In Elliotte Friedman's latest "32 Thoughts" observations, he floated an intriguing possibility: Morgan Frost—the undoubtedly full of potential but often benched Philadelphia Flyers forward—and the Chicago Blackhawks, a team in dire need of centers.
It's a suggestion that has sparked curiosity, as the 25-year-old finds himself in an increasingly frustrating situation in Philadelphia. Having been scratched for four of the last five games, Frost's tenure with the Flyers seems to have reached a crossroads.
Though Frost has remained professional and quiet about his frustrations—Friedman noted that he's "not a complainer, prefers to keep any displeasure behind closed doors," but also highlighted the obvious—"players want to play." His status on the periphery of the Flyers' lineup raises significant questions about his future in Philadelphia, and if he were to be traded, could Chicago be the right fit for the dynamic playmaker?
The Frost-Philadelphia Disconnect
Morgan Frost's path with the Flyers has been anything but smooth. Drafted 27th overall in 2017, Frost entered the league with high expectations due to his dazzling offensive potential. At his best, he's a cerebral player capable of threading passes through traffic and dictating play in the offensive zone.
But Frost's game isn't without flaws. Flyers head coach John Tortorella has repeatedly emphasized the importance of consistency, physical engagement, and defensive responsibility. These are areas where Frost has struggled to meet expectations, leading to prolonged stints on the outside looking in. One of the concerns people were most vocal about when his performance quality went up in the second half of last season was that it was obviously wonderful to see Frost performing well, but he tends to have a bad habit of starting the season off slow before inexplicably waking up in the second half and doing well. It's better than just being flat-out bad, but it's not a sustainable model for success.
Morgan Frost (48) and Owen Tippett (74).
As a result, Frost has been relegated to the press box yet again for an extended period of time. It's exactly an unfamiliar situation, but the stakes seem to be higher this time around, with Tortorella being clear that while they're "trying like hell" to get Frost to consistently be the player he's shown he can be, but the leash is "certainly" getting a lot shorter.
Why Chicago Could Make Sense
Enter the Chicago Blackhawks. Friedman's observation highlights an undeniable synergy between Frost's strengths and Chicago's needs. The Blackhawks are a team in transition. They are thin down the middle, relying heavily on young, inexperienced centers or veterans better suited for depth roles.
Frost's creative playmaking and offensive instincts could complement Connor Bedard, easing the pressure on the 19-year-old while adding another dimension to Chicago's attack. Unlike Philadelphia, where Tortorella demands speed and defense-first hockey, Chicago's rebuild under Luke Richardson may provide Frost the opportunity to thrive in an environment that prioritizes more aspects of his game.
Additionally, the Blackhawks' current situation allows them to take risks on players like Frost. As a former first-round pick with plenty of still-untapped potential, Frost represents the kind of low-risk, high-reward acquisition that could accelerate Chicago's rebuild.
What Could A Deal Look Like?
For any trade to materialize, the Flyers and Blackhawks would need to align on value. Frost's potential is well-documented, but his limited role in Philadelphia could diminish his trade value. The Flyers would likely seek a return that fits their rebuilding timeline—potentially a young player or mid-round draft pick.
From Chicago's perspective, Frost could be a cost-effective gamble. His relatively modest $2.1 million cap hit and restricted free-agent status after this season make him an attractive option for a team looking to build without long-term financial commitments. If Chicago views Frost as a legitimate piece of their future, they might be willing to pay slightly more to secure his services.
Should Philadelphia Move Frost?
For the Flyers, the question of whether to trade Frost hinged on their assessment of his fit in their long-term plans. General manager Danny Briere has emphasized the importance of patience during the team's rebuild, but with Frost struggling to earn Tortorella's trust, his value may be greater as a trade asset than as a player on the roster.
If the Flyers believe Frost's ceiling is limited in their system—or if they're confident that they can develop/acquire young players that can fill the gaping center void in the organization—moving Frost could be the prudent decision. However, trading a player with Frost's potential always carries risk, particularly if he flourishes in a new environment.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Morgan Frost (48).
A Crossroads For Both Sides
Morgan Frost's situation in Philadelphia is a microcosm of challenges facing the Flyers during their rebuild. Balancing development, immediate competitiveness, and player utilization is a delicate act, and Frost has become emblematic of the difficulty in finding that balance.
For Frost, a move to Chicago could provide the fresh start he needs to fully unlock his potential and become a key contributor on a rebuilding team. For the Blackhawks, adding Frost could give them a skilled playmaker that adds a creative edge to their offense.
Whether this hypothetical match becomes reality remains to be seen, but Friedman's observation underscores the growing sense that Frost and Philadelphia may be nearing the end of their partnership. If a trade does materialize, it could offer both the player and the teams involved a chance to turn the page—and, potentially, rewrite their stories.
