Analyzing the Flyers-Flames Trade: A Win-Win for Both Sides?

On the surface of the big trade between the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers, it appears the Flames got the much better of the deal. That might be true today, especially if we judge the deal based on what the Flames need as they push for a playoff spot. Upon closer look, this deal might not be terrible for the Flyers.

The trade between the Flames and Flyers sees Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost heading to Calgary in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, and draft picks. This move reflects the plan by Flames GM Craig Conroy to give the club a boost but also add young talent without sacrificing their future. At the same time, the Flyers continue to reshape their roster and might have added some help for Matvei Michkov under GM Danny Brière.

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Calgary’s Perspective: Buying Low on Talented Forwards

Calgary receives two former first-round picks in Farabee and Frost, both in their mid-20s and potentially entering their prime years.

Joel Farabee (14th overall, 2018 Draft) is a skilled winger with a strong two-way game. He posted a career-best 46 points in 2022-23 and has totaled 135 points across six NHL seasons. Signed through 2028, his contract provides cost certainty, and at 24 years old, there’s still room for growth.

Morgan Frost (27th overall, 2017 Draft) has shown flashes of top-six potential but struggled with inconsistency in Philadelphia. He tallied 20 goals and 50 points last season and hasn’t missed a game in three years. A restricted free agent (RFA) after this season, Frost could benefit from a change of scenery.

Conroy adds young talent and buys cheap because both players are having off seasons. He didn’t have to give up a first-rounder or retain any salary in the trade. The timing is right for Calgary and the players make sense. With Dustin Wolf emerging as star goalie and Connor Zary and Matt Coronato developing well, putting Farabee and Frost into this group could be a wise move. If Frost thrives under a new system and Farabee regains his top-six form, this could be a deal where it paid for Conroy to be patient.

Philadelphia’s Perspective: Clearing Cap Space & Betting on Pelletier

The Flyers part ways with two young players in Farabee and Frost but gain pick up a couple of draft picks, a fellow Russian to work with Michkov, and a potential home run in Pelletier.

Andrei Kuzmenko has struggled to replicate his breakout 39-goal season in Vancouver and it’s not clear what his plans are beyond this season, but the Flyers might be hoping he’ll complement Matvei Michkov. Kuzmenko has the ability to get hot (which he often does when he arrives on a new team). But, how he gets along with coach John Tortorella will be fascinating to watch. Tortorella is not one to be patient with lazy. Kuzmenko has been on the outs with two coaches who have a longer leash.

Jakob Pelletier was recently on waivers for the Flames, but he is well-liked and has offensive potential and energy to burn. Injuries have limited his NHL impact, and the Flames were sad about moving him. Still, he wasn’t set to contribute in a big way this season, and the Flames had to give to get. The Flyers are hoping Pelletier will flourish in a new setting.

The Flyers also secure a second-round pick and a seventh-rounder.

Final Verdict on the Trade

Tortorella and Morgan Frost were never a fit, so his being moved is not a shock. The Flyers moving all of Farabee’s cap hit also provides cap flexibility to do something else or spend this summer. Kuzmenko’s contract will be gone or much cheaper. Talents like Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink could push for more prominent roles, alongside Pelletier.

Most analysts believe Calgary won this trade. That’s probably true. They took a calculated risk on two skilled forwards, hoping they can thrive in a new environment. But, the trade might not be as lopsided as some expect.

Philadelphia prioritized roster flexibility, moved on players they weren’t keeping, added a prospect with upside, and got two draft picks to aid their long-term plans.

Time will tell who wins this deal. Some of that might be determined by what comes next.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Flames, Flyers Make Trade, Plus Leafs & Canucks Talk