With the NHL trade deadline just days away, trade rumors are heating up across the league.
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Danny Briere has already completed a significant trade with the Calgary Flames this season, but will he make another move before Friday’s deadline?
If so, certain Flyers players seem more likely to be dealt than others.
1. Scott Laughton
Scott Laughton stands out as the Flyers’ top trade asset, with his name consistently surfacing in trade discussions year after year. This time, however, he may finally find himself in a new NHL jersey for the first time in his career.
As one of the few centers available on the trade market, Laughton is drawing significant interest. Brock Nelson intends to stay with the Islanders, while the Blues are holding onto Brayden Schenn.
Other options, such as Ryan Donato, Trent Frederic, and Nick Bjugstad, are seen as short-term rentals and haven’t generated the same buzz as the Flyers’ centerman.
The Maple Leafs are currently the frontrunners to acquire Laughton, but at least six other teams—including the Jets, Devils, and Senators—are also in the mix. Given his leadership role and strong performance this season, it’s no surprise the Flyers hold him in high regard.
2. Andrei Kuzmenko
You might have expected a taller, bearded player to take the second spot on this list, but Andrei Kuzmenko, a pending free agent, could bring in at least a mid-round pick.
Kuzmenko waived his no-trade clause to join Philadelphia, and he may prefer to stay, especially with fellow Russian Matvei Michkov in the mix. However, if a contending team comes calling, he might be tempted to chase a Stanley Cup.
Over the weekend, Gustav Nyquist was traded for a second-round pick, and the Avalanche gave up a second and fourth-rounder for depth pieces from the Rangers. With teams willing to part with mid-round picks for wingers, Kuzmenko’s offensive skills could make him a valuable asset for bolstering depth scoring.
While I don’t necessarily expect the Flyers to move Kuzmenko—especially since he seems to be fitting in well—this ranking reflects how John Tortorella and his staff have been discussing…
3. Rasmus Ristolainen
Philadelphia fans let out a collective groan when Chuck Fletcher traded a first-round pick for Rasmus Ristolainen in 2021. However, under Brad Shaw’s guidance, the big defenseman has significantly improved his game. With the salary cap set to rise in the coming years, his contract is no longer seen as a burden and could even become an asset.
Ristolainen isn’t easily replaceable on the blue line, which makes him a valuable trade target. Looking at precedent, Seth Jones and his hefty contract were moved to Florida in exchange for a first-round pick and a former first-round prospect, setting a potential benchmark for a Ristolainen deal.
So far, few teams have been directly linked to the Flyers’ defenseman, with speculation pointing to Winnipeg, Dallas, and Vancouver as possible landing spots.
While Ristolainen seems like a strong trade candidate, a move feels more likely to happen in the offseason rather than before this season’s deadline.
4. Erik Johnson
One of the Flyers’ few moves at last year’s trade deadline was bringing in veteran defenseman Erik Johnson for a fourth-round pick. Since then, he has reached the 1,000-game milestone and provided a steady presence on a young blue line.
While the Flyers likely wouldn’t get much in return—perhaps a fourth or fifth-round pick—it would still be a worthwhile move. Those picks could be useful for trading up or selecting higher-upside prospects in the draft.
Trading Johnson would also create space on the blue line for someone like Emil Andrae or clear a spot in the press box if the Flyers take on a contract in another deal. He recently admitted to having discussions with GM Danny Briere about his future, making a trade a real possibility.
5. Wild Card
Alright, you got me—there aren’t just five players on this list. In reality, there are more.
The Flyers have very few truly untouchable players. Outside of Matvei Michkov, no one should be considered completely off-limits, though the front office clearly wants to keep a solid core intact.
If an opportunity arises for GM Danny Briere to make a big move at the deadline instead of waiting for the offseason, why not take it?
On the flip side, teams looking for grit could have interest in players like Nicolas Deslauriers or Garnet Hathaway (if healthy) to add depth and toughness to their fourth line.
Briere’s moves have been tough to predict—just look at the surprise Cutter Gauthier trade or the unexpected deal with Calgary earlier this season.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, anything is possible—including the Flyers standing pat, which might not be a bad option this time around.
