Fri, Jan 31, 2025 at 12:30am

FLAMES, FLYERS SWAP FORWARDS

The Calgary Flames acquired winger Joel Farabee and center Morgan Frost from the Philadelphia Flyers for wingers Andrei Kuzmenko and Jakob Pelletier, a second-round draft pick in 2025 and a seventh-round draft pick in 2028.

What does it give the Calgary Flames
The Flames are getting two players who should be entering their prime. Frost gives them added center depth, which was something they were looking for. This move should allow Yegor Sharangovich to move back to a wing position (where he is more productive). As for Farabee, he is signed through 2027-28 with a cap hit of $5 million and has underachieved this season. A change of scenery should do him well. Frost will likely get a decent raise as a pending restricted free agent this summer.

What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
This trade is not exactly waving the white flag in Philadelphia, but they are getting worse up front. Kuzmenko is a pending UFA, so the difference between his deal and Farabee's contract gives Flyers GM Daniel Briere far greater financial flexibility heading into the 2025 off-season. Pelletier has turned his career around this season after clearing waivers earlier in 2024-25. He should become a quality role player in Philly. The Flyers now boast four second-round picks in the upcoming NHL draft.

Fantasy impact
This trade will likely benefit Farabee the most, as he is the player who needed a change the most. Kuzmenko seems like a bad fit in Philadelphia under veteran head coach John Tortorella, but he might have some short-term fantasy value. As for long term, Kuzmenko could wind up back in the KHL next season. Frost may be a more consistent player in Calgary, but he may also see less ice time. His value may stay the same, overall. Pelletier has dark-horse appeal as a player with a history of point production at all lower levels. He could be work a look in deeper leagues.