The Flyers don’t need to rush to replace Ryan Poehling as their fourth-line center after a trade to the Anaheim Ducks for Trevor Zegras on June 23, 2025. Their current roster and prospect pool provide enough options to cover the role without an immediate addition. Do the Flyers need to add a fourth line Center in Free Agency? How about addressing Goaltending help, and a defenseman possibly? Let’s see if there are any worthy free agents available.
Players like Noah Cates, who has experience Centering the third line, can slide down to the fourth line if needed, offering versatility and defensive reliability. More importantly, the Flyers have several prospects who could step up. Jett Luchanko, a 2024 first-round pick, showed promise in camp last year and could compete for the role with a strong training camp. Other prospects like Karsen Dorwart, Rodrigo Abols, Jacob Gaucher, Anthony Richard, Massimo Rizzo, or Jon-Randall Avon are also in the system and could vie for bottom-six minutes, with Abols and Richard having AHL/NHL experience that could translate to a fourth-line role. Internally, the Flyers have enough ammunition to withstand not showing up this position in free agency, given the lack of Center depth in free agency. Pius Suter has been linked to the Flyers, however, the Vancouver Canucks are trying to re-sign him.
The acquisition of Zegras addresses a more critical need for a top-six center, potentially slotting him alongside Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny, which strengthens the middle of the lineup. This move reduces the urgency to prioritize a fourth-line center, as the Flyers can rely on internal options or AHL call-ups to fill the gap. With six picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 draft, including three first-rounders, General Manager Danny Brière has flexibility to address other needs, like goaltending or defensive depth. Forcing a trade or signing for a fourth-line center now could clog the pipeline for prospects and disrupt the rebuild’s focus on developing young talent.
Goaltending
The Flyers are in dire need of goaltending help, as their 2024-25 season exposed glaring weaknesses in net. Their team save percentage was a league-worst .879, with neither Samuel Ersson nor Ivan Fedotov or Aleksei Kolosov proving reliable as a starter. Ersson has been the primary option, but his inconsistent play and injury concerns, including a recurring lower-body issue, raise doubts about his ability to handle a heavy workload. Fedotov, at 28, has struggled significantly, posting a 6.08 GAA and .818 Save Percentage in limited starts, leading to speculation about a potential demotion or trade. Kolosov, a 22-year-old prospect, has shown promise in the KHL, but has been inconsistent in the AHL, with a 3.06 GAA and .878 Save Percentage in 2024-25, and his future with the team is uncertain due to reported dissatisfaction and trade rumors alike.
Their Goaltending prospect pool, including Carson Bjarnason and Yegor Zavragin, is promising but years away from NHL readiness. General Manager Danny Briere is actively seeking upgrades, with names like Jake Allen, Alex Lyon, and Ville Husso linked to the team. Allen, a veteran backup, and Husso, looking to rebound, are more affordable stopgap options. Without a clear Number One goalie, their rebuild risks stalling.
Thatcher Demko Is no longer a possibility, as the Vancouver Canucks have intentions of re-signing him.
Defense
The Flyers are/weee actively seeking to bolster their defensive corps in the 2025 NHL free agency, which opens on July 1, 2025. With approximately $15.1 million in projected cap space, the orange and black have room to make strategic additions, though they are expected to be moderate spenders rather than chasing top-tier free agents. Their defense struggled last season, with issues like poor plus/minus ratings (e.g., Jamie Drysdale’s -32) and a lack of a true Number One Defenseman, making this a priority area for improvement.
Recent reports indicate the Flyers have inquired about younger defensemen available via trade, such as Vegas Golden Knights Nicolas Hague and Buffalo’s Bowen Byram, suggesting they may also explore trade options alongside free agency. However, their focus in free agency could lean toward cost-effective, veteran additions to complement their young core, including Cam York, Jamie Drysdale, Travis Sanheim, and prospects like Emil Andrae, Helge Grans, and Oliver Bonk.
Potential free-agent Defensemen targets could include players like Erik Johnson, whom they re-signed last year for $1 million, or similar low-cost, experienced players to provide stability and leadership. The Flyers’ recent history shows a preference for depth signings over splashy acquisitions, as they haven’t made a major free-agent signing since 2019. A player like Nicolas Hague, if he becomes a free agent, could be a fit given his reported interest from Philly, though his status as a restricted free agent (RFA) may complicate matters.
The team’s defensive strategy also hinges on internal development. Cam York, coming off a $3.2 million bridge deal, needs a bounce-back year, while Drysdale must stay healthy and improve. Prospects like Ty Murchison, signed to an entry-level deal for 2025-26 and Oliver Bonk add depth, but aren’t ready for top-pair roles. The Flyers may target a Defenseman who can play significant minutes (e.g., 20+ per game) and contribute defensively, addressing last season’s mistakes in their own zone.
Maybe the Flyers hone in on Vladislav Gavrikov. Gavrikov had his best NHL season in 2024-25. He became a key cog for the Los Angeles Kings, and had 30 points in 82 games with a plus 26 rating. He also logged big minutes on the top pair, averaging 23:05 of ice time per game. At age 29, Gavrikov may be looking for close to $6 million a year and some term. Nate Schmidt is also a name fans should keep their eyes on.
In summary, expect the Flyers to pursue a mid-tier defenseman in free agency—likely a veteran on a short-term deal—or swing a trade for a younger player to address their blue-line needs without breaking the bank.
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