The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Ryan Ellis and a conditional 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Carl Grundstrom and defenseman Artem Guryev. The move, announced today, marks the end of a frustrating chapter for Ellis in Philadelphia, where he played only four games due to injury.

Ellis, 34, was acquired by the Flyers with high expectations, but a lower-body injury limited his time on the ice. He has not played due to the injury. The Flyers are looking to offload his contract.

In return, the Flyers receive Carl Grundstrom, a physical forward known for his net-front presence, and Artem Guryev, a defenseman with upside. These additions are expected to provide depth and competition to the Flyers' roster as they aim to rebuild.

General Manager Danny Briere commented on the trade, stating, "This move was made with an eye toward the future. While Ryan's time in Philadelphia was cut short, we felt it was important to address our depth and add players who can contribute to our team's success moving forward. Carl and Artem are both young, talented players with the potential to make an impact" .

The conditional sixth-round pick heading to San Jose is the earlier of Columbus' or Philadelphia's selection. Grundstrom, brings a mix of grit and skill. Guryev, meanwhile, is viewed as a developing prospect who could compete for a roster spot.

For the Sharks, acquiring Ellis and the draft pick represents a calculated risk. While Ellis's injury history is a concern, the Sharks are betting that he can recover and contribute to their team. The conditional draft pick adds another asset as they continue to build their prospect pool.

Sharks General Manager Mike Grier said, "We are taking a chance on Ryan Ellis. We are hoping that he can return and be an impact player."

The Flyers are hoping that Grundstrom and Guryev can bolster their roster. Both players will report to Philadelphia immediately and are expected to participate in training camp.