Flyers Trade Andrei Kuzmenko to Kings Ahead of Deadline

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Flyers have traded winger Andrei Kuzmenko to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. The deal comes as the trade deadline looms and the Flyers’ chances of making the playoffs diminish.

Kuzmenko, 29, was acquired by the Flyers in late January from the Calgary Flames, where he had struggled to find consistent scoring. Since joining Philadelphia, Kuzmenko made a significant impact, recording two goals and three assists in just six games. His scoring resurgence raised questions about his future with the team as he approaches unrestricted free agency this summer.

“We felt that with the direction we’re heading, it was the right move,” said Flyers general manager Danny Briere. “Andrei showed he can still contribute offensively, and we’re optimistic about what this pick can yield in the future.”

Before the trade, Kuzmenko enjoyed a rough season with Calgary, scoring only 15 points in 37 games. His performance with the Flyers drew attention, as he notched over a third of his season’s points within his first six games in Philadelphia.

The Kings are in need of scoring depth, and Kuzmenko provides a valuable option for their playoff push. “He can bring us the edge we’ve been missing,” Kings’ management said in a statement following the trade announcement. “His track record speaks for itself.”

Understood to be a cap dump at first, Kuzmenko’s recent performance might be a turning point for the player and the Kings. With a $5.5 million AAV contract expiring at the end of the season, his trade could also facilitate salary retention by the Flyers, further easing the Kings’ cap situation.

The Flyers previously traded other assets, including forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to Calgary, making Kuzmenko’s acquisition a strategic move to help rebuild the team amidst a challenging season.

Briere has made it clear that he is open to making moves that strengthen the future of the organization. As the trade deadline approaches, the Flyers are weighing their options carefully, especially considering their current place in the standings, lingering at a .500 record (27-26-8) and facing a dire need for improvement.

Kuzmenko’s departure signals a commitment to long-term planning for the Flyers. With undetermined intentions after this season, the organization now aims to utilize the assets gained from trades effectively. “This is all part of our rebuilding process,” Briere added. “We’ll be constantly looking to improve.”