The Philadelphia Flyers addressed two major needs Tuesday, acquiring goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit from the Toronto Maple Leafs for goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae and a 2026 third-round pick.
Woll, 27, is the centerpiece of the deal and gives the Flyers an experienced option in net alongside Dan Vladar. Last season, he appeared in 38 games for Toronto, posting a 15-16-7 record with a 3.34 goals-against average, .899 save percentage, and a career-high two shutouts.
Over 117 career NHL games, Woll owns a 63-43-9 record alongside a 2.94 GAA and .906 save percentage. He also brings playoff experience, appearing in 14 postseason contests with Toronto and posting a 2.73 GAA and .906 save percentage.
While Woll’s numbers dipped this past season, the Flyers are betting on the athletic netminder’s upside. He has now recorded at least 35 starts in each of the last two seasons and gives Philadelphia a goaltender with proven NHL experience entering his prime years.
Philadelphia also adds a physical presence on the blue line in Simon Benoit. The 6-foot-4 defenseman appeared in 73 games for Toronto this season, recording six assists while finishing second on the team with 194 hits and tied for second with 114 blocked shots.
Benoit has played 352 career NHL games between the Anaheim Ducks and Maple Leafs, totaling 36 points (6 goals, 30 assists) while averaging over 17 minutes of ice time per game.
Heading to Toronto is Samuel Ersson, who spent parts of five seasons with Philadelphia. Ersson appeared in 143 games for the Flyers, compiling a 65-50-17 record with a 3.01 goals-against average and .884 save percentage.
The Flyers also say goodbye to defenseman Emil Andrae. Andrae appeared in 107 games with Philadelphia, recording 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists).
From Philadelphia’s perspective, this trade signals a clear belief that Joseph Woll can provide a higher ceiling in net while Benoit adds immediate NHL experience and physicality on defense. The cost is not insignificant, especially with Andrae still possessing developmental upside, but the Flyers are acquiring two established NHL players who can contribute right away.
This move comes just 10 days before the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. After this trade, Philadelphia now owns four selections, including the 21st overall pick in the first round.
MORE: Should the Flyers draft defenseman Ryan Lin at 21st overall?
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