The Flyers' defense has been in a constant state of flux as the team waits for Rasmus Ristolainen to return from injury. They've plugged in multiple players on the bottom pairing, but nothing has become set in stone.
They signed Dennis Gilbert over the summer to act as a depth option in case he was needed. With Noah Juulsen beating him out for an NHL spot, Gilbert was eventually sent to the AHL. And while he appeared in six games with the Phantoms, he had recently been injured.
And now he will head back to the team he played for a season ago, as the Senators and Flyers agreed on a one-for-one defenseman swap. In return, Philadelphia will get a young offensive player who is still finding his way. And that player is 24-year-old Maxence Guenette.
TRADE ALERT: We’ve acquired defenseman Maxence Guenette from Ottawa in exchange for defenseman Dennis Gilbert.
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 17, 2025
We have also agreed to terms with Guenette on a one-year, two-way contract. https://t.co/T6i6n9iPhj
Guenette was two weeks away from the deadline for restricted free agents to sign before they would not be able to play. He was given a qualifying offer from the Senators, but ultimately did not agree to a contract. Guenette reportedly wanted out during the summer after Ottawa signed Lassi Thomson.
Flyers get younger on blueline with offensive defenseman
Guenette found himself on the outside looking in with the Senators. Drafted in the seventh round in 2019, it was going to be a long climb to have a chance at an NHL spot. Guenette finished first among defensemen in all offensive categories for Val-d'Or Foreurs following his selection, including first in assists overall.
Guenette would make the jump to the AHL with the Belleville Senators in 2021-22 and had a rather solid rookie season. His 13 assists and 19 points were fourth among defensemen. He made his NHL debut the following season, playing in one game for the Senators. He had a breakout season in the AHL, earning an All-Star selection, and again led his defensive teammates in assists (35) and points (40).
His longest stint in the NHL came in 2023-24, where he appeared in seven games late in the season. He averaged nearly 14 minutes, registered two shots, and had no points. His numbers in the AHL have gone down slightly, but he's still been a top defenseman amongst his teammates.
He will join a Phantoms team that is loaded with firepower and looks to be a team ready to make some noise. The only issue is what his role may be. New addition Christian Kyrou has been on fire since joining the team recently. Ethan Samson recently returned from injury. Helge Grans is a big piece. And that doesn't include Oliver Bonk, who has begun skating after suffering an injury during camp.
Only Kyrou sits in the top-10 in points for the Phantoms when looking at defensemen. His nine points are sixth on the team. Grans is further down the list with five. Andrae, who is with the Flyers, also has five. Ty Murchison, a rookie, and Carter Berger both have three. So if the Phantoms are looking for more offense from the back end, there is a chance for Guenette to sneak in.
Guenette has plenty of time to showcase himself with the Phantoms and potentially put himself on the Flyers' radar. There are more than a few players ahead of him, but anything can happen. Not having played a game yet this season, though, Guenette may need some time to get up to speed.
In the grand scheme of things, it's not a major move by any means. But maybe Guenette will surprise with the Phantoms.