Friday Forecheck: Prepare for the Upcoming Stretch Drive

Casey Halston

Published: March 7, 2026 12:10 AM ET

The Philadelphia Flyers are gearing up for the 2025-26 NHL trade deadline, which is set for 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday. As the deadline approaches, players, coaches, and management are feeling the pressure. While players aim to maintain their focus, they will undoubtedly keep an eye on their phones and nearby screens at the training facility. General Manager Daniel Briere is preparing for a busy day filled with calls and updates from other teams.

Friday Forecheck: Prepare for the Upcoming Stretch Drive

With the trade deadline looming, Briere’s team has compiled vital information, including contract details and internal assessments. This preparation is essential for considering potential trades. Post-deadline, the NHL’s regular season stretch drive will commence. This marks a critical point in the season for teams vying for playoff spots.

Recent Game Outcomes

This week’s NHL matches yielded mixed results for the Flyers. They lost 3-0 to the Utah Mammoth in a home game. However, the Flyers are in a tight playoff race, as several rival teams also lost their games. Notably:

Boston Bruins: 6-3 loss to Nashville
New York Islanders: 5-3 defeat against LA Kings
Pittsburgh Penguins: 5-1 home loss to Buffalo Sabres

This means Philly didn’t lose ground in their playoff pursuit. They remain seven points out of a wildcard spot with 21 games left in their schedule. To qualify, they need to overcome a nine-point deficit while managing tiebreaker disadvantages.

Upcoming Schedule Breakdown

The remaining games for the Flyers feature both road and home matchups. They have:

Road Games: 11 games, including matches against Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Los Angeles.
Home Games: 10 games, including contests against the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.

Additionally, the Flyers will face four back-to-back situations, which will be a critical test of their endurance.

Player Moves and Updates

In roster news, the Flyers recently signed Garrrett Wilson, the captain of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, to a two-way contract for the rest of the 2025-26 season. The 34-year-old has been with the Phantoms for six years and is known for his leadership and work ethic. His contract change allows for potential call-ups to the NHL.

Wilson has amassed 148 points in his AHL career.
He is tied for penalty minutes with 99 in the current season.

Wilson previously played in 84 NHL games and is recognized for his strong play style and defensive capabilities.

Organizational Developments

On March 5, the Flyers appointed Daniel Bove as Vice President of Athlete Performance and Wellness. Bove will work with various departments to create tailored performance and wellness strategies, ensuring players remain in peak condition.

As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Flyers as they navigate these crucial aspects of the season.