Flyers Weigh Selling vs. Buying at 2026 NHL Trade Deadline

Philadelphia must decide whether to trade away assets or make a bold move to acquire a top defenseman

Mar. 5, 2026 at 2:25pm

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The Philadelphia Flyers are facing a crucial decision ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline. After failing to make the playoffs in the last six seasons, the Flyers are most likely going to be sellers at the deadline. However, the team's management is considering going against convention and potentially adding a player or two, including targeting New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec.

Why it matters

The Flyers' recent struggles have left the team's fanbase frustrated, and a bold move at the deadline could provide a much-needed boost of optimism. Acquiring a talented young defenseman like Nemec could help accelerate the team's rebuild and signal to the players that the organization is committed to improving the roster.

The details

The Flyers are currently six points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, making it a long shot for them to qualify for the postseason this year. As a result, the team is expected to trade away several players, including defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Owen Tippett, who could fetch high draft picks and prospects. However, the Flyers' management is also considering going against convention and adding a player, with Nemec emerging as a potential target. The 22-year-old defenseman has shown promise with the Devils, scoring 9 goals and 12 assists this season, and his size, skating ability, and NHL experience could make him an attractive option for the Flyers.

  • The Flyers are currently in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division, six points behind the Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
  • The NHL trade deadline is set for Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Ristolainen

A right-shot defenseman who offers high-level toughness, a willingness to win battles in the corners and in front of the net, and the ability to move the puck and pass well. Ristolainen is under contract through the 2026-27 season and could command a high draft pick and a prospect in a trade.

Owen Tippett

A 27-year-old right wing who skates on the Flyers' top line and has proven himself as a scorer, with 19 goals this season and previous seasons of 27, 28, and 20 goals. Tippett is under contract through the 2031-32 season and could fetch a good return in a trade.

Simon Nemec

A 22-year-old defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who appears to be well on his way to developing into a star player. Nemec's size, skating ability, and NHL experience could make him an attractive trade target for the Flyers as they look to improve their defensive corps.

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What’s next

The Flyers will need to weigh the potential benefits of trading away assets for future considerations against the potential upside of acquiring a player like Nemec to bolster their roster for the remainder of the season. The team's management will need to carefully evaluate their options and make a decision that they believe will put the Flyers in the best position to succeed in the long run.

The takeaway

The Flyers' approach to the 2026 NHL trade deadline will be a crucial test for the team's management and their vision for the franchise's future. While the conventional path may be to sell off assets, a bold move to acquire a talented young defenseman like Nemec could provide a much-needed spark and signal the team's commitment to turning things around.