It’s been a while since we’ve done a daily story, so we thought it was time to give it another try. Since the Foerster extension, chatter has been relatively quiet for the Flyers, leaving us not a whole lot to talk about.
In today’s issue of “The Daily”, we talk about two Flyers prospects ending their CHL careers and lifting the Memorial Cup. We also touch on a top-NHL draft prospect heading to the great state of Pennsylvania, as well as an update on the Marco Rossi situation in Minnesota.
Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk Win the Memorial Cup
Flyers prospects Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk lifted the Memorial Cup with the London Knights in a fitting end to their fantastic OHL careers.
For those who don’t know, the Memorial Cup is essentially the national championship for the CHL. It consists of the winners of the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL, along with the host team, in a four-team round-robin tournament.
The London Knights defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-1, with Barkey scoring twice for London. It is the first Memorial Cup championship for the Knights since 2016, a fitting end for two all-time great Knights.
Barkey finished his four-year career with the Knights while wearing the “C”, finishing his career with 89 goals and 169 assists for 258 points in 228 games. Bonk finished his four years in London with an “A” on his chest. During his time in the OHL, Bonk tallied 45 goals and 105 assists for 150 points in 189 games. He also made the Canadian World Juniors team twice.
Now, both players will have a shot at making the Flyers roster in 2025, with the option now being available for time in Lehigh Valley.
Jackson Smith Reportedly Heading to Hockey Valley
It all came very quickly following a cryptic quote tweet from John Buccigross on a PSU Men’s Hockey post, but top-NHL Draft prospect defenseman Jackson Smith is reportedly headed to Penn State.
Smith is widely considered to be the best defensive prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft, not named Matthew Schaefer. He is considered a top-10 selection in the upcoming draft and could possibly be selected as high as the No. 4 pick.
Smith of the Tri-City Americans in the WHL, has committed to Penn State, according to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic. However, while it’s “done”, Wheeler said it won’t be “done done” until both parties officially announce it. Wheeler reports that Smith will take an official visit after the NHL Draft Combine, which takes place from June 2nd to 7th.
Smith is an all-around stud and will make some team VERY happy with their pick. He is a smooth skater, with size (6’3″, 190lbs). As a defenseman, Smith is a solid defender with a good stick, but his value comes from his offense. He is a fantastic puck-mover whose playmaking ability stands out. If he puts a little bit more into becoming a big-time defender, Smith could quickly become one of the best all-around players in the league.
Smith likely won’t be an option for the Flyers at No. 6, who will likely take the best forward available. However, the option of having a top prospect close by may just be enticing enough for the Flyers front office to find a way to get Smith.
Marco Rossi Update: Are the Flyers In Or Out?
Marco Rossi is likely the best center actively available this offseason. The Flyers need centers. It makes it seem like a natural fit. However, it may not seem as simple as it seems.
Reports have been flying in and out of Minnesota regarding the Rossi situation. The common denominator is that Rossi is on the outs in Minnesota. That said, here is what we know:
Reports surfaced that Minnesota asked Tyson Foerster or a late-first-round pick for Rossi from the Flyers. It was unclear if it was Foerster AND the first, or Foerster OR the first. Meanwhile, in a recent interview with Michael Russo of The Athletic, Bill Guerin denied that rumor, and said he had not had serious talks with anyone yet. He also said he is not “dying to get rid of Marco.”
It had also been reported a few times that contract talks have been stalled since Rossi is in search of something around seven years, $7 million AAV. Anthony DiMarco of the Daily Faceoff reported that the Flyers are not fond of the idea of a 7×7.
DiMarco mentioned this is his latest story. In that story, he also noted that the Flyers and Wild had talks in 2024 about Rossi. Those talks also included Morgan Frost, who is now with the Flames. It’s also worth mentioning that DiMarco believes Minnesota is looking for “an impact winger”, but also that a late-first is the starting point.
Opinion: Expected Contract Should Not Stop the Flyers From Making a Rossi Trade
To me, if Rossi wants a 7×7, you do it. At this point, it seems like Rossi is a 2C already with a middle-six floor. The Flyers’ future center depth does not extend much beyond Jett Luchanko. There should be nothing preventing them from attempting to acquire Rossi. Not to mention, a 7×7 is a fairly reasonable contract for a 2C.
If the Flyers aren’t willing to trade what Minnesota wants, the Flyers could always go the offer sheet route. The Wild don’t seem to be interested in the 7×7 either, so it likely would not get matched. The 2025 compensation for that would be the team’s 2026 first as well as a 2026 third. That would eliminate the Flyers from the Gavin McKenna lottery. However, I don’t know if that was ever the goal.
Still, Minnesota could get better value by just taking the best offer on the table come draft day.
Not to continue bringing his name up as a trade candidate, because I really do like the player, but Owen Tippett makes a whole lot of sense here. The salaries match up a bit, as Tippett earns $6.2 million per year. He also fits that “impact winger” bill. Tippett and one of the early second-round picks could do that trick–possibly the Edmonton pick as well.
The Flyers need centers and have a plethora of wingers; it just makes sense.
