Isaiah and Chef are joined by Russ Cohen (Sportsology.com, Locked On Podcasts) and Shane Malloy (SiriusXM NHL Radio, HockeyProspectRadio.com) for an in-depth preview of the upcoming NHL Draft and the Philadelphia Flyers’ draft strategy.

After evaluating the consensus top prospects expected to come off the board in the first 20 selections, the panel shifts its focus to the players who could be available when the Flyers make their picks at No. 21 and No. 53. The discussion also explores potential draft-day trade scenarios, later-round sleepers, and the state of the Flyers’ prospect pipeline beyond Porter Martone. (Update: We also discuss the Flyers acquisition of goaltender Joseph Woll from the Toronto Maple Leafs!).

Whether you’re preparing for draft weekend or looking to learn more about the next wave of NHL talent, this episode is packed with analysis, insight, and spirited debate that Flyers fans won’t want to miss.

Simon Benoit is a 27-year-old Canadian professional ice hockey Defenseman (born September 19, 1998, in Laval, Quebec) currently playing for the Flyers. He is 6’4 and weighs 210 pounds, shoots left, and is known as a big, physical, stay-at-home depth Defenseman.

Career Move

On June 16, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Benoit (along with Goaltender Joseph Woll) to the Flyers in exchange for goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a 2026 third-round pick. He is entering the final year of a 3-year, $4.05 million contract ($1.35M cap hit), making him an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season.

Playing Style and Strengths

Benoit is an undrafted player who worked his way up through the QMJHL (Shawinigan Cataractes) and AHL before sticking in the NHL. He is a rugged, physical defender valued for:

• Size and physicality — Strong in the corners, willing to hit, block shots, and fight when needed (he has a reputation for toughness, including an infamous “Superman punch” in fights).
• Defensive reliability in a shutdown or bottom-pair role.
• Shot-blocking and net-front presence.

Benoit is not a puck-mover or high-offense player—his game is about simplicity, physical deterrence, and contributing through effort rather than skill.

Limitations:

• Low offensive production.
• Can struggle with puck retrieval and zone exits at times.
• Takes penalties (aggressive style).
• Advanced metrics often show below-average possession numbers when sheltered or in tougher matchups.

NHL Stats:

• 6 G, 30 A, 36 PTS
• -40 +/-
• 240 PIM

2025-26 Season

• 0 G, 6 A, 6 PTS
• -22 +/-
• 41 PIM
• ~17:18 TOI/GP
• Strong in hits (194) and blocks (114), but poor possession (CF% around 40%, low xGF%).

Benoit has played for the Anaheim Ducks (earlier career) and the Toronto Maple Leafs before the recent trade to the Flyers. His playoff experience is limited, with modest contributions.BackgroundBenoit grew up a Montreal Canadiens fan in Laval, Quebec. As an undrafted player, his path involved battling at every level (including being waived/released early on). He signed with Anaheim as a free agent in 2019 and has carved out a consistent NHL role through grit.

In short, Simon Benoit is a classic depth physical Defenseman—a big body who brings toughness, blocks, and hits without much offensive upside. He’s useful on a bottom pair or as a 7th D for teams needing size and reliability, but he’s not a top-4 or high-minute player. Benoit’s new start in Philadelphia gives him a chance to stabilize a Flyers blue line that values size and physical play.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

Emil Andrae (5’9, 189 lbs) was traded by the Flyers to the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday, giving Andrae a chance at being a full time player on the backend.

The Flyers sent him, goalie Samuel Ersson, and a 2026 third-round pick to Toronto in exchange for goalie Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit.

Size concerns

Andrae’s size was a recurring talking point during his time with the Flyers. At 5’9, he was often viewed as “too small” for an NHL Defenseman, especially when paired with other smaller blueliners like Jamie Drysdale and Cam York. This created debates about the team’s overall defensive size and physicality

• Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere cited the desire for more size on the back end as a factor in moving him.
• Despite the concerns, Andrae showed skill as a puck-mover with offensive upside (e.g., 13 points in 61 games in 2025-26) and some two-way potential.

Trade Context

The deal addressed Flyers Goaltending depth (adding Woll as a backup/1B option) while giving Toronto a young, cost-controlled RFA defenseman with upside. Toronto’s new General ManagerJohn Chayka reportedly highlighted Andrae’s puck-moving ability as a key piece.

Andrae was a second-round pick (54th overall) by Philly in 2020 and had been bouncing between the NHL and AHL. His entry-level contract had expired, making him an RFA.

It looks like the “too small” narrative ultimately played a role in his departure from Philly, even if his talent made him a useful piece for Toronto. Classic hockey size bias in action.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

The Flyers have traded goaltender Samuel Ersson, defensemen Emil Andrae, and a 2026 3rd round pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for netminder Joseph Woll and d-man Simon Benoit

Samuel Ersson

Ersson has been a member of the Philadelphia Flyers since the 2022-23 season. The 26 year old goaltender played 143 career games for Philadelphia with an overall GAA of 3.01 and a .884 SV%. The Flyers acquired Ersson during the 5th round of the 2018 NHL entry draft.

Ersson played all of his hockey in Sweden before making his debut with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms during the 2021-22 season.

Philadelphia Flyers

Ersson made his NHL debut with the Flyers on December 23rd 2022 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Samuel appeared in a total of 12 games during the 2022-23 season.

During his 2nd season goaltending in the NHL Ersson was holding down the back-up position behind Carter Hart. Ersson was playing some solid hockey, the wins were adding up, and he was killing it in the shoot-out.

Carry That Weight

When Hart took his leave of absence from the team to face charges in Canada it was Ersson who shouldered the workload between the pipes. After starting just a dozen games the previous year Ersson was called on to start 51 games during the 2023-24 season.

It was too much too soon and everyone knew it. Even former head coach John Tortorella on several occasions stated that he knew they were over-using the young goaltender. The team had no other solid options to fall back on. If they wanted a shot a winning a hockey game Ersson was getting the start.

The Flyers were not mathematically eliminated from the post season until the final game of the regular season. Every game was relevant, so Ersson kept getting the call.

Vladar

This past season Dan Vladar clearly earned the number one spot as the Flyers top goaltender. He was voted team MVP for his outstanding play during the regular season. Ersson had a strong second half of the season as the team’s back-up winning key games down the stretch and helping the Flyers earn their first trip to the post season since 2020.

Brotherly Love

Samuel Ersson did not have the easiest run here in Philly. Out of necessity he did not have the luxury of a proper development schedule. He always did what was asked of him. He back-stopped a rebuilding hockey club as it took its lumps night after night. No matter the situation he gave his all and he should always be appreciated for that.

Ersson was very popular with his teammates and his love for the Flyers Fans was obvious. No matter how much baggage he was asked to carry around it never soured him on the team or the town.

The paint job on his mask said “The City of Brotherly Love” and that was the code Ersson lived by with the Flyers faithful.

A Fresh Start

Hockey goalies mature in a unique time frame. At 26 years of age Ersson is just about to enter what is considered “prime” for his position. This move to Toronto could prove to be a great opportunity with new surroundings, a clean slate, and a brand new set of circumstances to focus on.

It was time for the Flyers to solidify their goaltending situation. Hopefully this move will be a positive for everyone involved.

Always a gentleman, here’s to wishing Samuel Ersson all the best in his future endeavors.

Emil Andrae

Andrae was drafted by the Flyers in the 2nd round of the 2020 NHL entry draft. He made his debut with the team during the 2023-24 season and has played a total of 107 games as a Flyer. Again, a player who is well respected by his teammates. He works hard and he moves the puck well especially through the neutral zone on the rush.

At just 24 years of age, Andrae has a lot to offer and he’s still developing. He played 61 games with the Flyers this season splitting his time in Lehigh Valley with the Phantoms. Perhaps this will be his shot at landing a permanent NHL spot. Another really good dude, always a gentleman, all the best in Toronto!

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

The Flyers have traded goaltender Samuel Ersson and defenseman Emil Andrae (along with a 2026 third-round pick) to the Toronto Maple Leafs, in exchange for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit.

Trade Details

• Flyers receive: Goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit.
• Maple Leafs receive: Goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and Philadelphia’s 2026 third-round draft pick.

This is a backup goaltending-focused move for the Flyers. Ersson had been inconsistent (e.g., 14-11-5 with a .870 SV% in 33 games last season), while Woll brings more size/experience as a potential upgrade behind the Flyers’ starter. Benoit adds physicality on the blue line. For Toronto, it frees up cap space and adds younger talent in Andrae (a puck-moving defenseman) plus draft capital.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

Denver Barkey had a strong and memorable rookie season with the Flyers in 2025-26.

Key Highlights:

• NHL Debut: Recalled from the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms on December 19, 2025. He made his debut the next day (December 20) against the New York Rangers, recording two assists in a shootout loss— an impressive start.
• First NHL Goal: Scored on January 3, 2026, against the Edmonton Oilers in a 5-2 Flyers win, helping spark an early lead.
• Regular Season Stats (with Flyers): Appeared in 43 games, tallying 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points, plus solid underlying metrics and versatility (including shifts at center due to injuries). He also spent time with the Phantoms earlier (7G-9A-16P in 26 GP). puckpedia.com
• Playoffs: Contributed in the postseason (1G-1A in 10 games) and earned praise for stepping up as a young player, including being “front and center” in series play.

Barkey, a 3rd-round pick (95th overall) in 2023, transitioned quickly from junior (strong OHL production with the London Knights) to pro hockey. Fans and media highlighted his skill, forecheck, and poise as a bright spot for the Flyers.

Overall, it was a successful introduction to the NHL for the 20-year-old forward, building excitement for his future in Philadelphia.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

It was a classy move by Danny Brière to send former Flyer Nic Deslauriers to the Carolina Hurricanes with a chance to win a Cup. At the 2026 trade deadline, the Flyers sent veteran enforcer Nic Deslauriers to the Carolina Hurricanes for a conditional 2027 7th-round pick. Deslauriers had been a solid, well-liked physical presence in Philly for a few seasons, but with the Flyers not contending, Brière did right by him by moving him to a legitimate Cup contender.

Deslauriers went on to win the Stanley Cup with Carolina, and the hockey community (including a lot of Flyers fans) appreciated the gesture. Brière even stayed in touch with him afterward. It’s the kind of player-friendly move that builds goodwill—vets notice that stuff.

The Carolina Hurricanes just won the 2026 Stanley Cup last night, beating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 to take the series 4-2. It’s their second title in franchise history (first since 2006).

Deslauriers was the deadline pickup from the Flyers and got to hoist the Cup with Carolina. He didn’t play a ton in the playoffs, but he was part of the team the whole way and earned his ring. There’s some chatter about whether his name will go on the Cup (needs 41 regular-season games with Carolina or at least one Final game), but he’s officially a champ regardless.

Classy move by Brière paying off big time for Nic. Great story.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

The Flyers should strongly consider drafting Ryan Lin if he’s available at pick 21. He’s a high-upside right-shot defenseman who fits what Philadelphia needs on the blue line, especially with the man advantage.

Who is Ryan Lin?

• Profile: 18-year-old (born April 18, 2008) Canadian defenseman from Richmond, BC. Plays for the Vancouver Giants (WHL). 5’11, while weighing 180 lbs, right-shot. Committed to University of Denver.
• 2025-26 season: 57 points (14G-43A) in 53 games — nearly a point-per-game pace as a captain and leading scorer for his team. Strong power-play contributor. Missed time with injury but bounced back impressively. chl.ca
• Rankings: NHL Central Scouting #16 among North American skaters. Other rankings put him in the 15-18 range — solidly mid-to-late first round.

Strengths and Scouting Profile

Lin is an offensive/transitional Defenseman with excellent skating, agility, puck skills, and decision-making. He excels at breaking out of his zone, leading rushes, and creating offense (end-to-end plays, power-play quarterback potential). Scouts compare him to players like Brandon Montour for his profile, with some higher-end upside mentions (Cale Makar-like flashes in highlights, though size is a factor).

He’s physical for his size, smart positionally, and has improved defensively. His athletic testing at the NHL Combine was strong (top-10 in several events). Lin started as a forward, which may contribute to his offensive instincts.

Potential Concerns

At 5’11, Lin’s not a big shutdown D. Some scouts note occasional defensive-zone inconsistencies, though his tools and compete level mitigate this. Smaller right-shot D have gained more acceptance league-wide.

Fit with the Flyers

The Flyers have a solid young core but could use more dynamic, puck-moving talent on defense to complement their current group. Lin projects as a potential top-4 right D with power-play upside — exactly the type of high-ceiling addition that could pay off in a few years. NBC Sports Philadelphia noted he’d be a “fine pick” at 21.

With that being said, the 2026 draft is deep on defensemen, and Lin could go earlier (top 15-18 range in mocks), but if he slides to the Flyers’ spot, it’s a strong value play.

Bottom Line

Lin has the tools, production, and pedigree to become a impactful NHL defenseman. Drafting him at 21 would be a smart, exciting move for Philly’s rebuild/ contention timeline. The draft is June 26-27 in Buffalo — worth watching closely.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

Darnell Nurse, the Edmonton Oilers Defenseman, has requested a trade and reportedly listed the Flyers among teams he’d accept a move to (along with mutual interest from the Flyers’ side). However, many analysts and fans argue it doesn’t make much sense for Philly due to contract value, on-ice performance, roster fit, and opportunity cost.

The Contract Is an Albatross, Nurse is signed through 2029-30 (four years remaining) at a $9.25 million AAV cap hit. This is one of the highest for Defensemen and was signed after stronger seasons.

Even with Flyers’ solid projected cap space (~$37-38M for 2026-27), committing that much long-term to a 31-year-old (turning 32 soon) ties up resources. Edmonton would likely need to retain significant salary (e.g., 30-50%) for any deal to appeal, but even then, it’s risky for a non-contender like the Flyers.

The deal was front-loaded, so actual cash owed is lower (~$29.6M remaining), but the cap hit is what matters for roster building. This makes him a negative-value asset for most teams unless heavily subsidized.

Recent Performance Doesn’t Match the Salary In 2025-26

Nurse played all 82 games but posted modest numbers: 7G-17A-24P, -12 plus/minus, 104 PIM (career high), averaging ~21 minutes. His underlying metrics were underwhelming (e.g., low CF%, challenges in possession/zone play).

• He’s a big, mobile, physical left-shot Dman who can log tough minutes and hit/block shots, but he’s prone to turnovers, defensive lapses, and undisciplined penalties.
• He thrived at times next to elite talent like Connor McDavid, but his play has been inconsistent, and advanced stats often show limited or negative impact in key areas.
• At 31, he’s not a long-term building block, and his game is more “solid veteran” than “game-changer” for the price.

Roster and Strategic Fit Issues for the Flyers

The Flyers already have a decent young-to-veteran blue line core (Travis Sanheim, Cam York, Rasmus Ristolainen, plus prospects like Oliver Bonk, Emil Andrae, etc.). They need help but prioritize mobility, puck-moving, right-shot options, or power-play contributors more than another big left-shot physical D.

• Nurse overlaps stylistically with existing players (e.g., Ristolainen’s physicality) without clearly elevating the group.
• Philly is in a “build toward contention” phase with young talent and cap flexibility. Spending big on a declining, overpaid veteran risks blocking development or better future moves (e.g., for a true top-pair or PP QB D). forums.
• Better uses of cap space and assets: Target younger/upside players, free agents, or draft picks rather than absorbing a high AAV “meh” veteran.

Other Practical Concerns

• Mutual interest exists (family ties via uncle Donovan McNabb add a Philly connection), and he could stabilize a top-4 pair short-term.
• Fan and analyst consensus leans negative: “head scratcher,” “doesn’t make sense,” “avoid,” due to the price tag vs. production.
• Trade cost: Flyers would likely send assets the other way, even with retention, for a player many view as overpaid.

In short, while Nurse is a serviceable NHL Defenseman, who could help any blue line on a short-term, discounted basis, his massive cap commitment, age curve, and middling recent play make him a poor long-term fit for a Flyers team with better ways to use their space and prospects.

They would be better off pursuing higher-upside or better-value options on defense this offseason. Rumors are just rumors—expect the Flyers (and other suitors) to proceed with caution.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

Porter Martone, Oliver Bonk, and Denver Barkey are expected to return to the Philadelphia area next week ahead of the Flyers’ 2026 Development Camp.

Quick details:

• Development Camp is scheduled to start June 29th and last until July 3rd (with on-ice sessions open to the public and an autograph event at the Franklin Institute).
• I’m hearing that Martone, Bonk, and Barkey are heading back to Voorhees to train for the upcoming season next week in Voorhees.
• Porter Martone (19, 2025 1st-rounder) had a strong rookie NHL season and playoffs.
• Denver Barkey (21, 2023 3rd-rounder) and Oliver Bonk (21, 2023 2nd-rounder) have been building experience in the AHL/Phantoms and showed well when called up.

They’re all part of the Flyers’ promising young group and will use camp to prepare for Training Camp in the fall.

Trade Rumors

Personally, I don’t get involved into trade rumors because most are just propaganda put out by the organization. Yes, the Flyers will be interested in many players this offseason, and of course they are interested in Dylan Larkin. Larkin is coveted by most NHL teams, but lhe can reject a deal due to his no movement clause. All I can say is the Flyers are interested, but that does not mean a deal is imminent or even close.

One rumor that I do not believe is that the Flyers are trying to acquire Darnell Nurse. The Flyers have Rasmus Ristolainen, and I believe he’s a better player than Nurse. This move would not move the needle at all.

Do not every rumor you hear, it’s just that, a rumor.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise