Flyers Could Trade Down from No. 21 in NHL Draft. Here’s What They Want.

The Philadelphia Flyers are holding the 21st overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, and there’s a growing sense around the team that they might not actually use it. According to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic, the Flyers have been shopping the pick with one specific goal: pick up an extra second-rounder.

“The Flyers are exploring at least one opportunity to move back in the first round in a deal that would net them an extra second-round pick this year, I’m told from a team source,” Kurz wrote. “Obviously, these things can always change, but I believe there’s a much greater chance the Flyers move back than move up, if they move from No. 21 at all.”

So that’s the plan, at least for now. And it makes sense when you look at where this team is in its rebuild. The Flyers aren’t one piece away. They’re a few pieces away, probably more than a few. So trading down to get more bites at the apple in the second round? That’s a patient move. A smart one, if they land the right guy.

What the Scouts Are Saying

Kurz also noted that The Athletic’s Corey Pronman has heard the Flyers linked to defenseman Thomas Bleyl if they end up picking somewhere in the 25–30 range. Bleyl is a big, mobile blueliner playing in the USHL. He’s not a household name yet, but that could change if Philly grabs him.

General manager Daniel Briere isn’t ruling anything out, but he’s also not pretending they’re in win-now mode. “Absolutely. Everything is on the table. It has to make sense,” Briere told Kurz when asked about trading the pick.

He also made it pretty clear he’s not trying to be a hero with future first-round picks. “I’m not too keen on trading future first-round picks because you never know where it can go, and we’re not a Colorado or Carolina at this point, where you know you’re going to be finishing (high) and picking late first (round),” Briere said.

That’s a level of self-awareness you don’t always get from GMs. He knows exactly where his team sits in the hierarchy. No shortcuts. Just building through the draft and being smart with assets.

What It Means for Draft Night

If the Flyers do find a trade partner, they’ll slide back maybe four or five spots, pick up an extra selection in the 30s or 40s, and still get a player they like. It’s not flashy. But it’s how you dig out of a long rebuild without digging yourself into a deeper hole.

Whatever happens, don’t expect Briere to do something desperate. He’s playing the long game, and moving back from No. 21 is just another move on the board.