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

[deadhead]

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.

 

[Danko]

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.

 

[Beef Invictus]

Just watched the presser from calgarys gm, what stood out the most to me was how excited he was about the type of players frost and farabee are. what a novel frigging idea.

You mean he's not obsessing over their flaws??

 

[DrinkFightFlyers]

Lol I just read that Pelletier was waived and unclaimed earlier this season

 

[deadhead]

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.

 

[Hollywood Cannon]

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.

 

[Rebels57]

Lol I just read that Pelletier was waived and unclaimed earlier this season

Yeah, because he stinks. They essentially gave Frost and Farabee away for a 2nd. A 2nd that they will let Flahr use to draft another meaty boy.

 

[Beef Invictus]

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

 

[mr figgles]

"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.

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

 

[Tripod]

HF Flyers: Coach Torts, did you order this bad trade?!

Deadhead: You don't have to answer that question!

Torts: I'll answer the question. You want answers?

HF Flyers: I think I'm entitled!

Torts: You want answers?!

HF Flyers: I want the truth!

Torts: You can't handle the truth!

Posters, we play a game that has defense, and that defense has to be guarded by men with guts. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Captain Dave? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Frosty and Farabee and you curse the Flyers. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know, that Frosty/Farabee trade, while tragic, probably saved goals against. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves goals against!

You don't want the truth, because deep down in places you don't talk about in other threads, you want me as your coach. You need me as your coach. We use words like "culture", "shotblocking", "effort". We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to posters who bitch and moan under the blanket of the very culture that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you", and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a stick, and block a shot. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!

HF Flyers: Did you order the shit trade?

Torts: I did the job that—-

HF Flyers: Did you order the shit trade?!!

Torts: YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT I DID!!

 

[JojoTheWhale]

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?

 

[Beef Invictus]

Heavy British understatement detected

 

[Flyer lurker]

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.


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!

Briere at least liked to get kissed before he gets F*****.

 

[Beef Invictus]

I very rarely post anything because this place is a cesspit of negativity. But holy shit, I’ve been converted. I’m not even mad at the trade return. Frost and Farbabee are fine but we coached all the talent out of them anyway. They weren't getting anything of real value back. We see them day to day. I’m mad at the fact that we have ZERO talent on this team and at most 3-5 guys with real trade value. But instead of hiring a coach that can improve each players individual offensive play, we hire a coach that wants to minimize creativity and play a checking style that sucks the personality out of every single player. We squeak out just enough wins to not get the exceptional talent, but play such a boring hockey to get them. I’d rather watch the TGL on a random weekday night. No player has improved their individual offensive skill since TORTS has been here. we would be much better served, over the last couple of years, to have a coach that played an offensive style, and tried to get these players better individually. At least in that case, we would be entertaining to watch, lose more, and each player would have better value when it came to trades. We have the exact inverse of that. We are literally living through hell.

Welcome! I'd like to point out that this is not a negative place. It is an honest place, and honestly is positive. This is the most positive corner of the internet. Our positivity is so intense it drives the tides. f*** the Moon.

 

[Flyer lurker]

HF Flyers: Coach Torts, did you order this bad trade?!

Deadhead: You don't have to answer that question!

Torts: I'll answer the question. You want answers?

HF Flyers: I think I'm entitled!

Torts: You want answers?!

HF Flyers: I want the truth!

Torts: You can't handle the truth!

Posters, we play a game that has defense, and that defense has to be guarded by men with guts. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Captain Dave? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Frosty and Farabee and you curse the Flyers. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know, that Frosty/Farabee trade, while tragic, probably saved goals against. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves goals against!

You don't want the truth, because deep down in places you don't talk about in other threads, you want me as your coach. You need me as your coach. We use words like "culture", "shotblocking", "effort". We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to posters who bitch and moan under the blanket of the very culture that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you", and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a stick, and block a shot. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!

HF Flyers: Did you order the shit trade?

Torts: I did the job that—-

HF Flyers: Did you order the shit trade?!!

Torts: YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT I DID!!

And all Tom Cruise err Torts did today was weaker flyer nation. Sweet dreams son.

 

[Audible Velvet]

"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.

Is Jordan Peterson a hockey fan?

 

[Rebels57]

Let's take a look at Briere's body of work so far since he was hired on 5/11/2023

History of NHL trades by the Philadelphia Flyers - NHL Trade Tracker

Outside of the Provorov trade and lucking into Michkov, every move has been questionable or actively bad.

 

[Beef Invictus]

This was a trade for Torts. If was a trade made for all the wrong reasons. Thats my biggest issue with it.

This guy is running the team into the ground.



Its for a Cates extension. His 2 week hot streak will earn him an 8 year deal.



Its for a Cates extension. His 2 week hot streak will earn him an 8 year deal.

I do believe I said at the Tippett extension that the team will now jump at anything they can use to overpay Cates.

 

[Beef Invictus]

All of the upside is going Calgary's way on the deal. Not the type of deal "rebuilding" teams make.

Yeah that's a bingo.

 

[Rebels57]

I do believe I said at the Tippett extension that the team will now jump at anything they can use to overpay Cates.

guessing 8 years $40 million for Catesy

 

[Flyer lurker]

Let's take a look at Briere's body of work so far since he was hired on 5/11/2023

History of NHL trades by the Philadelphia Flyers - NHL Trade Tracker

Outside of the Provorov trade and lucking into Michkov, every move has been questionable or actively bad.

I'll give the walker trade too. Otherwise garbage!

 

[freakydallas13]

With Farabee and Frost in the lineup, they scored (check my notes) 0 goals the last two games.
How can they be worse with them gone?

Watching Farabee, I don't think there's much upside left, don't know if it was the neck injury, but two years later he's a 3LW who does nothing wrong but little that stands out. This is not Sharp who was buried and never got a chance, this is a guy who started for six years.

Same with Frost, who started for four years. What you see is probably what you get.

They'll be a nice 3rd line for a team fighting to get into the playoffs.

But it's obvious Briere is selling, and they are not top 6 forwards in a rebuild.

Just wish the return was better.

FARABEE is a 3LW and NOAH "FENCE" CATES is a median second line winger.

Get your head out of the team's ass Deady. Do you even believe the shit you say anymore?

 

[Kahvi]

Lol I just read that Pelletier was waived and unclaimed earlier this season

That doesn't tell the whole story. He was injured early in the season (or preseason, can't remember) and Flames took a risk hoping they would be able to sneak him to AHL while every team had their roster spots full. He played well after his call-up (and played PPG in the AHL before that), and 100% would not have cleared waivers if he was waived today.

 

[Rebels57]

That doesn't tell the whole story. He was injured early in the season (or preseason, can't remember) and Flames took a risk hoping they would be able to sneak him to AHL while every team had their roster spots full. He played well after his call-up (and played PPG in the AHL before that), and 100% would not have cleared waivers if he was waived today.

Appreciate your insight, but there's no putting lipstick on this pig of a trade.