Looking into potential trade targets from the Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers seemed poised for a playoff spot in 2023-24.

On March 23, they claimed a 3-2 win, securing third place in the Metropolitan Division with a four-point cushion over the Washington Capitals. But then, the collapse happened. Eight straight losses followed, including a brutal 9-3 blowout on April 9. Just like that, they missed the postseason by four points.

This year? The playoffs feel like a distant dream. The Flyers sit at 24-26-7, with 55 points, tied for second-worst in the Eastern Conference alongside the Montréal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins.

So, as the March 7 trade deadline looms, who could the Flyers move? Let’s dive into some notable names who might make sense for the Oilers.

Andrei Kuzmenko

Here’s an interesting stat: only nine players in NHL history have suited up for the Flames, Canucks, and Oilers. Could Kuzmenko become the tenth?

His career has been all over the place. In his rookie season with Vancouver, he put up an impressive 39 goals and 74 points. But the next year? It all fell apart—just 8 goals and 21 points before being shipped to Calgary in a deal for Elias Lindholm.

In Calgary, he caught fire late in the season, scoring 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games. Then came another slump with just four goals and 15 points in 37 games this season.

On January 30, the Flames traded him to Philly in a multi-piece deal that included Jakob Pelletier and two draft picks. So far, he’s played one game for the Flyers and picked up an assist.

Kuzmenko’s contract comes with a $5.5 million cap hit and expires at the end of this season. He also has a 12-team no-trade list. While he could be a smart offseason signing, moving him mid-season might not bring much return.

Scott Laughton

Scott Laughton is an intriguing trade option, especially for teams needing depth at center.

This season, he’s put up 11 goals and 26 points in 54 games. He’s on pace for around 16 goals and 38 points, right in line with his past seasons. Solid, but not flashy.

Laughton’s value goes beyond the scoreboard. He’s a penalty-killing workhorse, leading Flyers forwards with 91+ minutes shorthanded. He’s also taken 294 faceoffs this season, winning 48.6% of them. Over his career, he’s closer to 50%.

What’s most appealing? His contract. At 30 years old, Laughton carries a $3 million cap hit, locked in through 2025-26, with no trade protection. For a player who consistently delivers close to 40 points a season, that’s a bargain.

Rasmus Ristolainen

Rasmus Ristolainen’s career has been a rollercoaster.

Once known for racking up points while struggling defensively, the 6’4” Finnish defenseman has evolved into a reliable top-four blue-liner. From 2015 to 2019, he was a steady 40-point producer, but his defensive numbers? Yikes. A minus-41 in one season alone.

These days, he’s more balanced. This season, Ristolainen has 2 goals and 15 points in 54 games, on pace for his best numbers since 2019-20. He’s also a key piece on the Flyers’ penalty kill, logging over 108 shorthanded minutes, and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around, with his 85 hits ranking third on the team.

Trade rumours are heating up. Ristolainen is third on Daily Faceoff’s most recent Trade Targets list. The Oilers are reportedly a team to watch, as he’d fit nicely on their second pairing.

The catch? His contract. Ristolainen comes with a hefty $5.1 million cap hit through 2026-27, and he has no-trade protection. The Flyers, however, still have two salary retention spots available, which could sweeten the deal.

The Flyers’ season isn’t going anywhere fast, but with the right moves at the deadline, they could set themselves up for a brighter future.