Flyers Free Agency: Carlson Fills Void, Creates New Problem for Philly

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The Flyers have long been missing a top power-play quarterback. It’s been something the team has needed for years. This year’s free agency class is lacking a lot of things. One thing it’s not weak on: power-play quarterbacking defensemen.

Between Darren Raddysh, Rasmus Andersson, and John Carlson, some of the top players available in this free agent class are power-play QBs.

The NHL free agency rumor mill has been churning, and Carlson has been linked to the Flyers. A quote from Elliotte Freidman during an episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcasthas been the driver, saying, “There’s some thought Carlson might want to go back East.”

Immediately, that began speculation that the Flyers are in play. Since then, there have been no reputable sources saying that the Flyers are, in fact, a top destination on Carlson’s list of preferred destinations. Nor will we know for at least another 4 weeks.

What we do know: Carlson would be a great fit for this team, and a deal would make a ton of sense. Anthony Di Marco of the Daily Faceoff reports that if the defenseman is looking for a two-year deal, the Flyers are willing to give him a deal with an AAV in the $8 million range.

Carlson, 36, who showed signs of slightly slowing down a few seasons ago, had a rejuvenating year. He reassured that he is still a top-pair defenseman. He is set for a payday and will get one, one way or another.

With him being a veteran defenseman, he’d likely be the only one of the top available willing to take a lower risk deal as far as term goes.

I am intrigued by this possibility. Signing John Carlson fills a massive void for the Flyers, but also creates a big problem.

Read More: Flyers Mock Draft: Making Selections In the First 2 Rounds

Signing John Carlson Would Fill a Massive Void for the Flyers​

The Flyers have long been in search of a power-play quarterback as well as a top-pair defenseman. Carlson is both.

In 2025-26, he totaled 71 games played between the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks. He had 14 goals and 60 total points. 14 of them came on the power play, which would have been tied for 2nd on the Flyers with Travis Konecny, behind Trevor Zegras’ 23.

Jamie Drysdale, 9 points, and Cam York, 7 points, were the Flyers’ two best power-play QBs this season in terms of points.

Carlson would not be the long-term answer as a top-pair defender or power-play QB. However, he would certainly bridge the gap nicely and help band-aid one of the team’s biggest issues. With two young offensive defensemen in Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek working their way up the ladder, Carlson would be the perfect mentor.

The former long-time Capital would also fit nicely on the right of Travis Sanheim. Philly’s top-pair defenseman has become a true defensive defenseman, which will allow Carlson to do his thing offensively.

And of course, age should be no concern. At 36, a two-year deal would end at age 38 for Carlson. Last season, he proved that he can still play at a high level. After his trade to the Ducks, he had 4 goals and 14 points in 16 games. Carlson also added 6 assists in 12 playoff games.

The Flyers’ cap space also improves significantly this offseason. They’ll have a ton of freedom, just about $37.5 million, and can afford to add Carlson to their payroll.

If the Flyers want to improve the power play and offensive production from their defensemen for next year, why not take a swing at a highly decorated active legend at the position?

The Potential Signing Would Create a New Problem in Philly​

There is some downside to the potential move. While potentially signing Carlson would bring a ton of good to the Flyers, it would create a new big issue.

A lot has been made of the team’s logjam on the wing. Signing another RHD would create another logjam. Carlson would join a group of Rasmus Ristolainen, Jamie Drysdale, David Jiricek, and Oliver Bonk as the team’s right-side defenders.

Signing Carlson would almost certainly force Bonk to the AHL for at least the next year, as he is still waiver exempt; Jircek is not. It would be hard for him to mentor Bonk if Bonk is stuck in the AHL.

But it could also force Drysdale, someone who has emerged as one of the Flyers’ better blueliners last season, back into a third-pair role. He earned more minutes last season. Unless the Flyers are willing to put Ristolainen on the third pair, Drysdale would end up back in that role after a year where he undoubtedly earned his time.

There is a solution to this: trading one. Di Marco also reported that the Flyers are still willing to trade Ristolainen, but with all of their cap space, don’t feel forced to.

Again, Carlson would bring a ton of good to the Flyers. But adding him without trading another would put Carlson and Ristolainen in the top four, force Drysdale into a smaller role, and keep both Jiricek and Bonk out of a consistent NHL role.

For a team that is still developing its young talent, despite its playoff appearance last season, that could be a disaster.

Still, signing Carlson would be worth it. The Flyers can always make the move and figure the rest out as the offseason goes on. In this case, the good most certainly outweighs the bad.

Would you sign John Carlson this summer?

Read More: PhHN Daily: Exploring Flyers Draft Options; Matthews’ Meeting; RFA Trade Cost

The post Flyers Free Agency: Carlson Fills Void, Creates New Problem for Philly appeared first on Philly Hockey Now.

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