Veteran Glendening brings right-handed center depth to Flyers

The 36-year-old, acquired at the trade deadline, has added an important element to Philadelphia's lineup.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:04pm

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Flyers center Luke Glendening, who grew up in Detroit and made his NHL debut with the Red Wings, was acquired by Philadelphia at the trade deadline. The veteran right-handed center has provided a key element the Flyers were lacking, with all five of their previous centers being left-handed. Glendening has slotted in nicely on the fourth line and penalty kill, and his strong faceoff ability has been a boost for the team.

Why it matters

The addition of a right-handed center like Glendening is important, especially in the defensive zone where faceoffs in the right circle would normally be a weakness for the left-handed Flyers centers. Glendening's experience and reliability have made him a valuable asset as Philadelphia pushes for a playoff spot.

The details

Glendening, who spent the first eight seasons of his NHL career with the Red Wings, was claimed off waivers by the Flyers at the trade deadline. The 36-year-old has slotted in nicely on the fourth line with Sean Couturier and Garnet Hathaway, and has also been a key part of the penalty kill. Glendening's 55.6% career faceoff win percentage has been a major boost, as the Flyers' previous five centers were all left-handed.

  • Glendening was claimed off waivers by the Flyers at the NHL trade deadline.
  • Glendening will suit up for his eighth game with the Flyers on Saturday against his former team, the Detroit Red Wings.

The players

Luke Glendening

A 36-year-old center who was acquired by the Flyers at the NHL trade deadline. Glendening grew up in Detroit and made his NHL debut with the Red Wings, spending the first eight seasons of his career there.

Sean Couturier

The Flyers' top-line center, who has benefited from having the right-handed Glendening on the fourth line and penalty kill.

Rick Tocchet

The Flyers' head coach, who has praised Glendening's addition and the impact he has had on the team.

Jon Cooper

The Tampa Bay Lightning head coach, who raved about Glendening to Tocchet.

Steve Yzerman

The general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, who was Glendening's GM toward the end of his tenure with the team.

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What they’re saying

“It really has added a lot to our team. Think, since I put that line together, they're an identity line for us. But it's also on the PK, having that right-handed shot — Coots all year has done a nice job [but] it's hard to play both dots all the time — so it is a luxury.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers Head Coach

“He's a smart, reliable defensive player, really strong on faceoffs. Used to hate going against him in the draws; it was always a battle. Probably chopped your wrist off if you got too low. So it's nice to have it on my side.”

— Sean Couturier, Flyers Center

What’s next

The Flyers will face the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, March 28th, in a crucial game as they push for a playoff spot. Glendening will return to his hometown to face his former team in a must-win matchup.

The takeaway

The addition of veteran center Luke Glendening has provided the Flyers with a much-needed right-handed faceoff specialist, adding an important element to their lineup as they make a late-season playoff push. Glendening's experience and reliability have made him a valuable asset for Philadelphia.