We are less than 24 hours before all 32 NHL teams have to be happy with their teams for the rest of the 2024-25 regular season. The transactions will be minimal past 3:00 p.m. on Friday, after a frenzy of trades are no doubt going to pour in every single hour.
The Philadelphia Flyers could be heavily involved, as well. Scott Laughton, Rasmus Ristolainen, Andrei Kuzmenko, and maybe even Egor Zamula, could be on the move before the trade deadline hits. That is a substantial amount of movement that could set up the rest of the season and change the outlook for a couple years down the road.
Regardless, we have decided to turn our brains on and come up with some predictions for what the Flyers are going to do in the next 24 hours. One realistic prediction, for what we could rationally see happen; and then one Bold prediction of what we sort of want to see happen or just accepting the chaos.
Realistic predictions
Thomas: While there has been no buzz about what the Flyers are specifically going to do other than a couple players on some trade boards and insiders using all their vague lingo for Scott Laughton rumors, they are probably still going to do something. If I had to put my foot down on something concrete, I think Laughton is going to get traded and then something we don’t expect like trading away Egor Zamula for a young forward around the same level and age.
Ryan G.: I’ve gone back and forth on this a little bit but it really is time for the Flyers to trade Scott Laughton. A first-round pick is going to be on the table and Danny has to pull the trigger. Toronto seems likely with either a first or Fraser Minten as the main part of the return.
Cole: We’ve been talking about it for years now, but it appears like Scott Laughton is finally going to be traded. Laughton will probably be traded after the Brock Nelson situation is completed, and I’d say the Flyers get a first-rounder from whatever team is desperate. I’m going to go with Washington to be that team, as I think Toronto and Winnipeg are angling towards something larger than Laughton. Other than that? I think the most we see happen is something like Rodrigo Abols for a 5th, and that’ll be it.
Cameron: Like most others have already touched upon, I don’t think Laughton will be a Flyer by Friday. The two teams he seems mostly linked to are Washington and Toronto but I also have an odd gut feeling he goes to a wild card team that wants just a bit more special teams help like the Columbus Blue Jackets who are in the bottom 10 in PK this season. Considering the interest in Laughton, however, I’m sure Briere will wait until he has the best return he can get. The other player with rumors surrounding him recently is Risto but knowing Torts likes him and his hefty contract, I don’t see him moving.
Jason M: The Flyers I believe will not do anything that lands them a 1C. What they should do is (if the package is right) unload Laughton for a first round pick and prospect and/or Ristolainen also. If someone is interested in Erik Johnson or another UFA pending then fine. But I think all sides here will be pissed off, meaning Danny did the right thing!
Kyle: Laughton to the Caps. Zamula to Winnipeg. Risto stays put. Fans are mad just because.
One BOLD prediction
Thomas: Trevor Zegras is going to be a Flyer by the end of Friday. The Ducks would for sure be selling low on the young forward, but it’s not like they’re going to be in a situation to up his value anytime soon. Just pull the trigger and the Flyers get to add some more young dynamic talent.
Ryan G.: The Flyers are going to go big game hunting at some point so why not now? Tage Thompson is who I would say is bold to predict, but yeah Zegras is a solid guess or one of Ottawa’s centers as a smaller game hunting..
Cole: I’ll go with another Sabre, but it’ll be JJ Peterka that I think the Flyers could acquire by Friday. He’s been rumored to be on the block, and that Sabres front office is a certified mess that I’d love to take advantage of. He could theoretically play down the middle, but Peterka is more of a left-winger and would slide in nicely to a Flyers team that has too many right wingers.
Cameron: My first thought is the long awaited Zegras trade that’s lived in some Flyers fans head for so long finally happens. That, or some other young center (Tage Thompson would be really nice) that has at least a year or two left on their contract. My bold prediction is the Flyers may take a swing on a guy like Jared McCann from Seattle. The Kraken did make a big trade earlier this week to free up space and acquire assets and perhaps moving McCann would help solidify their rebuild plans this summer.
Jason M: The Flyers will end up with somebody nobody thought they would be looking at to add to their roster. That person? Brett Howden of the Vegas Golden Knights. Bet on it. And probably lose money.
Kyle: The Flyers are part of a three-team deal with St. Louis and they acquire one of their many centers.
