Center or defense: what will the Philadelphia Flyers prioritize this offseason?

The Philadelphia Flyers’ second-round playoff exit has sparked debate about their most pressing needs heading into the 2026 offseason. After benefiting from an expanded playoff format to advance, the team showed promise but remains a few pieces away from true contention. Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff appeared on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio’s TFP Hotstove, where he weighed in on whether general manager Danny Briere would target center or defense first. While acknowledging strengths on the back end, Di Marco leaned toward center as the likely priority.

With restricted free agents like Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale needing new deals, and the salary cap projected to rise by about $9 million to a ceiling of $104 million, the Flyers have flexibility but tough choices ahead.

The pressing need down the middle

The Flyers have long sought a true top-six center, a gap evident throughout the season. Di Marco noted experiments with prospect Denver Barkey at center and Trevor Zegras in the middle, though Zegras has since shifted back to the wing alongside Christian Dvorak. “I know center is a thing that they’re looking at hard,” Di Marco said. “I feel like they will prioritize center more obviously, easier said than done.”

Every other team seems to covet a quality pivot, making the trade market competitive. Di Marco suggested exploring Ottawa for surplus options, but top-six centers remain scarce. The Flyers’ recent path to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs highlighted internal growth from Noah Cates and an elevated Dvorak, yet lacks a bona fide No. 1 center.

Prospects like Jack Berglund offer future hope, but the NHL roster needs immediate help. Recent analysis points to potential trade targets:

• Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken): A 50-point producer who could anchor the top line with the Flyers’ wing talent.
• Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues): Locked in at $8.125 million AAV until 2031, the perfect age and deal for Philadelphia.
• Matthew Poitras or Dean Letourneau (Boston Bruins): Lower-ceiling middle-six options to bolster depth.

Without a centerpiece at center, the Flyers’ skilled wingers like Matvei Michkov and Tyson Foerster may underperform. Di Marco emphasized that conversations with team insiders point to center as the route, especially with limited free agency options on July 1.

Evaluating the blue line

The defense corps performed well in the playoffs, with Cam York, Travis Sanheim, Jamie Drysdale, and Rasmus Ristolainen stepping up despite offensive inconsistencies. Di Marco expressed comfort here: “Even though they feel like maybe they’re comfortable with the defense, and I’m comfortable with it too.” However, the power play struggled at just 1% efficiency, lacking a true quarterback.

York is entering year two of a five-year deal, Sanheim has long-term security, and Drysdale awaits extension as an RFA. Pipeline depth favors right shots, leaving the left side thin beyond Sanheim and York. A follow-up discussion saw Di Marco pivot slightly, calling a power-play defenseman the biggest need.

Bowen Byram emerges as a prime target from Buffalo’s surplus, praised for playoff play but potentially costing $9-10 million long-term—a hefty commitment. Still, moving parts may be required to fit additions.

Restricted free agents and cap flexibility

Trevor Zegras, thriving on the wing after center trials, enters RFA status at age 25. Projections peg an eight-year extension at $7.5-8.5 million AAV, comparable to Dylan Cozens, though the Flyers prefer keeping it near his current $5.75 million. As a winger, his deal won’t solve the center issue directly.

Drysdale, fourth in the D pecking order, eyes $3-4 million RFA value on a short bridge, under York’s $5.15 million. With Dan Vladar as the lone signed goalie and roughly $39 million in projected cap space, Briere has room to maneuver.

The cap jump aids re-signings and trades. Zegras and Drysdale’s futures loom large amid broader roster tweaks.

Trade market dynamics

Free agency looks barren, pushing more trades with cap flexibility. Di Marco: “It’ll also depend on what’s available on the trade market… maybe we’ll see more trades than usual.” For more on recent Flyers moves, see the Bobby Brink trade to Minnesota.

Targets like Beniers or Byram demand high picks or prospects such as Porter Martone. Daily Faceoff outlines center options, emphasizing value fits.

Ottawa’s center surplus could intrigue, but competition is fierce. Expect creativity from Briere.

The Flyers sit at a crossroads, with center edging as the focus per insiders, though defense tweaks like a PP specialist tempt. A smart trade could accelerate contention, but patience may prevail given youth like Michkov. Watch extensions for Zegras and Drysdale—they’ll shape the blueprint. With cap room and playoff experience, Philadelphia eyes sustainable growth over splashy risks.