Rumors: Flyers’ Search for Centers Leads to Pair of Central Division Teams

DFO’s Anthony Di Marco has been doing overtime over the last few weeks when it comes to rumours pertaining to the Philadelphia Flyers and he uncorked another bit of information that relays their intentions of improving their centre depth.

It’s a problem the Flyers have had for quite some time but haven’t been able to patch up through trades, free agency, or the draft – at least as of yet. As things currently stand, Noah Cates and Christian Dvorak are their 1-2 centre punch and that’s just not good enough.

They traded for Trevor Zegras in the hopes that he could be the solution down the middle, but the former Anaheim Duck is better suited on the wings, which has prompted them to use Dvorak a lot more in the top-6.

There’s not a lot of available options and the one big fish that is actually available has no interest in joining the Flyers. However, all is not lost, as Di Marco believes the Chicago Blackhawks are a possible trade partner with Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore.

Flyers President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones was seen watching/scouting games played by the Blackhawks last week, which only sparked things further. Chicago is currently in a situation where they feel like they have to make a move and it’s been reported that they want shoot-first wingers with size, which the Flyers have.

Nazar is an interesting option because he’s only 22-years-old and is in the first year of a 7-year contract that pays him $46.2 million. He scored 15 goals and 41 points in 66 games last year after scoring 12 goals and 26 points in 53 games during his rookie year.

It’s a similar situation to Seattle’s Matty Beniers, who is technically not available or being shopped, but can be had if the right price is offered up. Di Marco mentions that the Blackhawks could prefer to use Nazar as their 2C and Anton Fronded as the 3C, which wouldd hold up conversations for the time being.

Nazar might be harder to move off of but that makes Moore more expendable. However, the issue with the 21-year-old is that the Flyers aren’t as high on him and are skeptical that he carries long-term top-6 potential. In other words, it would become a crowded room for the future third line centre job between Moore, Jack Berglund, and Jett Luchanko.

Nevertheless if things change from either side and a deal is to be struck, then the Flyers surplus on the wings will finally benefit them. Di Marco believes that Travis Konecny could be approached to waive his no-movement clause, but if that should fail, then look to Owen Tippett as the prime trade bait.

The 27-year-old fits everything the Blackhawks are looking for in a shoot-first winger with size and speed to play next to Bedard or Frondell. Tippett is also signed long-term as he has 6 more years beyond 2026-27 at a cap hit of $6.2 million.

While the Blackhawks might remain at status quo for a little bit, should they continue to struggle, look for GM Kyle Davidson to shake things up. Bedard is in year 4 and has no help around him outside of veterans like Patrick Kane and Teuvo Teravainen. Despite all the draft capital over the years, they’re still waiting for prospects to burgeon.

Whether it’s Konecny, Tippett, or even Tyson Foerster, it would be wise for the Blackhawks to consider whatever the Flyers are offering as it’s a welcome addition on their wings for Bedard, Frondell and company for years to come.

Di Marco adds that should the Flyers look elsewhere they can land on the Minnesota Wild for prospect Charlie Stramel. The Wild have held interest in both Konecny and Tippett over the last little bit, preferring the former over the latter if they had a choice.

The Flyers like Stramel as a prospect and the fact that he played with Porter Martone at Michigan State University. The two became really close on and off the ice, and considering they need an upgrade over Cates as Martone’s – and Matvei Michkov – centre, Stramel could be the perfect fit.

The 21st overall pick in 2023 enjoyed a successful campaign playing next to Martone last year with 19 goals and 44 points in 37 games. He’s currently with the Iowa Wild of the AHL with 1 goal and 3 points in 10 games and has been Minnesota’s main trade chip in their ongoing discussions to improve their roster.

Di Marco mentions that the Flyers would be open to a deal that would have them receive Stramel and a first round pick for Tippett.

Stramel hasn’t had an earth shattering start to his professional career but the Flyers like his potential and finding a long-term option for one of their cornerstone wingers isn’t the worst idea. However, it doesn’t necessarily improve them all that much in the now, as they’d still be without a legitimate top-6 option.

Whether it’s Moore, Nazar, or Stramel, the Flyers are diligently working to get a deal done but seem relatively staunch on who they want to trade for and exactly what they’re willing to give up to improve their NHL roster.

It seems they have moved on from Ottawa’s Dylan Cozens and Ridly Greig, and while they’d love to land Dylan Larkin, that dream can be flushed away with his recent 10-team trade-list being made public that doesn’t involve the Flyers.

It will be interesting how things shake out as we head into November. The more games the Flyers play the more obvious it becomes that they need immediate help down the middle. This is Daniel Brière’s opportunity to address his team’s biggest weakness and now he has a few options to look at as the Flyers look to improve from their 3-7-4 start.

FLYERS ALUMNI VEGAS AND IRELAND TRIPS

Flyers Nation and TrueFan Travel have teamed up for two trips with the Flyers Alumni!

The Las Vegas package (March 10–14) includes tickets to Flyers–Golden Knights on March 11 at T-Mobile Arena, an all-inclusive tailgate, optional flights from Philadelphia, a 4-night downtown hotel stay, an alumni pep rally and Q&A, a Flyers vs. Utah watch party, and a meet and greet.