The Philadelphia Flyers may be in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division, but don't count them out. At 5-3-1, they have 11 points, putting them on pace to hit 100 if they keep up this trajectory.
They are more than relevant, meaning they're one blockbuster trade, preferably for a forward, away from landing in serious contention. And it should be second nature. They already gambled and won with Trevor Zegras, who has nine points in as many contests with two goals, so why not go for another, even if it means overpaying?
The Flyers also have assets and draft picks they can afford to give up, with the team looking like borderline contenders. They also have over $8.5 million in current cap space and over $34 million in projected deadline cap space, putting the organization in a great spot if they plan on making a big trade during the season.
Philadelphia Flyers must target a young, high potential player
Something to keep in mind is that the Flyers need to find a happy medium. On one end, they need to avoid trapping themselves with a large, long-term contract, instead finding a player they can fit in who is currently on a moderate deal.
The reason for this? General manager Daniel Briere can't neglect current talent, like Zegras, who is due for an extension this season. He also needs to take into account players like Tyson Foerster, Bobby Brink, and Matvei Michkov. Brink is another one due for an extension, while Foerster and Michkov will be due in 2026-27.
At the blue line, Jamie Drysdale is another one up for an extension in 2025-26, while goaltender Dan Vladar is playing his way into an extension, which he can get in 2026-27. With that in mind, someone with potential like Nick Robertson or even Brennan Othmann would work well here.
Flyers fans can be cautiously optimistic despite past shortcomings
While you may be apprehensive if you're a Flyers fan, considering their unceremonious collapse in 2023-24 following a surprising first five months of that season, the vibe is different in 2025-26. One reason is that the Flyers have sensational goaltending, with Vladar stepping up his game more than anyone else at his position.
This, and the fact that he and Samuel Ersson have faced just 26.3 shots on goal per game, you're seeing elite defense right now. But the Flyers are 30th in the league with 24 goals scored, and that must change if they plan on making a serious run at the playoffs.
Philadelphia is right on the brink, and the way they have played through their first nine games under Rick Tocchet proves it. Still, they have work to do if they want the 2025-26 season to last over 82 games. So have some optimism. Just don't let it get out of hand yet.