 season and had solid numbers in a top-six role. He registered four goals and 12 points in 11 games before an injury cost him the rest of the season. He was extended in the offseason, a show of confidence in his small sample size. Things got worse this season as he suffered multiple injuries and was also scratched for an “internal issue.” Playing in 56 games, Joseph had just three goals and 18 points. Could he be a case of a change of scenery turning things around?

At the moment, it looks like everything is on the table for Ottawa to make a decision. Time is running out for them so something will need to be decided soon. We shall see if it ends up involving the Flyers or not.