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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We’re joined by Anthony DiMarco of DailyFaceoff.com to break down the latest Flyers rumors, pending player signings, offseason strategy, and the team’s approach to the upcoming NHL Draft. The panel also shares its thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final, with the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights locked in a tightly contested series.

This time of year is known as “Silly Season” for a reason. The discussion separates legitimate reports from speculation, examines which rumors have real traction, and explores which narratives may be driven by agents, teams, or the rumor mill itself.

The panel also tackles one of the biggest questions facing the Flyers this summer: should fans expect a bold move, or is Daniel Brière committed to a more patient, incremental approach? With expectations growing after the team’s surprising season, the gap between what fans want and what management is likely to do could become one of the defining storylines of the offseason.

Who else could be a target of the Flyers at the Center position? The team will make moves this offseason, but they have to be the right moves.

Dylan Larkin isn’t the only player the Flyers will be interested in. There will be others, like Mason McTavish, Shane Wright, or Matty Beniers.

Watch this great episode, and feel free to like and subscribe to the show.

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The Flyers are entering the final year (2026-27 season) of their long-running buyout payments to Ilya Bryzgalov.

Quick background:

• In June 2011, the Flyers signed Bryzgalov to a 9-year, $51 million contract.
• After two disappointing seasons, they used a compliance buyout in June 2013 on the remaining seven years.
• This turned into 14 years of buyout payments: $1,642,857 per year (paid on July 1 each year), with no cap hit for the Flyers.

The payments run through the 2026-27 season, making 2026-27 the last one. After that, the Flyers will finally be done with this infamous deal.It’s a classic NHL “Bobby Bonilla Day” situation—Bryzgalov hasn’t played for the Flyers (or in the NHL) in over a decade, but the checks keep coming. Many fans and analysts bring it up as a cautionary tale about long-term, big-money goalie contracts.

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The Plyers’ 2026 Development Camp is upcoming (June 29–July 3, 2026, at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, NJ), with on-ice sessions open to the public.

A full roster has not yet been released as of June 10, 2026. It will typically include the team’s recent draftees (especially the 2026 NHL Draft class), signed prospects, returning Lehigh Valley Phantoms players, and camp invites/undrafted free agents.

The camp usually ends with a scrimmage, and standout performers can earn invites to the September Rookie Camp/Series (vs. Rangers). There’s also a fan autograph/signing event planned with prospects and new draftees at The Franklin Institute.

Recent Relevant Signings (Entry-Level Contracts/ELCs and Others). These players are likely to participate in or be connected to the 2026 Development Camp:

• Ilya Pautov (forward): Signed to a 3-year ELC (announced June 1, 2026). espn.com
• Jack Berglund: Signed to a 3-year ELC (earlier in 2026). nbcsportsphiladelphia.com
• Noah Powell: Signed to a 3-year ELC (March 2026). en.wikipedia.org
• Other recent ELC’s/prospect signings from the 2025–26 offseason period include players like Porter Martone, Alex Ciernik, Cole Knuble, and others from prior drafts who are now turning pro or continuing development.

The most recent camp (July 2025) featured ~46 players, including all 2025 draftees (e.g., Porter Martone 1st-round, Jack Nesbitt 1st-round, plus later picks like Jack Murtagh, Shane Vansaghi, etc.). It included returning prospects (Jett Luchanko, Denver Barkey, Oliver Bonk, Alex Bump, etc.), some Phantoms players, and camp invites. Five players participated off-ice only for maintenance.

Key 2025 roster highlights:

Forwards like Devin Kaplan, Jett Luchanko, Alex Bump, Karsen Dorwart (FA signing), Sawyer Boulton (FA signing); Defensemen like Oliver Bonk, Hunter McDonald, Ty Murchison; Goalies like Carson Bjarnason; plus various camp invites (e.g., Waylon Esche).!

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is this the offseason where Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere makes a big splash?

The orange and black finally have money to spend, so will the team add a 1A or a 1C? Give the Podcast a listen and please subscribe.

saiah and Chef are back with a special edition of the O&B Puckcast featuring former Flyers defenseman Behn Wilson, who joins the show to discuss his playing career and his new book, “Gloves Off.”

One of the most feared fighters of the late 1970’s and early 1980s, Wilson reflects on his journey to the NHL, his years in Philadelphia, and the physical style of hockey that defined his era. He also shares memorable stories from the locker room, life on the road, and some of the larger-than-life personalities he encountered throughout his career.

The conversation also explores the inspiration behind “Gloves Off,” offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the stories, experiences, and lessons that shaped both the book and Wilson’s life in hockey. Packed with humor, insight, and plenty of unforgettable anecdotes, this is an episode Flyers fans and hockey history buffs won’t want to miss.