So often we like to play GM of our favorite teams, so I figured why not try my hypothetical GM hand in two parts. This second part will cover how I would navigate the defensive group since the first part was about the forwards. Something important to keep in mind is that the theoretical moves I present here are not just to “free up cap space” but to help with what the Flyers front office is calling a rebuild for the future. Here are three moves I propose:
Trade Zamula and a 2027 third to SJ for Mario Ferraro.
For the record I like Zamula, but I think we can agree that he hasn’t gotten as much playing time as we were hoping for. Ferraro is not a household name but he is a 26-year-old that has one year left on his deal. He is young and can fit in with a younger defense. I’m not sure this offer would get the job done, but Ferraro is a player to keep an eye on. SJ is still a few years away so a younger Zamula and a third-round pick might be enough to get the job done for them.
Flyers trade Ristolainen…that’s it…they trade him anywhere
Risto has improved his trade value. He still has two more years after this which might make other teams hesitant to trade for him. But if you think about it his 5.1 million cap hit per year isn’t going to be horrible after the cap rises this offseason. Risto is not a defensive liability and playoff teams love the physicality he brings. Risto has also been showcasing his powerful shot more recently. Overall, Ristolanien would be a solid add to a playoff team. Maybe the Flyers could take an expiring contract back (or a player that has one more additional year).
Flyers trade Erik Johnson and 2026 fifth and seventh-round picks to VAN for Carson Soucy
Vancouver needs a shakeup on defense. They just signed Pettersson to an extension and Soucy has found himself falling down the depth chart. Johnson has been a good team guy but the Flyers need players who can actually play. Soucy has one year left at a low 3.25 million dollar cap hit. I think the Flyers would be wise to bring him in and see how the 30-year-old gels. If he doesn’t work out they could trade him in the offseason and retain 50% to boost the return.
I know that some folks won’t like these deals but the Flyers have to pay Cam York and it would be wise to try some other veterans with the 24-year-old youngster. As I said at the end of the Forwards piece, the Flyers Front Office has to do something this year at the deadline to create a path for the future. Just trading players to trade them isn’t going to help. The Flyers need to show direction and help some of the young guys on the roster. Fingers crossed we see some moves happen.
By: Josh Shuster (@flyguyjosh91)
photo credit: nhl.com
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