Addressing the Flyers’ Biggest Needs Heading Into Free Agency

The Philadelphia Flyers have already begun the process of improving their roster for the 2025/26 season.

It started by making sure that Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster were locked up before free agency even started. They then found their top-six center by trading for Trevor Zegras. Alongside that, the team improved its future by addressing many, but not all, of the team’s needs in the draft.

One of those needs: a left-shot defender. While that is not an urgent matter on the immediate roster, the pipeline could sure use some left-shot blueliners. Even then, the current Flyers could still use a boost on the left side as well.

The other significant need: a goaltender. That’s pretty self-explanatory.

Still, the Flyers roster is nowhere near complete. The team needs much more if they want a chance at the playoffs next season. So, let’s address the Flyers’ biggest needs before free agency.

Read More: Updated Flyers Prospect Rankings After the NHL Draft (+)

Give the Flyers a Real Goaltender Tandem

The Flyers’ goaltending situation is quite sad beyond Sam Ersson.

The trio of Ersson, Ivan Fedotov, and Aleksei Kolosov was easily the most disappointing aspect of the Flyers’ 2024/25 season. They ranked at the bottom of the league in almost every combined statistic and individual statistic.

Ersson went on that post-holiday break run where he showed true No. 1 potential, even through the Four Nations Faceoff. However, the wheels started to fall off again once the workload increased.

Fedotov and Kolosov were just outright disappointing.

Kolosov was rumored to be heading back to Minsk, but they seem like they have their goaltending situation sorted out without Kolosov in their plans. It has also been long rumored that Fedotov will start the year with the Phantoms.

The Flyers are reportedly hot on the goaltender market, and to me, that should be the first need addressed in free agency.

The likely option is Jake Allen, who at this point seems destined for free agency.

Allen would be a stopgap option. A veteran, 34-year-old netminder, Allen could help bridge the gap between the current Flyers goaltending and the future like Carson Bjarnason and or Yegor Zavragin.

Allen could get a shorter-term deal, around three years and $5 million annually.

I had already written that Thatcher Demko is my ideal choice. However, it seems as if Demoko will be sticking around in Vancouver.

A Left-Shot Defender

The Flyers’ right side is pretty solid. Between Travis Sanheim, Jamie Drysdale, Rasmus Ristolainen, Oliver Bonk, and a few recent draftees, the right side is in good hands.

However, that is not the case for the left. Currently, the Flyers’ left side consists of Cam York (still not re-signed), Nick Seeler, and Egor Zamula/Emil Andrae. Beyond that, there is no promising prospect in the pipeline.

The Flyers could really use some help, both now and in the future.

To me, Bo Byram fills both. I would love to see the Flyers take a swing at him. A package consisting of a young winger, which Philly has a surplus of, a right-shot defender, which the Sabres don’t have a surplus of, and a pick should easily get the job done. Whether the Flyers make the move depends on what Byram’s current asking price is.

The market for LHD is pretty thin this offseason. Unless the Flyers make a trade, it seems like it’s offer sheet or bust. K’Andre Miller feels like the only other semi-realistic option. Vladislav Gavrikov seems like the only UFA, but his market will be competitive. It also feels like he is a Ranger already.

Regardless, the Flyers need to address the left side of their blueline this offseason.

Read More: Should the Flyers Take A Risk on Bowen Byram?

Fourth Line Center

Lastly, the Flyers must address their need for a fourth-line center.

After trading Ryan Poehling for Trevor Zegras, the team suddenly needs a fourth-line center. I put this as the lowest because they have internal options. Karsen Dorwart could step into that position. The organization is also high on Rodrigo Abols and Jacob Gaucher.

Jett Luchanko could also quickly mitigate the need for a 4C if he makes a strong push for the NHL this season. Which, for what it’s worth, I think would be better for his development rather than another year in Guelph.

However, if the Flyers want to make it a good competition, they should target a fourth-line center in free agency.

The obvious connection is Puis Suter, who has a good relationship with new Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet. Joe Veleno has also become an option after his recent buyout.

There are plenty of options this offseason, but I would love to see 4C addressed this offseason.

What do you think are the Flyers’ most significant needs in free agency?

Read More: Grading the Flyers Day 2 of the NHL Draft

For more Flyers news and up-to-date coverage, visit Philly Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@wmjsports
@PhillyHockeyNow