5 things to know about the Flyers' big trade with the Calgary Flames
The Flyers traded former first-round picks — and close friends — Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames early Friday for forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Jakob Pelletier, a second-round in 2025, and a seventh-round selection in 2028. Here is everything you should know about the deal ...
The Flyers traded former first-round picks — and close friends — Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames early Friday for forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Jakob Pelletier, a second-round in 2025, and a seventh-round selection in 2028. Here is everything you should know about the deal ...
1. Kuzmenko has a history with Matvei Michkov
Kuzmenko, who turns 29 next week, played with Matvei Michkov briefly in Russia with SKA St. Petersburg. He is best known for his lethal shot and burst onto the scene with 39 goals and 74 points as a rookie with Vancouver in 2022-23.
1. Kuzmenko has a history with Matvei Michkov
Kuzmenko, who turns 29 next week, played with Matvei Michkov briefly in Russia with SKA St. Petersburg. He is best known for his lethal shot and burst onto the scene with 39 goals and 74 points as a rookie with Vancouver in 2022-23.
But Kuzemko hasn't come anywhere near replicating that league-best 27.3% shooting percentage the past two seasons. An unrestricted free agent at season's end, Kuzmenko appears to have a 29-game tryout to show chemistry with Michkov and rediscover his scoring touch. If not, the Flyers would clear $5.5 million in cap space.
But Kuzemko hasn't come anywhere near replicating that league-best 27.3% shooting percentage the past two seasons. An unrestricted free agent at season's end, Kuzmenko appears to have a 29-game tryout to show chemistry with Michkov and rediscover his scoring touch. If not, the Flyers would clear $5.5 million in cap space.
While Kuzmenko and Michkov have a familiarity with one another, he seems a poor fit under John Tortorella, as he is not someone who competes defensively and isn't the most fleet of foot. My initial reaction is that if Tortorella is here for a while, Kuzmenko probably won't be.
While Kuzmenko and Michkov have a familiarity with one another, he seems a poor fit under John Tortorella, as he is not someone who competes defensively and isn't the most fleet of foot. My initial reaction is that if Tortorella is here for a while, Kuzmenko probably won't be.
2. Pelletier was once a highly-regarded prospect
A first-rounder in 2019, Pelletier was once a top prospect based on his high-end skill, creativity, and speed. That's translated into big-time production in the AHL (130 points in 139 games) but not yet in the NHL (21 points in 61 games).
2. Pelletier was once a highly-regarded prospect
A first-rounder in 2019, Pelletier was once a top prospect based on his high-end skill, creativity, and speed. That's translated into big-time production in the AHL (130 points in 139 games) but not yet in the NHL (21 points in 61 games).
The 23-year-old, who went unclaimed on waivers in October, has had a strong season as an energetic middle-sixer for Calgary. While his size at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds remains a question mark, the Flyers clearly see some untapped offensive potential here and could afford him an increased opportunity.
The 23-year-old, who went unclaimed on waivers in October, has had a strong season as an energetic middle-sixer for Calgary. While his size at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds remains a question mark, the Flyers clearly see some untapped offensive potential here and could afford him an increased opportunity.
3. The Frost-Tortorella saga is finally over
The Frost and Tortorella marriage has seemed destined for divorce since Tortorella benched Frost for the home opener last season. While Frost has had several good stretches in Philly, he never was able to fully earn his coach's trust.
3. The Frost-Tortorella saga is finally over
The Frost and Tortorella marriage has seemed destined for divorce since Tortorella benched Frost for the home opener last season. While Frost has had several good stretches in Philly, he never was able to fully earn his coach's trust.
Frost, 25, will get a fresh start in Calgary, which could do wonders for his confidence and allow him to play more freely. Meanwhile, the Flyers were honest with themselves and decided Frost, a restricted free agent at season's end, wasn't a long-term part of the solution down the middle or a fit with the current coach.
Frost, 25, will get a fresh start in Calgary, which could do wonders for his confidence and allow him to play more freely. Meanwhile, the Flyers were honest with themselves and decided Frost, a restricted free agent at season's end, wasn't a long-term part of the solution down the middle or a fit with the current coach.
4. Flyers continue to stockpile picks
By adding a second-round pick, the Flyers now have seven picks in the first two rounds of June's draft (including three first-rounders). The best thing for a rebuilding team is bites at the draft apple, and the Flyers will have several.
4. Flyers continue to stockpile picks
By adding a second-round pick, the Flyers now have seven picks in the first two rounds of June's draft (including three first-rounders). The best thing for a rebuilding team is bites at the draft apple, and the Flyers will have several.
5. Is this the prelude to a bigger deal?
The Flyers may have something else up their sleeve based on the return in this deal. They sold Farabee at an all-time low, an indication their priority was freeing up cap room. The second rounder could also be used in a deal for a center.
5. Is this the prelude to a bigger deal?
The Flyers may have something else up their sleeve based on the return in this deal. They sold Farabee at an all-time low, an indication their priority was freeing up cap room. The second rounder could also be used in a deal for a center.
With the likes of Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Dylan Cozens reportedly available, the Flyers have positioned themselves well to make a splash. Pettersson would be the crown jewel of the trio, and it's worth noting he had his best season — 39 goals, 102 points — playing on a line with Kuzemnko in 2022-23. Hmm ...
With the likes of Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Dylan Cozens reportedly available, the Flyers have positioned themselves well to make a splash. Pettersson would be the crown jewel of the trio, and it's worth noting he had his best season — 39 goals, 102 points — playing on a line with Kuzemnko in 2022-23. Hmm ...