3 Free Agents the Flyers Could Bring to Training Camp
The Philadelphia Flyers made several key additions to their roster this offseason, with notable moves like the signing of Trevor Zegras to potentially fill a role in the top six. Other signings, such as Christian Dvorak and Dan Vladar, were made to address concerns heading into the season. But even with training camp around the corner, it wouldn’t hurt for the Flyers to consider adding a few more players on professional tryouts. 
While the roster is nearly set—with the crease decided, a crowded blue line, and young prospects vying for spots up front—the Flyers could still benefit from adding competition and depth. Here are a few names that could be worth a look at camp:
Tyler Motte, LW/C
Tyler Motte may have spent the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Red Wings, but before that, he was known as a reliable, hardworking bottom-six forward for teams like the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite being an unrestricted free agent, Motte has the kind of NHL experience that could be valuable for the Flyers, particularly if players like Garnet Hathaway are unavailable at some point during the season.
Motte could be a solid depth option, providing an experienced body on the fourth line. While younger players like Nikita Grebenkin, Karsen Dorwart, and Rodrigo Abols could also fill the role, Motte’s experience would give him an edge. Adding him to camp could provide the Flyers with added depth and another reliable option, even if it means pushing someone like Nic Deslauriers down the depth chart.
Matt Grzelcyk, LD
It’s surprising that defenseman Matt Grzelcyk remains unsigned this late into the offseason. Known for his excellent play-driving ability and strong offensive contributions while with the Boston Bruins, Grzelcyk had a career year in 2024, posting 40 points in 82 games despite playing for a poor Pittsburgh Penguins team. While the Flyers already have several talented left-handed defensemen, including Cam York and Emil Andrae, bringing in the 31-year-old could add valuable competition for spots on the blue line.
Grzelcyk’s offensive potential could give him an edge over current defensemen like Andrae and Egor Zamula, especially if the Flyers are looking for a more experienced, top-four caliber player. His presence at camp could push players to perform better and provide a solid benchmark to evaluate the team’s defense depth.
Cam Atkinson, RW
This scenario is more of a fun thought experiment than a likely reality, but the idea of Cam Atkinson returning to Flyers training camp after being bought out is intriguing. Atkinson, 36, would likely serve as more of a camp presence and veteran to help push younger players like Alex Bump for roster spots. While it’s unlikely he’d be signed to a contract, his return could be beneficial for leadership purposes and potentially open up a role in player development if he decides to hang up his skates.
Though unlikely, bringing Atkinson back could add a bit of fun to training camp, with his presence serving as a valuable motivator for players looking to make the team.
While none of these moves are guaranteed, bringing in these players for tryouts could offer the Flyers some interesting options and help further strengthen their roster heading into the season.
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