Could Oilers Pounce on Flyers Top Trade Targets as Philly’s Season Spirals?

The Philadelphia Flyers are off to a dismal 0-5-2 start, and the early-season struggles have the hockey world asking a big question: could the team blow it up? It’s probably way too early to suggest the sky is falling after a 2025-26 season in which the Flyers exceeded expectations. But if things go from bad to worse, how long will an active GM like Daniel Briere wait to make changes?

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If they do, the Edmonton Oilers could be among the teams circling. There may be a few options, but speedy winger Owen Tippett, who has six years remaining on his contract at $6.2 million per season, has emerged as a potential target as chatter picks up on social media.

Not everyone in Oilers Nation is sold. Some fans argue the club should aim higher, with one suggesting Travis Konecny as a more appealing target. Another would rather go all in on Matvei Michkov, who they feel is being used in an awkward spot in Philadelphia and has more upside.

Money and need are the biggest sticking points.

The Oilers aren’t exactly flush with excess cap space. They’re also the only team that hasn’t lost a game in regulation this season, and they’re doing it without Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Matt Savoie. All will be back, with Hyman set to return Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Long-term, there are things to consider. One fan warned that a contract like Tippett’s could hurt Edmonton’s ability to re-sign Connor McDavid, and with the emergence of Vasily Podkolins, the roster’s real needs are depth in the bottom six and an upgrade in net.

The Timing Isn’t Right for the Oilers to Pounce

Then there’s the matter of what it would cost. Skeptics pointed out that Edmonton may lack the appealing assets Philadelphia would want in return, with one fan guessing a package built around prospects would be the best the Oilers could offer. That doesn’t exactly work, given the Oilers would have to move money out in the deal if they’re taking money back.

For now, it’s all speculation. But with the Flyers still searching for their first win in regulation, and the Oilers always hunting for help around their stars, this is a storyline worth watching as the trade market heats up. When everyone in Edmonton is healthy, and the Oilers have better idea of their needs as the team takes shape as it was meant to be constructed, GM Stan Bowman will have a better handle on what he really needs to do.

Next: Oilers’ Babcock Drops Hints, Team Trending in the Right Direction