We're a day away from the NHL's trade deadline, and there have already been several transactions around the league. Some big ones, like MacKenzie Weegar going to the Utah Mammoth, and smaller ones like Michael McCarron going to the Minnesota Wild. The Philadelphia Flyers have yet to get in on the action, but they're holding strong on their asking price for their biggest trade piece, Rasmus Ristolainen.
It's worth noting, however, that Ristolainen isn't the only Flyer whose name has been circulating in trade rumors, though. Owen Tippett, for example, has been in the rumor mill for months, though a trade involving the 27-year old winger seems unlikely at the moment. What seems more possible, however, is players with expiring contracts getting shipped out. And the Flyers have a few options in that regard.
Brought in as a temporary Ristolainen replacement, Noah Juulsen will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and could give a playoff team looking for a steady No. 7 defenseman some peace of mind. The return likely wouldn't be anything earthshattering, but every bit helps build for the future.
Another player whose name has now been mentioned by Elliotte Friedman is Bobby Brink, who speculates that Brink is exactly the kind of player the Tampa Bay Lightning could be looking to add. Moving Brink out at the deadline would certainly help clear up some of the Flyers' log jam on the wings as Porter Martone and other prospects in the pipeline turn pro in the coming season.
Perhaps the most surprising name to pop up, however, is veteran tough guy Nic Deslauriers.
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
It's difficult to imagine Deslauriers joining a playoff push for a Stanley Cup-contending team, but perhaps an organization on the bubble or trying to take its next steps sees value in bringing a brawler into the room. Or, maybe a team perceived as "soft" believes Deslauriers will help toughen up their roster once the postseason is underway. The Flyers are signing Garrett Wilson to an NHL deal, so a move could be on the horizon for Deslauriers.
The Flyers have other players on expiring contracts, notably Carl Grundstrom, Jamie Drysdale, and Emil Andrae, but there are few--if any--reports about them being involved in trade discussions. In Drysdale's case, especially, he seems like an important part of the Flyers' future plans, and a deadline transaction involving Drysdale wouldn't square with GM Danny Briere's patient rebuilding plans.
When the Flyers play their next game on Saturday, the lineup could look quite different from the one they ice tonight against the Utah Mammoth.