Flyers Trade Talk: Three Prospects Philly Should Target as the Deadline Approaches

The March 6th, 2026 NHL trade deadline is growing closer, and there is still no indication as to what the Philadelphia Flyers will do. While the team will not be buyers at the deadline, whether they will sell or stand pat at the deadline remains unknown.

The one thing we do know: Flyers brass said they were done selling and would like to start looking at adding players in the near future.

However, after a disappointing end to the first 56 games of the season, the Flyers are on the outside looking in on the playoff race, looking like a long shot.

During the Olympic break, we wrote about the idea of changing the deadline plan and getting one last sale in before this thing really turns around.

So, let’s put on our GM hats for this one. If the Flyers do decide to have one last selling deadline, who are three prospects the Flyers should target at the 2026 trade deadline?

3 prospects the Flyers should target this trade season

Charlie Stramel, C, Michigan State (Minnesota Wild)

When thinking about prospects that the Philadelphia Flyers should attempt to pry away at the upcoming trade deadline, no player jumps out more than Charlie Stramel. Stramel, a centerman currently playing at Michigan State, is a Minnesota Wild prospect.

Stramel, 21, is a senior and, with no eligibility in the NCAA after this season, will more than likely turn pro at the end of the season. He is a 6’3″ centerman who plays with strength and physicality. While I would not go as far as to say that he is a two-way center, Stramel is certainly responsible.

This season, his production has undoubtedly taken a step in the right direction. Through 30 games, Stramel is already at a career high of 40 points, doubled his previous high in goals, sitting at 19, and passed his career high in assists, currently at 21. Michigan State was one of the beneficiaries of the CHL-to-NCAA pipeline, which could certainly have played a role in the increased production. Stramel has primarily been centering Porter Martone’s line in East Lansing.

There were some struggles during Stramel’s first two years in the NCAA playing at Wisconsin. But, since joining Adam Nighingale’s program at MSU, he has really taken off.

I don’t think Stramel is a future true No. 1 center, but he is proving this year that, when playing with the right players, he can be productive, and maybe enough to be a viable top-line option.

The Flyers have some talent that could interest the Wild, who are likely going all-in on this season. Could the Flyers offer enough to get Stramel out of Minnesota?

Max Plante, C/LW, Minnesota Duluth (Red Wings)

The Detroit Red Wings are desperate to snap their postseason-less streak. This season, they are looking like they will. That may be a cause for some aggression at the deadline.

Darren Dreger: I think of the Red Wings as being a team that’s really looking for a right shot D right now – Barn Burner (2/4)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 6, 2026

Detroit is reportedly looking for a right-shot defenseman. Flyers’ defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen would fit the bill, as once again, big, physical RHD typically come at a premium come deadline season.

So, that’s where Max Plante comes into the conversation.

To preface: No, I do not think Detroit would consider Plante for Ristolainen straight up. Ristolainen, on a retained contract, would increase the value. But would it still be enough?

Let’s talk about Max Plante and just why he is on the list.

Plante has been an absolute stud this season for Minnesota Duluth and has himself firmly in the Hobey Baker conversation as a sophomore. He is a former 2nd-round pick from the 2024 draft, but has taken off since his draft year.

This season, he has 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points in 32 games. The 5’11” forward has the ability to be a two-way stud who can shut down play on one end and have solid production on the other.

Again, do I think the Flyers could get him one-for-one? Absolutely not. However, if you can get Steve Yzerman to consider trading Plante, he is a prospect I would absolutely have circled, and would do what it takes to pry him away from Detroit.

Atte Joki, C, Lukko (Dallas Stars)

While the previous two prospects are high end, top tier players, those prospect for player, one for one swaps don’t always happen. So, if the Flyers look for a pick and a prospect package, Atte Joki in the Dallas Stars organization is an interesting prospect.

Joki, 18, currently plays for Lukko in Liga, the top Finnish hockey league. In 38 games, he has 4 goals and 12 total points. He is a 6’2” physical centerman that plays well in both zones.

He represented Finland at World Juniors, though he did play in a limited capacity. At just 18, he will be back in a larger role in the future.

He is an intriguing prospect to me because of his size and shot combination. His shot still has plenty of room to improve, but Joki has a really good wrister, and has a pretty big shot as well. He was a 5th round pick in 2025, but could be a steal wherever he ends up.

If the Flyers look for something similar to the Scott Laughton trade last year (1st round pick and a B-level prospect), Atte Joki could be a high upside prospect worth taking a swing on.

Flyers Trade Talk: Three Prospects Philly Should Target as the Deadline Approaches

Tags: