New Flyers Woll & Benoit Talk Trade To Philly

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Change is something that can nerve-wracking and exhilarating at the same time.

Especially when you were in the middle of organizing your hockey card collection like newly acquired Philadelphia Flyers goalie Joseph Woll was when he got the call that he had been traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.

For Woll, it was initially the former in looking back at his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But defenseman Simon Benoit, dealt with Woll in last Tuesday’s trade for Emil Andrae, goalie Samuel Ersson, and a 2026 third round pick, texted him shortly after and convinced him of the latter.

“I think my initial reaction right when I got the call, as I imagine most people, was a lot of emotion,” Woll said, in speaking with the Philadelphia media for the first time. “I’ve spent a long time in Toronto, so I was pretty sad to hear the news right when it happened. And went for a walk.”

However, Benoit’s call and his excited tone, convinced Woll helped him re-contextualize his feelings on the move.

“At that point, I was thinking about leaving the Leafs, and Benny called me, and just the excitement of his voice, I think, really helped for me see how an unbelievable opportunity this was,” Woll continued. “And it was almost like from that initial reaction onward, there’s been almost a surplus of excitement on my part.”

Woll Forms New Goalie Tandem With Vladar

One of the areas that Woll has plenty of familiarity with is working in a tandem. Most recently he partnered with former Flyer Anthony Stolarz, as well as at the beginning of his career with Jack Campbell. Those experiences gives him insight into how such a scenario would work.

“I just know that when two guys are going, it benefits the team. We knew with injuries that you need to step up at any time. I think I’ve done a great job in that situation. Back early in my career, backing someone like Jack Campbell who was really riding at the top of their game. But I’ve also had stretches where I can carry the torch as well.

Woll mentioned that incumbent starter Dan Vladar had contacted him to welcome him aboard. He also discussed how his game can mesh with the Flyers defensive zone structure. Under Rick Tocchet, it enables goaltenders to play “half the net” and create predictability in where the shots come from.

“I think anytime the team and the coach take a systematic approach, it’s to our benefit,” Woll said. “There’s alot of unpredictability within the game and part of what great goalies do is help to solve that. It only makes my job easier if I know where my defensemen are going to be and know what my responsibility is, it helps me to focus and not second guess.”

With two seasons remaining on Woll’s current contract and Vladar reportedly close to signing his own long-term deal, the Flyers stand to have a stable tandem for the foreseeable future.

Benoit Brings Physicality

Prior to his time in Toronto, Benoit played with the Anaheim Ducks alongside current Flyers forward Trevor Zegras. Zegras contacted him shortly after the trade and Benoit jokingly told him “keep your head up in practices.”

But it does cut to the heart of Benoit’s game. The 27-year-old defenseman provides the Flyers with size (6 foot 4, 210lbs) and snarl (194 hits last season). His role could be see him playing anywhere between the third pairing, an extra defenseman, or in injury emergency, support on the second unit. He also is a shot-block magnet, not unlike Nick Seeler, which increases his potential usage.

“I take pride in playing defensively. I’m hard to play against, that’s my job. Playing penalty killing, blocking shots, helping my goalie. It’s a pretty simple game (that he plays). It’s not an easy job to do because you sacrifice your body every night, but I’m willing to do it.

“After talking with the staff and coaches about where they are going forward, I feel I fit right in.”

Benoit knows there are younger defensemen such as Oliver Bonk, David Jiricek, and Ty Murchison who he will be competing with for ice time. He has one year remaining on his current contract.

“My whole career has been battling, it’s nothing new for me. Those spots are never for granted. Every game, every practice to be able to stay in the lineup, just to wear a jersey play in the National (Hockey League) is a great opportunity.”

New Adds Have Playoff Experience

Finally, one of the biggest benefits Woll and Benoit bring to Philadelphia is postseason experience.

Woll has appeared in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff games, with a 6-6 record, 2.73 goals-against average, and .906 save percentage.

Benoit has 20 games of postseason hockey with a goal and assist. The goal was a highlight of his career, as it was the overtime winner in Game Three of the 2025 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

“That was pretty exciting, obviously,” Benoit said. “Playoffs are always fun. And I feel like I had the chance to play in my first playoffs with Toronto. And playoff hockey is so much fun. So I think I’ll just keep those moments.”