The Philadelphia Flyers are starting to turn a corner. They made the Stanley Cup Playoffs and won a round for the first time since 2020, and general manager Danny Briere has the team on the track to contention.
It’s another key offseason for Briere and the Flyers front office, and that starts with the NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo on June 26.
In each of the past few years, the Flyers had multiple first-round picks heading into draft night, and plenty of picks on Day 2 as well. However, it’s a bit different this season as the Flyers only have one first-round pick and five selections total in the seven rounds.
Given that the Flyers only have the 21st overall pick in the first round, they could look to make another draft-day trade. They traded back to select Jett Luchanko two years ago, then traded up to draft Jack Nesbitt last year.
I discussed the possibility of the Flyers trading that 21st overall pick with Madeline Campbell and Joe DeMarini on this week’s BSH Podcast.
Ryan Gilbert: Speaking of trading the pick, how likely do you think that might be? And do you think it’s likely to trade up, trade back, or maybe trade for a center or a roster player?
Madeline Campbell: I hesitate to put a number on it, but just considering how willing they’ve been over the last few seasons to move around in the draft, it would not surprise me at all. Especially considering they have the capital elsewhere in terms of roster players to potentially make a move to move up. Certainly would be something I would be interested in seeing them explore.
Joe DeMarini: We’ll see, I guess? I think they do trade it, and they’re going to do it during the draft party, and we’re all going to be — shades of 2021 when they traded the pick for Risto.
Madeline Campbell: Don’t even. Don’t even!
Ryan Gilbert: No, not shades of Risto. Not shades of Risto.
Joe DeMarini: I don’t mean a stupid Chuck Fletcher-esque move. I just mean we’re all going to get super stoked for the pick, they’re on the clock, and all of a sudden they move back.
If the Flyers were to trade the pick for a roster player, the Seattle Kraken could be an interesting fit. They have two young centers in Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, and given that they’re stuck in neutral, it could make sense for them to look to get even younger.
Take a listen to that and more on the most recent episode of the BSH Podcast!
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