Flyers and Wild Swap AHL Depth: Katchouk Heads to Minnesota, Schmidt to Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild have completed a trade, sending forward Boris Katchouk to Minnesota in exchange for defenseman Roman Schmidt. Both players will report to their respective American Hockey League (AHL) clubs.
A Familiar Exchange
The transaction is notable as both Katchouk and Schmidt were previously part of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Both players started the campaign with the Lightning organization, being traded away separately, and now swapped for each other
, as noted by Eduardo A. Encina of The Tampa Bay Times.
Katchouk’s Journey
Katchouk, 27, brings NHL experience to the Wild, having played in 179 career games. Originally a second-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2016, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the Brandon Hagel deal in 2022. He recorded 26 points in 117 games with Chicago before being claimed off waivers by Ottawa in 2024. He had 49 points in 67 AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before being traded to the Wild organization in December for Michael Milne.
Schmidt’s Potential
Schmidt, 23, is a 6’5” right-handed defenseman drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round in 2021. He has one assist in 29 AHL games this season between Syracuse and Lehigh Valley. He was acquired by the Flyers in December in exchange for Ethan Samson. The Wild are hoping to add physicality to their AHL affiliate with this acquisition.
Impact on Both Organizations
The trade provides minor league depth for both teams. The Flyers may be sellers leading up to the trade deadline, and Katchouk could potentially get a gaze at the NHL level. The Wild add a veteran presence to their AHL roster.
FAQ
- Who was traded? Boris Katchouk was traded to the Minnesota Wild, and Roman Schmidt was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Where will the players report? Both players will report to their respective AHL affiliates.
- What was the original draft team for both players? Both players were originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This trade represents a strategic move for both organizations to bolster their AHL rosters with players who have the potential to contribute at the professional level.