Tech
Jun 16, 20261
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Flyers Acquire Woll and Benoit from Maple Leafs in Offseason Trade
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, sending back goalie Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round pick. The trade aims to improve Philadelphia's goaltending depth and defense while providing Toronto salary cap flexibility under new general manager John Chayka.
Quick Facts
Who
Philadelphia Flyers
What
Flyers acquire goaltender and defenseman from Maple Leafs
When
Tuesday (June 16, 2026)
Where
Philadelphia
- Flyers acquire goaltender and defenseman from Maple Leafs
- Flyers send goalie, defenseman, and draft pick to Maple Leafs
- Woll to serve as backup to Vladar
- Benoit addresses need for larger defenseman
- Chayka's first roster move as Toronto GM
The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a trade executed on Tuesday. In return, the Leafs received goalie Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round draft pick.
The move represents an early offseason effort by the Flyers to bolster their roster following a playoff run that saw them reach the second round before losing to eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere described the trade as a step forward for the organization. Woll will serve as a dependable backup to starter Dan Vladar, who is coming off a career year and is eligible to sign an extension on July 1. Briere emphasized that having both goalies performing well would help prevent injuries and keep Vladar fresh throughout the season.
Benoit, 28, brings size and physicality to Philadelphia's defense. At 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, he addresses a need identified by Briere, who wanted a larger defenseman to complement smaller players like Cam York and Jamie Drysdale. Briere praised Benoit's physicality, size, and skating ability.
For Toronto, the trade marks new general manager John Chayka's first roster move since taking over in early May. Chayka framed the trade as a salary cap-saving move while acquiring a young defenseman. Woll carries a $3.67 million cap hit for the next two seasons, while Benoit is under contract for one more year at $1.35 million. Andrae and Ersson will become restricted free agents. Chayka indicated the Leafs have Anthony Stolarz and Dennis Hildeby positioned atop their goaltending depth chart and remained noncommittal about tendering Ersson a qualifying offer.
Topics
Why This Matters
This trade signals the Flyers' commitment to building championship contention by addressing critical roster gaps—reliable goaltending depth and physical defense—while signaling Toronto's new GM is willing to make bold moves to improve long-term cap flexibility. For fans, it suggests the Flyers are taking concrete steps to return to Finals contention after a strong playoff run, while the Maple Leafs are entering a potential rebuild under fresh leadership.
Timeline & Sources
May 1, 2026
WireJohn Chayka becomes Toronto Maple Leafs general manager
Jun 16, 2026
WireFlyers trade Ersson, Andrae, and third-round pick to Maple Leafs for Woll and Benoit
Jul 1, 2026
WireDan Vladar eligible to sign contract extension with Flyers