The Philadelphia Flyers probably could not have envisioned a worse start to the 2026-27 season, going winless through their first eight games and sitting at 0-5-3.
Questions are already being asked about how to salvage a nightmare opening stretch. Although a coaching change is not currently expected, according to Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco, a trade could become a reality if the struggles continue.
Di Marco identified Noah Cates, Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny as potential candidates in a roster shakeup Tuesday, with growing frustration surrounding the latter.
Konecny signed an eight-year, $70 million extension in 2024 and remains a major part of Philadelphia's forward core. The 29-year-old is the club's longest-serving forward outside of captain Sean Couturier and has led the Flyers in points in each of the last five seasons.
Still, he recorded just three assists in his first five appearances before missing time with an injury; he was placed on injured reserve on Sunday.
“Speaking with sources Monday, there is a growing sense of frustration from within the Flyers organization with Konecny. According to one source, Konecny isn’t overly impactful when he isn’t scoring or antagonizing the opposing team,” Di Marco wrote.
“The play often dies on his stick, making bad decisions with the puck that often lead to turnovers. As one source said, the one-constant on the Flyers’ struggling power play the last number of seasons has been Konecny – a fairly-damning criticism.”
After breaking a five-year postseason drought and winning a Stanley Cup Playoff round in the spring, it's certainly surprising to see this level of futility early on in the City of Brotherly Love.
Making a change could become an option to try to get a talented young roster going. Di Marco reported that there are questions internally about Konecny's fit in head coach Rick Tocchet's offensive system following his productive years under John Tortorella.
Article Continues BelowThe report suggested Philadelphia could eventually ask Konecny to waive his no-movement clause if the team continues to struggle. That remains a potential step, rather than something the Flyers have reportedly already done.
It's still very early, and with the NHL's extended 84-game schedule taking effect this year, smashing the panic button might not be the move.
But if this Flyers team doesn't start winning soon, general manager Danny Briere might have some very difficult decisions on his hands.

