In a bold move that reshapes their future, the Philadelphia Flyers have shaken up their roster by acquiring forward Carl Grundstrom and defenseman Artem Guryev from the San Jose Sharks—but here’s where it gets controversial: they’ve traded away defenseman Ryan Ellis and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick to make it happen. General Manager Daniel Briere confirmed the deal, which hinges on a unique condition: San Jose will receive the earlier of two sixth-round picks the Flyers own in 2026, either their own or Columbus’s. This trade leaves Philadelphia with five picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, including one in each of the first three rounds, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh. But this is the part most people miss: the Flyers are betting big on potential while parting ways with a seasoned player in Ellis. Is this a strategic rebuild or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
Carl Grundstrom, a 27-year-old winger from Umea, Sweden, brings a solid resume to Philadelphia. Standing at 6 feet and 200 pounds, he notched three goals and nine points in 56 games for the Sharks during the 2024-25 season. Over his seven-season NHL career, Grundstrom has amassed 43 goals and 33 assists for 76 points across 292 games. His experience doesn’t stop there—he’s also a standout in the American Hockey League, tallying 30 goals and 72 points in 99 games. Before crossing the Atlantic, Grundstrom spent four seasons in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), even winning a championship in 2016-17. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round (57th overall) in 2016, he’s a proven competitor with a knack for finding the net.
Artem Guryev, on the other hand, is a 22-year-old defenseman with raw potential. Drafted by the Sharks in the fifth round (135th overall) in 2021, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound blueliner spent the 2024-25 season with the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL, recording five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 47 games. He made his AHL debut in 2023-24, posting four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and racking up the second-most penalty minutes on his team with 81. Guryev will join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, where he’ll look to develop his game further.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Did the Flyers give up too much for too little? Trading Ryan Ellis, a veteran defenseman, for two unproven players and a conditional pick is a move that’s sure to spark debate. While Grundstrom brings experience and Guryev offers upside, Ellis’s absence leaves a void on the blue line. Is this a calculated step toward a younger, faster team, or a misstep that could haunt them? Let us know what you think in the comments—are the Flyers on the right track, or have they just rolled the dice one too many times?
