The Philadelphia Flyers are having a nightmare start to the 2026-27 season. At the time of this writing, they have a 0-5-3record and have a minus-21 goal differential. Given that they entered the campaign with high hopes following their successful 2025-26 campaign, this kind of start has undoubtedly been deflating for them.
The Flyers have also continued to struggle. They lost to the Carolina Hurricanes by a 4-1 final score, and despite a comeback effort, they lost to the Seattle Kraken in overtime during Tuesday's Frozen Frenzy.
With how this season has been going for the Flyers, they should strongly consider making a trade to spark their roster. Because of this, let's look at three trade targets who could make sense for Philadelphia to bring in.
1. Simon Edvinsson, Detroit Red Wings, D
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson would make a lot of sense for the Flyers to pursue. The 23-year-old blueliner reportedly prefers to be traded over re-signed by the Red Wings. When noting that he is already a top-four defenseman and has good upside, Philadelphia would be wise to pursue him.
Edvinsson would give the left side of the Flyers' blueline a major boost if acquired. At a minimum, he would work well on their second pairing, but he could also be a fit on their top pairing. Due to this, the Flyers should target him. In 72 games last season with Detroit, he had nine goals, 25 points, and a plus-12 rating.
2. Alexander Nikishin, Carolina Hurricanes, D
Alexander Nikishin is another restricted free agent defenseman who wants to be traded. Due to this and his high potential, the Flyers should also consider targeting him.
Nikishin just had an impressive rookie season with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2025-26. In 81 games, he recorded 11 goals, 33 points, and a plus-18 rating. With numbers like these, the 25-year-old has already shown that he can produce strong offense from the point.
Yet, even though this was his first full NHL season, Nikishin still has the potential to get even better. With this, the Flyers should consider making a bold trade for him.
3. Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins, C
It's no secret that the Flyers need a center. The Flyers' dream target would be Detroit Red Wings star Dylan Larkin, but they are not on his trade list. Although this is the case, Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha could be a good consolation prize.
Zacha has been in the rumor mill for a while now. Questions about his future in Boston are only coming up more now that he is a pending unrestricted free agent. Because of this, the Flyers should consider making a move for him. This is especially so if he would be open to a contract extension as part of the deal.
In six games this season, Zacha has one goal and one assist. However, he also had 30 goals and 65 points last season, so he could be a nice addition in Philadelphia's top six.
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