The Philadelphia Flyers have a bright future ahead of them, as evidenced by their run to the second round of the playoffs. But there are teams, especially in the Eastern Conference, making moves to help their chances to contend for the Stanley Cup next season. The Florida Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators. The Senators used the No. 9 overall pick acquired from the Panthers to acquire winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks. The Buffalo Sabres acquired the No. 4 overall pick from the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Bowen Byram. It's going to make for a hectic week in the NHL, especially with the draft on June 26 and free agency on JUly 1.
For the Flyers, they are in position to make a move for a star player, given their cap space and the overall talent across the roster and prospect pool. One name that does stick out is Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings, who requested a trade earlier this month. Larkin would immediately fill a need at center for Philadelphia. With Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman asking Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, to expand his trade wish list, it did provide some hope that maybe the Flyers could end up on that list.
According to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, Larkin has a preference to go to "an American-based team" and "an organization in position to win." Kaplan says that she does not expect the Flyers to be one of the teams on Larkin's list.
Flyers reportedly not on Dylan Larkin's trade list
"Larkin's camp submitted a list -- I believe Larkin's preference is to go to an American-based team, and definitely an organization in position to win -- and the Red Wings are working through that. As of now, a team such as Philadelphia is not on Larkin's list. Though the Flyers covet top centers, they are open to filling those roles internally for now," writes Kaplan.
It doesn't hurt to dream, Flyers fans. But for those wondering if they could be in play for Larkin, that's not in the cards for them based on Kaplan's reporting.
Larkin requesting a trade sent shockwaves throughout the NHL, as nearly every team should feasibly want to add him to their rosters. The thing is, Larkin initially said he would accept a trade to just three teams — the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, and Panthers. Larkin carried a full no-movement clause, but Yzerman could still hold onto him if he didn't get a strong enough offer from another organization. Even with that list, Yzerman asked Larkin's camp to expand the list.
The Flyers do have the assets to make a trade for a star. Let's not forget that Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos mentioned that winger Owen Tippett could be a player that is dealt to help them make a splash move.
With Larkin not an option for the Flyers, there aren't many other center options available. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers is an option, but they have a high-asking price for him. Plus, one has to imagine there will be an in-division tax added to that. So, sticking with what they have in the system may be the way to go. Besides, the free agency class in 2027 should be way more stacked than this year's group of players.
Maybe, given the craziness that took place on Tuesday, another star emerges as an option for the Flyers.
Add us as a preferred source on Google