Flyers Trade Talk: Dream Acquisition Suddenly a Potential Reality?

John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesJohn E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

After making the playoffs in the 2025-26 NHL season, the Philadelphia Flyers proved that they are right there. A big offseason could shift them from a team that snuck into the playoffs to a team that is a legitimate contender.

To have that big offseason, the Flyers will have to look to the trade market. That is because the 2026 Free Agent class is depleted.

A true top-line center and top-pair defenseman to play alongside Travis Sanheim have been big needs for a while.

Well, one of those needs may be on the trade market sooner than expected.

Per Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews could be on the move much earlier than anticipated.

“Matthews has two years remaining on his contract, but still isn’t sure if he’ll be back in Toronto in the fall, according to league sources,” wrote Johnson in a recent report for The Athletic.

Matthews, 28, is a 6-time 40-goal scorer and has 2 seasons with 60 or more goals. 2025-26 is the only season in his career where he didn’t total 60 points. That ended with 53 in 60 games after suffering a season-ending injury. He has two 100+ point seasons.

The Maple Leafs and their new brain trust seem adamant on avoiding a complete teardown. Matthews reportedly wants to see meaningful moves from the Leafs’ front office before making a decision.

For the time being, the Flyers’ focus is on their current playoff run. Any major trade pursuit will be an offseason conversation, not right now. This is not to take away from what the team has accomplished.