In a surprising move that has fans buzzing, the Philadelphia Flyers traded for defenseman Roman Schmidt from the Tampa Bay Lightning, sending 22-year-old Ethan Samson to the Lightning in exchange.
The trade was finalized on Monday night, a day that also marked the Flyers’ third defensive acquisition of the season.
Earlier this year, Philadelphia had already added Maxence Guenette in a trade last month, and Christian Kyrou was acquired toward the end of October, bringing the total to three defensemen moved in a single campaign.
Roman Schmidt, standing 6-foot-5, is known for his physical style of play. Drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, he has spent three seasons in the Lightning’s AHL system with the Syracuse.
Across 63 games in Syracuse, Schmidt tallied three goals, four assists, 117 penalty minutes, and a plus-7 rating, underscoring his defensive focus and willingness to engage in the gritty aspects of the game.
Following the trade, Schmidt will report to the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he is expected to add depth to the Phantoms’ blue-line.
Ethan Samson, also 22, had played ten games for the Phantoms this season after recovering from an upper-body injury. Drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, Samson brings a different skill set to the equation.
In his three seasons with the Phantoms, Samson accumulated 40 points—15 goals and 25 assists—in 142 games, but his overall rating stood at minus-19, indicating a more offensive orientation than his new teammate.
“One of his greatest strengths is his shot,” Phantoms head coach John Snowden said in September. “He can score when he gets his opportunities.”
During a recent casino night held by the Flyers, Ashlyn Sullivan spoke with general manager Danny Briere about the current state of the team. The event, which took place on Thursday, offered fans a glimpse into the front‑office perspective on roster moves.
The casino night, a staple of the Flyers’ community outreach, provided a relaxed setting for the media and supporters to hear from the organization’s leadership about ongoing efforts to build a competitive squad.
The decision to acquire a third defenseman in a single season signals Philadelphia’s intent to bolster its defensive corps at both the NHL and AHL levels. By adding a physically imposing player like Schmidt and a more offensively inclined prospect such as Samson, the Flyers are aiming to address different facets of their defensive strategy.
NBC Sports Philadelphia continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers and their rivals in the NHL, keeping fans updated on trade developments, player performances, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
With the trade completed, the Flyers’ next steps will involve integrating Schmidt into the Phantoms’ lineup and monitoring Samson’s recovery and progression as he prepares for the upcoming season.
The Flyers’ decision to trade for Schmidt also reflects the organization’s willingness to move assets in the AHL to secure a player who can contribute immediately at the affiliate level. By adding a defenseman with a strong physical presence, the club hopes to provide depth for both the NHL and AHL rosters as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, Samson’s move to Tampa Bay offers the Lightning a younger defenseman who has shown offensive upside in the AHL. The Lightning will evaluate whether his scoring touch can translate to the NHL level after his recovery from injury.
Both players were selected in the 2021 draft, one in the third round and the other in the sixth, illustrating how the Flyers have targeted prospects with varying skill sets to build a balanced defensive core.
As the Flyers continue to shuffle their roster, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the new additions perform in the AHL and whether they can eventually step up to the NHL. The organization’s focus on defensive depth remains a priority as they aim to compete in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
