Three defensemen the Flyers could target in trades
Coming off their fourth straight loss to start the season Monday night (outshot by more than 20 by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the process), the Philadelphia Flyers could be in the need of reinforcements. Sure, adding a high-end forward (specifically a center) like they attempted to do with Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks last summer would be nice but, realistically speaking, that type of opportunity is not available this early in the season.
As was reported last week, the Flyers do seem interested in bringing in some help on the back end. Looking to add a depth defenseman ideally with size, the Flyers’ need for help on the blueline was only exacerbated with the injury to Rasmus Ristolainen, which caused him to miss Monday’s contest.
Taking size, handedness, contractual status and teams potentially looking to sell into consideration, here are some defenders the Flyers could target.
3. Luke Schenn (Vancouver Canucks)
Returning to Vancouver on a one-year contract this summer after spending last season with both the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres, Schenn carries a $2.25-million AAV would be easily absorbed by the Flyers. Playing for them from 2013 until 2015, Schenn would have to greenlight a return to Philadelphia, as his one-year deal is locked and loaded with a full no-movement clause.
Currently skating on the Canucks’ third pair alongside Zeev Buium, Schenn could be a solid fall-back option on the Flyers’ third pair if David Jiricek and/or Simon Benoit can’t hold down the fort. Nick Seeler and Schenn would be far from a fleet-of-foot pairing, but it would give head coach Rick Tocchet stable options further down the lineup. Known for his rugged style, Schenn would check the box of “size” the Flyers are looking for.
In the event that defenseman Cam York continues to struggle, Schenn could serve as a reliable option beside him until the former’s game regulates itself. Seeler and Jamie Drysdale also have a history of playing together, so adding Schenn could be an opportunity to spread out the wealth among the defense.
2. Justin Faulk (Detroit Red Wings)
It’s tough to know what exactly is going on in Detroit these days, with interim GM Shawn Horcoff jumping on a moving train that is rapidly going off the tracks. Former GM Steve Yzerman gave up a significant haul for the 34-year-old Faulk; with things not looking bright in Detroit this season, perhaps Horcoff could look to recoup some assets. The Red Wings are also currently using seven defensemen during games this season (not including RFA Simon Edvinsson, who could also be a Flyers target if they want to take a bigger swing) so there could be an expendable body for Horcoff to move – potentially Faulk.
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Faulk is not overly large at six-foot, but he has always been stockier than most of his compatriots of that height. Faulk’s best asset he could bring to the Flyers is his offensive upside to potentially help the power play.
His scoring has dipped in recent years – he has averaged 34 points per season over the last three years after a career-high 50 points in 2022-23 with the St. Louis Blues – but he still does have an offensive pedigree and could aid an anemic Flyers man-advantage unit. Faulk has no points through two games with the Red Wings this season while playing on the team’s second power-play unit.
Faulk is on an expiring contract carrying an AAV of $6.5 million that includes a 15-team no-trade list.
1. Zach Whitecloud (Calgary Flames)
When speaking with Flyers sources last week, Whitecloud’s name was brought up as an archetype for the type of defenseman the team would be looking to add.
Ever since he was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights from the Flames last season, Whitecloud’s name has been in trade discussions. Winning a Stanley Cup in a third-pair role with Vegas, Whitecloud has proven to be a top-tier defenseman in a depth role, making his value quite high for Calgary GM Craig Conroy to maintain on the trade front.
Speaking with Flames sources, it doesn’t sound like they are in a rush to move Whitecloud to start the season. Whitecloud is currently partnered with Kevin Bahl on the team’s top pairing; on an otherwise very-young blueline, the former’s veteran presence could make the asking price to pry him out of Alberta even higher than before.
Not much of an offensive stalwart, Whitecloud would be more of a stabilizing presence on the Flyers’ blueline. Whitecloud, 29, has two years left on his contract carrying a cap-friendly AAV of $2.75 million with no trade protection.
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