The Philadelphia Flyers are certainly having a tough start to the 2026-27 season.
At the time of this writing, the Flyers are seventh in the Metropolitan Division standings with a 4-8-4 record and 12 points. However, Philadelphia has been showing signs of bouncing back, as they have won four out of their last seven games. This included them picking up a 6-3 win over the Utah Mammoth in their most recent game on Sunday.
Yet, if the Flyers hope to get themselves back in the playoff race, it is clear that they should look to add to their roster. One area that they desperately need to improve is their blueline. Because of this, they are now being linked to two notable defensemen during the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign.
In a recent article for Sportsnet, Frank Seravalli reported that the Flyers have expressed interest in Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson and Calgary Flames blueliner Zach Whitecloud this season.
"Jones had eyes on Flames defenceman Zach Whitecloud and Philadelphia is just one of many teams with interest," Seravalli wrote. "The Flyers have also expressed interest in Detroit’s Simon Edvinsson, as he’d perfectly fit their age scheme, but to this point haven’t gotten firm engagement from the Wings."
Hearing that the Flyers are interested in both Whitecloud and Edvinsson is easy to understand. The Flyers' blueline is in need of some serious help, and landing either of these players would be significant for Philadelphia because of it.
Looking at Whitecloud & Edvinsson as Flyers trade targets
While Whitecloud is not as flashy as Edvinsson, he could still greatly help the Flyers' defensive group if acquired. The 6-foot-2 blueliner could be a strong fit in Philadelphia's top four and on the penalty kill because of his steady defensive play and shutdown ability.
With the Flames rebuilding, Whitecloud's name has come up in the rumor mill often over the last handful of months. Due to this, it makes sense that the Flyers are kicking tires on him. In 14 games this season, he has recorded one assist, 20 hits, and 24 blocks.
Edvinsson would be the big splash for the Flyers if they acquired him, though. It is not difficult to understand why. The Red Wings blueliner is already a top-pairing defenseman and is only 23 years old. Thus, he would be a perfect young addition for the Flyers' core.
However, with Edvinsson being a restricted free agent, the Flyers would need to sign him to a new contract if they acquired him. Furthermore, it would cost the Metropolitan Division club a lot to acquire him from the Red Wings. With this, and Edvinsson generating a ton of interest, this could be a tricky move for Philadelphia to make.
However, the Flyers should keep trying to land Edvinsson, as he would be an awesome addition to their group. His stats from last season show this, as he posted nine goals, 25 points, and a plus-12 rating in 72 games last season for Detroit.
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