NHL Trade Rumors: Who Could Flyers Put On The Trade Block?

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Philadelphia Flyers are expected to make several veteran players available for trade as they continue their rebuilding process under GM Danny Brière. 

With the team focusing on younger talent and long-term development, veterans like Scott Laughton, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Nic Deslauriers are prime candidates to be moved as the Flyers aim to acquire future assets. 

Each of these players has term remaining on their contracts, which adds to their appeal for playoff-contending teams seeking serviceable depth that extends beyond just a rental. 

On today's edition of “The Latest” presented by @CCMHockey, @KatePettersen_ & I jump back into the #Smashville discussion, touch on the vets from the #FlyTogether & #LetsGoFlyers that will generate trade interest, and discuss which markets are on the PWHL's expansion radar. pic.twitter.com/bzaOiGOi9b

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) November 8, 2024

"Laughton and Ristolainen’s names have been in and around the trade market for the last couple of seasons," Pagnotta noted, pointing out that neither player has no-trade protection, which would make it easier for the Flyers to negotiate favorable deals. 

Since 2022, Laughton has recorded 44 goals and 75 assists for 119 total across 243 games played. The 30-year-old has spent his entire 12-year NHL career with Philadelphia.

Deslauriers, with his physical style and another year under contract, could also be a valuable target for teams looking to add toughness for a playoff push. 

While the Flyers overachieved last season, Pagnotta suggests the team’s focus is now on a methodical rebuild around future cornerstones like Matvei Michkov, allowing Brière and head coach John Tortorella to balance veteran trades while focusing on developing the next generation of Flyers talent.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images