One of the hottest trade rumours in the NHL recently is the emergence of Dallas Stars’ elite forward Jason Robertson on the trade market. Shockingly, this has only come within a few days after Dallas’s elimination from the Western Conference Finals, losing in five games. As interest circulates around the league, it’s easy to imagine that a rebuilding team like Philadelphia who’s now looking to add talent should have a level of interest in the star left winger.
Robertson Trade to Philadelphia?
Robertson’s Fit in the Flyers Lineup
Philadelphia’s best forwards at the moment consist of two right wingers in Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov. The composition of last season’s Flyers lineup unfortunately leaned on both of them heavily for offensive production. The introduction of Robertson would instantly shift some of that responsibility to him as well as giving both forwards the opportunity to play alongside elite talent. He would also add to the Flyers few natural left wingers, the only others being Jakob Pelletier and Nicolas Deslauriers.
Konecny and Michkov are also relatively small players, both standing at five feet ten inches tall. While they do have a tall centreman in Sean Couturier, some added size to their top 6 wouldn’t hurt. Robertson stands at six feet three inches tall, which would make him the second tallest forward on the team.
Roberston could also have a large presence on the power play. With both Michkov and Drysdale primed for big steps in their development next year and a new coaching staff, adding an elite piece could finally help craft an effective man advantage. He finished the year with 19 power play points last year with Dallas, which would have placed him first on the Flyers, two points ahead of Konecny.
Making the Best Offer
Landing such a high profile player is a competitive process and if Robertson is dealt, Dallas should expect a massive haul coming their way. Jeff Marek recently reported that one of the purposes of trading him would be to re-acquire draft capital. In that case, the Flyers are in an optimal position to put together a convincing offer. They have six first and second round picks in the next three years, plenty of ammunition for a trade package.
The main concern afterwards is adding other assets alongside the previously mentioned draft picks. Two players from the main Flyers have come up often when speculating potential trades this offseason, Cam York and Owen Tippett. They’re both coming off of years of regression, a doubtful sign at both of their stages in development. If they can be moved to acquire elite level talent, it might be in the Flyers’ best interest. Robertson would fit into Tippett’s previous role in the top six while Emil Andrae or another offensive defenseman could take over York’s spot.
Committing To Contention
Making trades for elite talent to immediately add to the lineup is an obvious sign of direction. Trading for Robertson would send a message to both the team and fans that the Flyers’ management’s setting their sights on the 2026 playoffs. If they did, it would likely result in a series of other additions to their lineup.
Assembling the Top Six
To tie their offence together, adding a centreman would be the next piece of importance. They don’t need to trade or sign their eventual 1C at the moment, though they have plenty of options for their 2C. Top options for them may include: Marco Rossi, Sam Bennett, and Mason McTavish. All three players are 50-60 point players that can drive offence at 5 on 5, exactly what the Flyers need. However, they would all need new contracts, so on top of taking on Robertson’s $7.75 million contract, the acquired centreman would also eat up a fairly large portion of their cap space. It’s also possible that they occasionally try Jett Luchanko into the top six if he makes the Flyers lineup and depending on how he would perform at the NHL level.
If the Flyers are able to acquire Robertson, the trajectory of the off season and expectations of their 2025-26 campaign will change drastically. Their general manager, Daniel Briere‘s no stranger to bold moves and making such a trade wouldn’t be anything too unusual for him. Offseason speculation is flying high and may be a sign of the Flyers’ near future.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson- Imagn Images
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