The Philadelphia Flyers did not have a great start to the 2026-27 campaign. They lost each of their first nine games of the season. Things have turned around somewhat, though. Philadelphia has won each of its last three games.
The Flyers made the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. They even won a playoff series over their intrastate rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Everything that could have gone right last year did. Philadelphia expected more of the same this season.
So far, it's been tough sledding for the Flyers. They are trying to turn things around. The first step was escaping last place in the Metropolitan Division, which they have done. Now, they need to continue stringing together wins.
The Flyers, regardless of their position months from now, should be active in the trade market. At this rate, it appears the team would be sellers rather than buyers. This would be unfortunate, considering their ambitions.
At the same time, they do have some veteran talent that would attract attention around the NHL. But it was young defenseman Cam York who was recently named a potential trade candidate for the Flyers by The Athletic.
“York is a legitimate top-four defenseman in the league and has a team-friendly contract, too, at $5.15 million AAV through 2029-30 without any trade protection. If the Flyers are to take a big swing at a high-end player in the near future, they’re inevitably going to have to part with a current player or two. York would certainly have interest around the league,” Kevin Kurz wrote.
With this in mind, here are two potential landing spots for York early in th 2026-27 campaign.
Red Wings could look at Flyers' Cam York
The Detroit Red Wings are in a mess of their own design right now. Dylan Larkin wants to be traded, as does young defenseman Simon Edvinsson. Larkin is still playing for Detroit, while Edvinsson is unsigned in his native Sweden.
The Red Wings are looking to satisfy both players. At this time, it appears neither of them want to return to Detroit. Edvinsson, especially, is reportedly fed up with the team's front office. The Flyers could take advantage of this.
York would be a good addition to the Red Wings' top four. He's not a true replacement for Edvinsson, but he could help soften the blow of his loss by a bit. In saying this, the dream scenario for Philadelphia is landing Larkin.
Article Continues BelowLarkin's recently expanded trade list did not include the Flyers. But if he were to add another couple teams, Philadelphia may be in play. If that happens, a deal involving York could be worth it for both sides.
Hurricanes may be a potential landing spot
The inclusion of the Carolina Hurricanes here is more about fit for York than anything else. Carolina is coming off a Stanley Cup triumph, and are elite once again this season. This is not a team actively looking to part with its star players.
However, if the Flyers decide to make York available to the highest bidder, the Hurricanes make a lot of sense. He would help their blueline now and in the future. Carolina could also give him a chance to play top-four minutes on one of the best teams in hockey.
What this trade would look like is anyone's guess. Perhaps the Hurricanes could include disgruntled defenseman Alexander Nikishin in this theoretical move. In any event, the fit is too good to ignore.