After the NHL draft and the trades that encompassed part of last weekend the Metropolitan Division teams (at least some of them) geared up to take a run at some of the bigger names available on the Unrestricted Free Agent list. In some cases the teams (Devils and Washington) made strides to address any foreseeable flaws while some others not named the Flyers did next to nothing. Here then is a team-by-team rundown of how the seven other divisional rivals fared during the opening of free agency and how those signings will hurt (or help) the Flyers this year.
Washington Capitals
Washington’s bigger move was landing Ottawa defenseman Jakob Chychrun in exchange for defenseman Nick Jensen and third round pick in 2026. Chychrun (who was speculated to be Philly bound for parts of last season) had 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 points in a full season but it just didn’t seem like a proper fit in Ottawa. He’ll head to Washington with one year left on his contract with a $4.6 million AAV and looks to beef up a backend featuring Rasmus Sandin and Matt Roy. Yes, Matt Roy was also signed by the Capitals. The 29-year-old defenseman signed a six-year $34.5 million deal which works out to a $5.75 million AAV. Roy won’t light up the lamp often with just five goals last year for the Kings but provides a steadying presence on a pairing.
Washington also signed a two-year, $4.2 million contract with RFA Connor McMichael for a $2.1 million AAV. McMichael, 23, had a productive 2023-24 with the Caps with 18 goals and 33 points in 80 games. With the rising cap and a rather paltry cap hit this looks to be a decent deal for a primarily third-liner. The Caps also took a chance on former Chicago forward Taylor Raddysh on a one-year, $1 million deal. Raddysh had 20 goals for Chicago in 2022-23 but slipped last season with just 14 points in 73 games. And the Capitals added some toughness in winger Brandon Duhaime. Duhaime, who signed a two-year, $3.7 million deal ($1.85 million AAV) spent most of last season with Minnesota before being traded to Colorado for the Avs’ playoff run.
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