Report: Fans Waiting for Flyers' Big Move – Could Happen This Summer
Since taking over nearly two years ago, Brière has methodically reshaped the roster, moving out players like Kevin Hayes, Ivan Provorov, and Morgan Frost to build a team in his vision.
His latest decision to trade longtime leader Scott Laughton to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2027 first-round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin is another step in that process. While acknowledging the difficulty of the move, Brière emphasized the need for young players to take over leadership roles.
“At some point, too, you’ve got to let some of the young guys start to take over,” he said.
According to NHL stats, Matvei Michkov and teammate Tyson Foerster become the first pair of #Flyers rookies to score 20 goals in consecutive seasons for the first time in over 30 years. #LetsGoFlyers
— Mark Ramos (@RamosReports) March 7, 2025
With Laughton gone, the focus shifts to what comes next.
The Flyers are in a strong position, holding seven picks in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, including three first-rounders, and projecting to have over $27.5 million in cap space if the salary cap rises to $95.5 million.
That flexibility gives Brière options, whether through a major trade or by diving into free agency. He acknowledged that the rebuild is “probably progressing a little quicker than I even expected,” fueled by the emergence of Matvei Michkov and continued growth from young players like Tyson Foerster and Cam York.
While cautious, he didn’t dismiss the idea of making a splash this offseason. “More importantly, it’s finding the right player. … That’s what we’re trying to be careful with.”
Nikita Grebenkin is not nothing... https://t.co/sn33FLRVRg pic.twitter.com/ocIUOhhTXG
— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) March 7, 2025
Brière sees the long-term value of stockpiling first-round picks but also recognizes the importance of adding impact players at the right time.
“At some point, we hope to be one of those teams on the other side of the fence that are looking to acquire players,” he said. With the right opportunity, this summer could be when the Flyers shift from patient rebuilders to aggressive buyers.
Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
