Now that break-up day has passed and Rick Tocchet and General Manger Danny Briere have addressed the media, the Flyers off-season is now officially underway. In addition to this, I though it’d be fun to revisit something we did last off-season and that’s make some predictions about what’s to come this summer. So without further ado, let’s make some educated guesses for the orange and black this summer:
3. With the 21st Pick, the Flyers will Draft C Oliver Suvanto
The Flyers own the 21st pick in this year’s draft and with it, should look to add to their center depth. The 2026 NHL Draft is flush with high-caliber defensemen, with as many as 10 blueliners projected to be selected in Round One. However, there’s a few pivots sprinkled in there as well so enter this big, Finnish forward from Liiga.
Oliver Suvanto is known for his responsible two-way ability and competitiveness, two traits the Flyers often covet as an organization. At just 17 years-old, Suvanto is also one of the youngest players in the up-coming draft as well. This is especially noteworthy considering he suited up in 48 games for Tappara Tampere in Finland’s top pro league, this past season. Suvanto registered two goals, nine assists with a plus three plus/minus rating in those games.
Often, public mock draft boards look a lot different from how NHL clubs internally rank these players. Nevertheless, Suvanto’s game appears to match the qualities the Flyers like; a big, strong, driven forward who goes to the net. Perhaps the only criticism is that the young Finn is seen by many pundits as a middle six forward, not a top six forward. With players like Jett Luchanko and Jack Berglund already in the system and projecting similarly, he wouldn’t help solve (in the near future) the organization’s ongoing issue of finding that true scoring line centermen they need.
2. The Flyers Won’t Be Trading Matvei Michkov
All the good, bad and ugly of the Flyers’ relationship with Matvei Michkov were out in the open this season. Dating back to beginning of training camp, Michkov’s fitness, relationships with teammates and the coach were frequently bandied about. Social media helped fan the flames, so much to the point that Danny Briere had to address the media after Rick Tocchet made perceivably pointed comments about Michkov at the Flyers Charities Carnival.
According to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, Michkov is “not held in high regard by plenty of team personnel members across the league at this point.” This, of course, is one of many reasons why the 21 year-old will remain apart of the Flyers for the foreseeable future.
Even if Philadelphia is more open to trading Michkov today for an impact player, a general lukewarm feeling on the player around the league would hurt a potential return for Philadelphia. Add to the fact that Briere has twice said this season that the Flyers feel Michkov is a large part of the club’s future? It’s not likely in my view that he isn’t with the orange and black next season.
A bounce back season in 2026-2027 in Philly is best for him and the Flyers.
1. Flyers Will Trade for C Shane Wright
At the beginning of last off-season, we accurately predicted that the Flyers would acquire Trevor Zegras (You can read that piece here). Zegras turned out to be a smashing success in his first season in Philadelphia, giving the Flyers sorely needed scoring punch down the middle of the ice. In an ideal world, Philly would add another center this summer that could help the club immediately.
Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright could be an intriguing option for Philadelphia. In January, news broke that the Kraken would consider parting with the former 4th overall pick in exchange for a top-six forward. Seattle is desperate for goal scoring and needs help on the wing, which is also an area of strength for the orange and black. Could players like Owen Tippett or Tyson Foerster entice the Kraken? Seattle would likely have to attach a pick to Wright in the deal, but maybe that could be the framework.
Bookies.com gave Philadelphia an 18.2% chance to acquire the young forward before the trade deadline, the best chance among the interested teams listed. So let’s say you, Flyers fans; how would you feel if Shane Wright became a Flyer this summer? Would he be a worthwhile addition?
