Jan 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Joel Farabee (86) skates back to the bench after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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Flyers Trade Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost to Flames in Multi-Asset Deal

Flyers Acquire Kuzmenko, Pelletier, and Draft Picks in a Major Roster Shake-Up Ahead of the Trade Deadline

Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost played their final game for the Flyers on Thursday night. The team traded both forwards to the Calgary Flames, receiving Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2028 seventh-round pick in return.

Rumors of a potential trade surfaced during the second period of the Flyers’ 3-0 loss to the Islanders, and the deal was finalized shortly after. Farabee and Frost were once considered key building blocks for the Flyers, both former first-round picks. However, as the team rebuilds, their roles have diminished, making them candidates for a fresh start elsewhere.

“This came together pretty quick today, this morning to be honest, We’ve talked about the players maybe even last year and this year, but it never really made sense. We were going back and forth. It just wasn’t the right time or wasn’t the right return. I think this morning we started, it started maybe a one-for-one player type deal and then it grew a little bit more and it became what it is now. Danny [Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere] and I, the one thing I think we young GMs in the League, we talk maybe a little bit more than other ones because you feel very comfortable with them. And he’s out East. Today it just happened to really speed up and became, ‘Look, this makes sense for both teams, let’s do it.” : Calgary general manager Craig Conroy said.

TRADE ALERT!

We have acquired forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee from the Flyers in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, and #NHLDraft picks!

More info: https://t.co/OtdkExs1WR #Flames | @original16beer pic.twitter.com/XrJl7z0uCj
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 31, 2025

Farabee, who turns 25 next month, was in the third year of a six-year, $30 million contract. After a career-best season last year, the Flyers had challenged him to elevate his game further, but his production dipped in the second half. He struggled to find consistency this season and was even a healthy scratch for three consecutive games.

Also Read: New Jersey Devils Reassign Isaac Poulter, Set to Recall Nico Daws

Frost, also 25, was playing on a two-year, $4.2 million contract that was set to expire, making him a restricted free agent this summer. Despite showing promise as a playmaking center, his relationship with head coach John Tortorella seemed to affect his confidence. Over time, it became clear that both Frost and the Flyers needed a change.

For Flyers GM Danny Briere, trading two young players with potential wasn’t an easy decision. However, with the team underperforming this season, the move allows them to retool and focus on the future. The Flyers now hold seven picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 draft, giving them significant flexibility for rebuilding.

The incoming players bring short-term value and potential. Kuzmenko, a 29-year-old winger, is on an expiring $5.5 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He had an impressive rookie season in 2022-23, scoring 39 goals and 74 points with the Canucks, though his production dipped this season with Calgary (four goals, 11 assists in 37 games).

Pelletier, 23, was a 2019 first-round pick and is also on an expiring contract as a restricted free agent. This season, he recorded 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 24 games while maintaining a plus-10 rating.

With over a month left before the March 7 trade deadline, this move could be just the beginning of more changes for the Flyers as they look to reshape their roster.

Image Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Joel Farabee

Morgan Frost

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!