The Philadelphia Flyers made the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. Philadelphia even won a playoff series. It was a remarkable campaign for a franchise that had suffered some brutal outcomes in the last few years. However, it appears that this season won't go nearly as well as things did last year.
The Flyers are currently last in the Metropolitan Division. They have a record of 4-10-5, though they are on the verge of their fifth win of the season at the time of this writing. Philadelphia has not had a great start this season. As we move closer and closer to American Thanksgiving, the team may need to come to terms with this being a bit of a lost season.
The Flyers don't want to do that, though. Philadelphia wants to contend for a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot. They want this core of exciting forwards to make their mark in the postseason. Philadelphia has ambition and doesn't want to abandon that just yet.
However, it's clear things aren't getting done with this current group. The Flyers need to make some changes to this roster if they wish to turn this thing around before the end of the season.
The Flyers have to get creative on the trade market sooner rather than later. Thankfully for them, there is one player whose trade clock is ticking. And time is beginning to run out for him and his current team.
Simon Edvinsson would transform Flyers defense
The Detroit Red Wings are working through the Simon Edvinsson trade saga. Edvinsson requested a trade prior to the start of the 2026-27 NHL season amid a contract dispute. At this time, the trade request and his contract situation remain unresolved.
Edvinsson is reportedly adamant that he will not play for Detroit again as this thing continues. There is a time limit on this, though. Edvinsson has to sign an NHL contract by December 1 if he wants to play in the league this season.
The Red Wings need to make a decision soon. If the young defenseman remains adamant about not playing for Detroit, then a trade is the best outcome for all involved. If he hits the market, then Edvinsson would be a fantastic fit for the Flyers.
The Flyers don't have a true No. 1 defenseman on their team. Cam York has shown flashes, especially last season. Travis Sanheim is also a very reliable veteran. But Philadelphia could certainly use an upgrade over those two players.
Article Continues BelowEdvinsson is not only a legitimate top-pairing defenseman at this time, but he will be for a long time to come. He can contribute at both ends of the ice. He can eat the big minutes and give the Flyers the sort of leader on defense they need right now.
What Philadelphia could give up is up for debate, of course. On one hand, players like Edvinsson don't appear on the trade block all that often. The Flyers would get a long-term, top-pair defender on their own contract terms. That's incredibly valuable.
At the same time, the Flyers are likely not going to want to part with some of their top forward prospects. The clock is ticking on the Red Wings, not them. Philadelphia could argue that the deadline would put Detroit in the position to change their ask as opposed to the other way around.
The Flyers are in an unenviable situation. But they aren't in a terrible place at this time. If they can swing a trade for Edvinsson, that could bring much-needed momentum to the City of Brotherly Love.