Confirmed with Link: Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee traded to Calgary for Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, 2025 2nd, 2028 7th

We also know the motivation here. Torts obviously has a hand in who is banished - but the cock gobblers have already told us the reasoning.

They wanted to get out from Farabee’s cap hit, and weren’t going to extend Frost anyway.

The cap hit is the critical part in this trade for the Flyers. Hold on to your boot straps when it comes to FA. Look at the names out there. Jesus Christ.
Cates was going to get extended. Frost never was.

Its the Farabee part that is interesting. If he turns back into a 50 point play in calgary, it shows you how hideous a coach Torts is and how hideous the player development is. Maybe Bee will never be the same post neck.

We shall see.......
 
Couldn't bring myself to watch last night and after the news broke I had to pour myself a drink and stay away from internets.

We effectively turned Schenn into two cap dumps in Torgo and Kuzmenko plus some grinder no one has heard of before.

Edit: my bad it's the second round pick we got. Pretty much the only thing of value.
 
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They will beg Kuz to come to the Flyers but not see the value in going for Pettersson or Clarke? Holy shit the priorities...
So that reads as if we initiated the trade and we targeted Kuz as the main piece. Holy franken f***

I've been complaining about Frost for almost two years, this isn't something the FO made up, I posted a 3rd party that noted the same things - the league knows what he is and isn't. He's a competent 3C, no more, no less. 2nd rd value. I'm sure Briere shopped him and tried to extract more but got no takers.

Kuzmenko isn't in their plans unless they think he can help Michkov. Color me skeptical.

Pelletier is forward depth, he's played well for Calgary and fits what Briere likes in smaller players, but lack of size and speed will limit him to the bottom six, but the top six at LW is set in any case.

If they trade more forwards, there's no forward at LHV other than Lycksell who is NHL ready.
Abols is the only center who can replace Laughton.
Wisdom has been coming on but he'd only be called up to replace Hathaway.
Rizzo is playing better but think he needs more time in the AHL.
They specifically asked Kuz to waive his trade clause to come to Philly. Certainly sounds like he’s in their plans.
 
"ChatGPT, please write a post defending the Flyers management after the latest trade in the style of deadhead. Here are some examples of deadhead's posts..."

The reaction to this trade is predictable. Every time the Flyers make a move, there’s an immediate rush to call it a disaster before even considering the long-term implications. But let’s go through it logically, instead of the usual knee-jerk handwringing.

First, the idea that the Flyers needed to get more here is overblown. What’s the alternative? Holding onto a declining asset with diminishing value? They made a calculated decision based on trajectory, contract structure, and market conditions. Could they have squeezed out a slightly better return? Maybe. But in the real world, teams aren’t offering premium assets for a player with question marks. This isn’t NHL 24 Franchise Mode.

The bigger picture matters. The Flyers aren’t building for this season—they’re setting up for contention in 2027-28. By then, you’re looking at a core of Michkov, Foerster, Brink, and Gauthier up front, Drysdale and York leading the blue line, and Kolosov/Zavragin in net. The goal isn’t to scrape into the playoffs now; it’s to construct a sustainable contender. That means prioritizing flexibility and smart asset allocation. This trade accomplishes both.

As for the player leaving, let’s not pretend he was untouchable. His underlying numbers have been trending in the wrong direction. His 5v5 production over the last four years? Inconsistent. His defensive impacts? Middling at best. And once you factor in his contract, it’s not hard to see why the front office moved on. When you take on a deal of that size, you need assurances about long-term value, and the Flyers clearly weren’t convinced. Neither were the teams who passed on making a bigger offer.

Could they have used a true 1C? Sure. But those guys don’t grow on trees, and the Flyers’ strategy has been clear—they aren’t chasing overpriced UFAs. If a legitimate top-six center under 26 becomes available via trade, that’s where they’ll make their move. Until then, they’re positioning themselves to be aggressive when the right opportunity arises.

Bottom line: This wasn’t about winning the trade today—it’s about making the right moves for three years from now. But as usual, that level of nuance gets lost in the discourse.


Does this sum his posts up? I haven't read them, thankfully.
 
How absolutely pathetic is this deal.... Everyone knows that Farabee and Frost will be good players for Calgary if it didn't happen we'd be stunned.....Lets add to the plethora of high picks in a mediocre draft from a depth perspective...... I think there's some players in the top half of the draft but how did we not get more is insane..... Kuz and Pelltier may perform but their values are literally close to zero (i'd think) the fact like others mentioned that we likely will dump our cap room or picks for someone underwhelming is the icing on the cake... I wouldn't be surprised if he's done this to clear up cap room so he can pick up another late second as part of a blockbuster trade in which we eat cap space lol.....Always been a big fan of Danny and Jonesy as players and ambassadors but i'm really really concerned about their abilities to lead this team...literally every move has been mediocre to pathetic at best.... only good news is stop playing Ersson play Kolosov and Fedotov and we likely will get a top 3 pick lol

Kuzmenko gets 75% Offensive zone starts and 27 Giveaways so far this season with only 8 hits and 9 blocks. Torts hates this player.
Farabee a heart and soul player (loved on the team) for Kuz and Pelltier lol..... Forget that we have zero centers with talent and we trade the only one that remotely fits the bill..... what a joke
 
Thing is this was not a trade to tank, and if it was they tanked the trade. They don't believe in tanking and they've stated as much plenty of times. The silver lining is that this should cater on ice performance even further and get them into better draft position.
They say they don't believe in a tank, but their efforts to improve the team end up in an unintentional tank situation - which is even worse. It's taking by incompetence instead of intention. #FlyersPerpetualMediocrity strikes again!

Pelletier, aka "Kissy Smurf," is tiny and loves to kiss his teammates helmets. He'll be a cute mascot to counter big, hairy gritty. We'll see if he can stick and if Kuzmenko can help prevent Michkov from going home. Fingers crossed.

They will beg Kuz to come to the Flyers but not see the value in going for Pettersson or Clarke? Holy shit the priorities...
But they somehow "KNOW" Kuz, so they are comfortable begging him to come to Philly. Who cares about players with actual talent, this guy is a drinking buddy of Michkov!
 
I was told a few weeks ago when I asked about Abols getting a look and see what he had and rotate out the scrubs at the bottom of the roster (not Frost and Farabee) I got told He's 29 and not worth a look. Now he's penciled in to play every night with a better player being removed from the lineup. JESUS the kool aid drinking is strong in that one.
 
Then why trade him, as you have opined previously? There was an urgency that surpasses a hockey trade here, especially amid the Sucking Vortex of Centres in which the Flyers currently are. My unfounded speculation is that one or both of Frost and Farabee asked for a trade (although the diligent beats would have been all over this) or, more likely and widely expressed here these past 12 hours, Tortorella demanded that they be sent away. Neither Kuzmenko nor Pelletier move the needle on Flyers needs -- you pointed out what a bad fit Kuzmenko is for Tortorella -- and a mediocre 2nd and parody 2028 7th pick are terrible returns if Briere didn't have to make the deal.

Occam's Razor is at our throats.
Torts was playing both players top six minutes the last ten games, if he was that sick of them he'd have buried them. They weren't in the team's long-term plans but there was no reason to move them either.

I think it was more Briere patiently shopping while waiting to see if the team could put together a run that would delay decisions - he wouldn't have moved them now if he thought the team had a shot at the playoffs - not because he cares about the POs but b/c the players deserved the chance if they could make it happen.

When that run didn't materialize, Briere pulled the plug on the season. He knew what was out there in terms of offers - Kuzmenko seems more like a sop to Michkov than anything else - otherwise he's not a good fit. Pelletier is a depth addition, the fact he was a 1st rd pick is no more relevant than Farabee and Frost being 1st rd picks. It was basically dumping Farabee's contract and Frost for a 2nd and "B" prospect.

This move makes sense if Briere is going to initiate a fire sale, move out anyone with value who doesn't fit their future plans. Finish in the top ten, Colorado in the high teens, Edmonton in the high 20s, then #37, #40, #45 (CBJ), #50 (CGY). That's enough ammunition to target 3 or 4 players.
 
Kuzmenko makes absolutely no sense to me. He is not a fit AT ALL, he had one good year in Vancouver and then has declined significantly. He doesn't block shots, doesn;'t hit, doesn't PK, has just 1 even strength goal this year, only 3 power play goals.

He's going to need a contract and your going to have to give him one because he waived his NTC for you.
 
Kuzmenko makes absolutely no sense to me. He is not a fit AT ALL, he had one good year in Vancouver and then has declined significantly. He doesn't block shots, doesn;'t hit, doesn't PK, has just 1 even strength goal this year, only 3 power play goals.

He's going to need a contract and your going to have to give him one because he waived his NTC for you.
They're not going to resign Kuzmenko. He's here only as a sop to Michkov.

He waived his NTC probably b/c he's been a healthy scratch lately, is entering a contract year and hopes to get more PT in Philly than he was going to get in Calgary.
 
Torts was playing both players top six minutes the last ten games, if he was that sick of them he'd have buried them. They weren't in the team's long-term plans but there was no reason to move them either.

I think it was more Briere patiently shopping while waiting to see if the team could put together a run that would delay decisions - he wouldn't have moved them now if he thought the team had a shot at the playoffs - not because he cares about the POs but b/c the players deserved the chance if they could make it happen.

When that run didn't materialize, Briere pulled the plug on the season. He knew what was out there in terms of offers - Kuzmenko seems more like a sop to Michkov than anything else - otherwise he's not a good fit. Pelletier is a depth addition, the fact he was a 1st rd pick is no more relevant than Farabee and Frost being 1st rd picks. It was basically dumping Farabee's contract and Frost for a 2nd and "B" prospect.

This move makes sense if Briere is going to initiate a fire sale, move out anyone with value who doesn't fit their future plans. Finish in the top ten, Colorado in the high teens, Edmonton in the high 20s, then #37, #40, #45 (CBJ), #50 (CGY). That's enough ammunition to target 3 or 4 players.
When are trades typically made? Why did the trade happen now? Doesn't sound like patience to me based off of your timeline.
 
You guys will love Pelts, sucks losing him. Might be the biggest glue guy I’ve ever seen. He’s been playing really well since his last call-up. He won’t be much more than a middle six guy that kills penalties and chips in 15-20 in his prime, but you guys will love him.

Kuzy is hilarious. He’s an easy guy to cheer for. His interviews are the best. Play wise, when he’s on, he’s f***ing great. When he’s off, you won’t even notice him.

I don’t think you guys did as bad as everyone is saying. Especially finding out that Kuzy and Michkov are good buddies.

Anyways, take care of Pelts. He’s the friggin best

Flames fan here, just giving my observations on the players.

Pelletier is a hard working player who doesn't take shifts off. He also is good for the room as he has a great attitude, his teammates loved him. With regards to his skill, he has played up and down the lineup, he has some potential to be a 2nd/3rd line guy but size and consistency is an issue. He was great for us the last few weeks, so hopefully he has continued success. You'll cheer for him for sure, it's a bit weird he was on waivers earlier in the year unclaimed but he was also recovering from an injury.

Kuzmenko is a bit of an interesting player. He has really hot and cold streaks. He started last year by being one of our best players after the trade and rejuvenated the pp. However, this year he has been in and out of the lineup because of defensive effort issues. He has played better lately but it seems it's an effort thing with him, he has tons of talent otherwise. One of those cases where he could put up 40 goals if he wanted to but just seems he does not care most of the time.


Thank you for your assessments!

Unfortunately they're still concerning because this team has spent a decade trying to build a roster entirely of glue guys and the results have been putrefying, so finding out they've added another isn't great. But at least it provides the reasoning
 
"ChatGPT, please write a post defending the Flyers management after the latest trade in the style of deadhead. Here are some examples of deadhead's posts..."

The reaction to this trade is predictable. Every time the Flyers make a move, there’s an immediate rush to call it a disaster before even considering the long-term implications. But let’s go through it logically, instead of the usual knee-jerk handwringing.

First, the idea that the Flyers needed to get more here is overblown. What’s the alternative? Holding onto a declining asset with diminishing value? They made a calculated decision based on trajectory, contract structure, and market conditions. Could they have squeezed out a slightly better return? Maybe. But in the real world, teams aren’t offering premium assets for a player with question marks. This isn’t NHL 24 Franchise Mode.

The bigger picture matters. The Flyers aren’t building for this season—they’re setting up for contention in 2027-28. By then, you’re looking at a core of Michkov, Foerster, Brink, and Gauthier up front, Drysdale and York leading the blue line, and Kolosov/Zavragin in net. The goal isn’t to scrape into the playoffs now; it’s to construct a sustainable contender. That means prioritizing flexibility and smart asset allocation. This trade accomplishes both.

As for the player leaving, let’s not pretend he was untouchable. His underlying numbers have been trending in the wrong direction. His 5v5 production over the last four years? Inconsistent. His defensive impacts? Middling at best. And once you factor in his contract, it’s not hard to see why the front office moved on. When you take on a deal of that size, you need assurances about long-term value, and the Flyers clearly weren’t convinced. Neither were the teams who passed on making a bigger offer.

Could they have used a true 1C? Sure. But those guys don’t grow on trees, and the Flyers’ strategy has been clear—they aren’t chasing overpriced UFAs. If a legitimate top-six center under 26 becomes available via trade, that’s where they’ll make their move. Until then, they’re positioning themselves to be aggressive when the right opportunity arises.

Bottom line: This wasn’t about winning the trade today—it’s about making the right moves for three years from now. But as usual, that level of nuance gets lost in the discourse.


Does this sum his posts up? I haven't read them, thankfully.

This confirms my suspicions that deady is a Flyers intern with ChatGPT. He must not have gotten bullet points last night, so there was a moment of honesty from him.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Winston Wolf
You guys will love Pelts, sucks losing him. Might be the biggest glue guy I’ve ever seen. He’s been playing really well since his last call-up. He won’t be much more than a middle six guy that kills penalties and chips in 15-20 in his prime, but you guys will love him.

Kuzy is hilarious. He’s an easy guy to cheer for. His interviews are the best. Play wise, when he’s on, he’s f***ing great. When he’s off, you won’t even notice him.

I don’t think you guys did as bad as everyone is saying. Especially finding out that Kuzy and Michkov are good buddies.

Anyways, take care of Pelts. He’s the friggin best

How do you feel about the Ducks?
 

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