The Flyers have made things interesting in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. A win against the Columbus Blue Jackets will put them three points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card spot. So while they are still firmly in the playoff hunt, they are rewarding a long-time member of the organization.
Garrett Wilson, captain of the Phantoms, was recalled to the Flyers ahead of their Saturday night matchup with the Blue Jackets. Wilson, who was originally on an AHL deal, had his contract turned into an NHL one before the trade deadline. Now he will get a chance to earn an NHL paycheck for the first time since the 2018-19 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Transaction: We have recalled forward Garrett Wilson from the @LVPhantoms (AHL). pic.twitter.com/aPXm9CEA1I
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 14, 2026
Wilson has been with the Flyers' organization since 2020, where he served as an alternate captain for the Phantoms for three seasons. He was named captain in 2023, a position he has held for the last three seasons. So this move is certainly a way to reward the veteran forward for his time in the minor leagues. And while it's uncertain if he will get into the lineup right away, there is a good chance that Wilson could make his Flyers debut at some point during the rest of the season.
Flyers reward a veteran forward with NHL recall
Wilson has played 84 career NHL games over four seasons, split between the Penguins and Florida Panthers, the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2009. He registered one points in 40 career games with the Panthers. Wilson has two goals and eight points in the regular season and one goal in 10 playoff games with the Penguins.
Wilson, who is not a top scorer, has still provided some secondary offense for the Phantoms. His 62 goals and 148 career points rank fourth all time in Phantoms history. He broke the record for most career games in Lehigh Valley last season and ranks fourth in the franchise's entire history.
"Oh yeah it's a huge honor. AHL you're moving lots, you're never really able to find a home and I'm lucky to find it here. I love it here. Rob and Jim Brooks have been great for me and keeping me around and helping out the young guys. Philly's trusted me with taking care of their young guys and that. It's a huge honor for me and I don't take it lightly," Wilson previously said about being in Lehigh Valley.
Wilson has certainly been the consummate pro during his time in the organization. At 34 years old, it's been over 2,500 days since he stepped on NHL ice during the regular season. If he were to appear in a game for the Flyers, it would likely be in a fourth line role, a role Wilson has been familiar with and one he should have a solid chance of stepping into at the next level.
He will be a free agent at the end of the year and at 34 years old, this would be quite the finish if he decides to hang up his skates. If it does happen, hopefully it comes after he appears in a game for the Flyers.