Flyers and Kraken Hook Up on a One for One Trade Today

The Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken have been busy this offseason, and it looks like both organizations are hoping a simple change of scenery can unlock something in a pair of young forwards who have yet to make a real impact at the NHL level. These kinds of one-for-one swaps between teams don't always generate massive headlines, but they can quietly end up being the moves that matter most down the road.

General Manager Daniel Briere announced that the Flyers have brought in forward David Goyette from Seattle, sending forward Devin Kaplan the other way in return. Goyette has been assigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL, where he'll look to continue developing his game in a new organization.

What Each Team Is Getting

Goyette is a 22-year-old forward out of St-Jerome, Quebec, who Seattle picked in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft at 61st overall. He spent the last two seasons playing for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL, putting up 28 points across 108 games with nine goals and 19 assists. He also chipped in three helpers during 11 Calder Cup Playoff contests. While those AHL numbers aren't exactly eye-popping, his junior resume tells a different story. Goyette was dominant in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves, racking up a staggering 282 points over three seasons, including a league-leading 117 points in his final year of 2023-24.

Heading to Seattle is Kaplan, also 22, who spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and posted 13 points in 49 AHL games. Before turning pro, Kaplan played three seasons at Boston University and actually got a brief taste of the NHL, making his debut with the Flyers at the tail end of his final college season in 2024-25.

Why This Deal Makes Sense

Both of these players are at a bit of a crossroads. Goyette was a prolific scorer in junior hockey but has struggled to translate that production to the pro level so far. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh environment and a new coaching staff to help a young player find his footing. The Flyers clearly see upside in his offensive toolkit and are betting that the Lehigh Valley setup can coax out more of what made him so dangerous in the OHL.

For Kaplan, the move to Seattle's system could provide a similar jolt. His AHL numbers were modest, and with the Flyers organization stocked with young talent, his path forward in Philly may have been getting crowded. The Kraken could offer him a clearer route to earning a larger role.

At the end of the day, this is the kind of low-risk, potentially high-reward deal that both front offices can feel good about. Neither team is giving up a sure thing, but both are gaining a prospect who might just thrive with a new opportunity. Keep an eye on both of these guys as next season gets closer.