The Philadelphia Flyers are playing a winning brand of hockey. In fact, they're winning their way right into playoff contention.
Rick Tocchet is helping lead a quick turnaround, the trade for Trevor Zegras by GM Danny Briere is working out like gangbusters, and Dan Vladar is playing like a true number one, not a tandem goalie. With the Flyers looking a bit ahead of schedule, they might be in a position where they're ready to make a run at the playoffs, and a trade or two could sure up their chances.
But what kind of player would the Flyers value most? With the Quinn Hughes domino falling, and for a hefty price, the Flyers will only be pulling off a deal for something major. Here's what the Flyers might be willing to deal some assets for should they decide that a playoff push is good for business.
A Top Four Defender With Term
The Flyers' defense isn't a bad unit, but they lack playoff experience. Travis Sanheim has 20 games to his credit, but the majority of that comes from the COVID Cup, which doesn't quite feel the same. Nick Seeler has 5 games from way back in the 2017-18 season, and Noah Juulsen has 2 games from the 2023-2024 Canucks run.
With the unit light on experience in playoffs and frankly in general, if the Flyers are serious about being serious, they need a top-four defender. Of course, a rental player wouldn't be a great play for a fringe contender, so the Flyers would want a player who could be here for at least a year plus.
It would mean not having to rely on Rasmus Ristolainen staying healthy, or just throwing someone like Andrae or Zamula to the wolves. If you can field Sanheim, York, Drysdale, Ristolainen, Seeler, and a solid 3 or 4 style defender, the depth looks that much better.
A Winger Who Can Win Draws
Claude Giroux. I want Claude Giroux back, and I'm not afraid to be direct; frankly, the timing is perfect. With his skill set and his ability to win important draws in any zone, he would provide an offensive boost that would be much needed on this Flyers team.
Even if it isn't Giroux, adding a cagey vet with some offensive pop who is useful in multiple zones is a proven strategy. Think Brad Marchand last season for the Florida Panthers. If it only costs draft picks and maybe a prospect, the Flyers could be ready to add an offensive specialist. I mean, the power play is below average.
A Goalie, Because You Always Need Goalies
We're all really excited about Dan Vladar being good. Thrilled even. But Samuel Ersson is struggling this year, and Aleksei Kolosov isn't ready. The quality backup market is always hot around trade deadline time, and for good reason. If the Flyers had one, it would give them an option if Vladar isn't ready to carry a full playoff run or gets a bit banged up.
During their march to the Cup Finals last season, Cal Pickard played 10 games for the Oilers, providing some key moments for the team. The Flyers might just need that extra goalie at some point.