NHL Free Agency Rumors: Flyers Linked To 2 Players This Summer

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Philadelphia Flyers are set to enter the offseason with a mix of optimism and uncertainty as they continue their rebuild under GM Daniel Brière. 

With around $27.5 million in projected cap space, the Flyers definitely have financial flexibility, though much of it will be allocated to re-signing key RFAs like Cam York, Noah Cates, Tyson Foerster, and Jakob Pelletier. 

That leaves approximately $11 million for free-agent signings, and according to William James of Philly Hockey Now, goaltending and defense are the primary areas of focus. 

"If the Flyers are smart, they’ll use some of that on a backup goalie," James wrote, naming Detroit's Alex Lyon as a potential target to complement Sam Ersson. 

While the Flyers see Ersson as a long-term option, concerns remain about his ability to handle a heavy workload.

On defense, James sees Washington’s Jakob Chychrun as a possible addition, noting his ties to the organization and ability to strengthen a blue line that already features Travis Sanheim, Jamie Drysdale, and York. 

"A trio of York, Chychrun, and Sanheim seems pretty good to me," he wrote, adding that young prospect Oliver Bonk could round out a strong defensive core in the near future. The Flyers also have an abundance of draft picks, including seven in the first two rounds, and James believes at least one will be traded for immediate help. 

"I would be surprised if the Flyers did not kick the tires on a possible move at a very minimum," he noted, suggesting that the team could target a rebuilding club willing to move a proven player for draft capital.

While the Flyers' long-term goal is building through the draft, their timeline for contention remains uncertain. James believes they could push for the playoffs next season but sees 2026-27 as a more realistic turning point. 

"This offseason will be important," he wrote. "They may make a run and make the playoffs next year. However, I see the Flyers being at least two years out from being a cup contender, if not longer." 

The team’s search for a top center continues, though James suggests they may look to the draft for that solution rather than free agency. 

With young forwards like Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov in the mix, along with developing talent such as Jett Luchanko, the Flyers' future is beginning to take shape.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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