Rasmus Ristolainen has made headlines as the Flyers' top tradeable piece. With the Colton Parayko trade with Buffalo falling through, the Sabres are back as one of the possible trade destinations. But Ristolainen isn't the only Flyer who could be traded by tomorrow's deadline.
One name that has generated plenty of smoke lately has been Nic Deslauriers. A pending free agent after this season, it was almost a certainty that Deslauriers would not be returning. His role on the Flyers had quickly diminished over the last two seasons. His 23 games so far this season are the fewest he's appeared in with Philadelphia.
First promised to be a buyer's market, things have quickly shifted as the trade deadline approaches. Teams are shelling out bundles to bring in players of their choosing. And with not a lot of top players on the market, teams are being forced to reevaluate their other options. Hence, why Deslauriers may become a hotter commodity than expected.
In speaking with a number of different clubs this morning it is clear the plan b's and c's are moving closer to fruition. Lesser discussed players expected to move @Canucks Evander Kane and @NHLFlyers Nicolas Deslauriers. Buyers need cap relief as cap space is so tight to pull…
— Brian Lawton (@brianlawton9) March 5, 2026
And when there's smoke, there's fire.
Deslauriers could be on the move after Wilson signing
The Flyers announced the signing of Garrett Wilson to an NHL-deal for the rest of the season. He must clear waivers before he can appear in an NHL game. The Flyers are also sending him back down to the AHL if he clears. But couple that with the fact that it turns back into an AHL deal for next season, and that makes things pretty obvious regardless of the last statement.
Wilson has been the Lehigh Valley Phantoms captain for the past three seasons and was an alternate captain for the three before that. If he is to make his debut for the Flyers, it would be his first time back in the NHL since the 2018-19 season when he played for the Penguins. Pretty ironic, huh? It's a nice reward for the long-time Phantom as well.
Wilson plays a very similar role to Deslauriers. He's not a scorer and has racked up penalty minutes in the NHL, topping out at a career-high 216 just two seasons ago. The pieces of the puzzle start to come together more with this move. The Flyers wouldn't sign Wilson to the deal if they weren't expected to move someone else out. They have 13 forwards on the roster currently, so they don't need an extra unless they lose someone else.
Now, the fact that the Flyers are immediately sending Wilson back to the AHL may mean that a deal is not imminent. It gives them the opportunity to call him up if, and likely when, Deslauriers is traded. Making the move now does give the sense that Philadelphia is more than entertaining the possibility.
With less than 24 hours to go until the deadline, we will soon find out.