Philadelphia Flyers
Should the Flyers Consider Trading Back?
After the draft lottery, we explored trade-up options for the Philadelphia Flyers.
The 2025 NHL Draft is widely considered to be a six-player draft, and the Flyers are fortunate enough to be at 6. While they likely won’t get their pick of the premier prospects, they’ll be guaranteed one of six.
But what if the Flyers aren’t thrilled with the option that falls? Or, what if the Flyers are enthralled by a prospect they know they can get later?
While getting a second franchise cornerstone to pair with Matvei Michkov is of extreme importance, trading back may not be the worst thing either.
In this, we’ll explore reasons why a trade-back could make sense, and what opportunities could exist.
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What if the Flyers Can Get Their Guy later?
Look, I am in no way insinuating an extreme trade back for the Flyers; staying in the top 12 is ideal.
However, if the opportunity arises where the Flyers can get a haul for No. 6 overall, and a trade back to a spot where they can get one of the tier two/three prospects, that could be a win.
We all know the “six-player draft” includes Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Porter Martone, James Hagens, Anton Frondell, and Caleb Desnoyers.
But what about the next six? There are still plenty of intriguing prospects that’ll be available at the following six picks.
In no particular order, prospects like Roger McQueen, Brady Martin, Jake O’Brien, Viktor Eklund, Jackson Smith, and Radim Mrtka would all be options if Briere and company trade back but stay in the top 12.
So, let’s go back to some hypotheticals. Let’s say a team like the Rangers (12), the Ducks (10), or the Sabres (9) really like someone available at No. 6. What’s stopping them from giving the Flyers a haul to move up?
The Flyers could emerge from the draft with extra picks and prospects or maybe even clear some cap space, alongside making the pick wherever they trade back.
It could be a perfect storm for Philadelphia.
One Specific Option
There is one specific opportunity I’d look at for the Flyers to trade back.
It’s no secret that the Flyers need centers. It’s also no secret that the best options aren’t UFAs, but rather RFAs.
Growing more specific, Mason McTavish continues to make sense as an option for the Flyers.
Philadelphia could go straight up and give him an offer sheet. However, the threat of one could be enough to start trade conversations.
The Flyers could look to package No. 6, the Edmonton pick, and a B-tier prospect/player for McTavish and No. 10.
It would offer the Ducks a cap solution with their wave of RFAs coming up. It’ll also allow them to replace McTavish with a new first-round center, all while adding an extra crew first and a prospect/player in the process.
The Flyers get their long-searched-for 1C, still get a top-10 pick, and avoid coughing up the offer sheet compensation.
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Would You Trade Back?
I’ll preface by saying my personal preference is to stay at No. 6, or move up.
However, in an attempt to improve, all cards need to be on the table at all times.
Trading back would allow the Flyers to add another player, or even more picks, to their team while still making a draft pick on a player with tons of potential. Trading back would likely take them out of the running for a sure-thing prospect like James Hagens. However, names like Roger McQueen and Jake O’Brien have the potential to be everything the Flyers need; they’re just riskier picks.
For me, it would have to be for a massive haul. However, if the right package is offered, it may be hard not to consider it.
If the package was right, would you consider a trade-back?
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Agree on McTavish…he would step right onto the PP unit and also the top line.
I would add York to the deal…he of another RFA, plus the fact he would be going back home and family to SoCal.
The trade something to the effect….York, maybe Barkey or Bump, the 6th pick and the Avs pick, for McTavish and the 10th pick.
I really think Pat Verbeek would be willing to do that deal.
If you’re going to give up all of York , barkey or bonk , the 6th and the 22 or 23 … for that you could move up to 2 and get misa .. that is a real haul.
Perhaps Sharks’ Grier would do that, -York , the 6th and Avs pick would be enough IMO- and Misa would be what the Flyers need, but may take a him few years to break out, and also then again he may end up at BC for a year next season before he turns pro.
Yeah I think that could work too . I’m fine if he’s at BC next year or wherever and the next year comes up. Next year we shouldn’t worry about playoffs , it should be 2026 n sounds like … let’s hope .. DB thinks that too. Then hopefully for the next decade we have michovs 1C. DB has to work some magic in this draft.
Exactly,,👍
Are you sure McTavish is going to be a 1c on a cup team?? I would see if they bite on just the oilers pick. .He was the ducks 2C. Yes he would be our 1C right now but in 3 years? He could easily be a good not great player and be a good 2C . Yes he got 52 points and cracked 20 goals for the first time but if this is the final year we are drafting high you go all in and move up . Maybe you can get McTavish later on. Cause you probably are going to overpay and if I’m overpaying I’m going to move up.
Trade Back ????
Hell no ,,,
I say #6,#24,#36 (and #48 IF totally Necessary) for #2
We Need STARS ⭐️!!
We’d STILL have #30 , #40, #45 POSSIBLY #48 and #68,,
Misa or Bust
If, the Isles take Schafer……