Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet questioned his team’s defensive effort following their gut-punch of a loss vs. the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

“I don’t think we’re defending hard enough,” Tocchet said. “Last year, we had an identity of a pretty good defending team. This year, not so much. I know we have some veterans out; I don’t think we’re defending hard enough. I don’t think we value the defending part of the game. It’s always a concern because you want your team to defend hard, and that gives you a chance every night.”

Following a quiet offseason where the Flyers’ hands were tied for a week waiting for the answer on the Leo Carlsson offer sheet, in-season trades became expected if the Flyers wanted to improve the roster for this current season.

The need for a No. 1 center has not disappeared. In fact, with Trevor Zegras looking like a full-time winger again, it may be at its highest. However, it looks like elevating the group of defensemen may be up first.

Frank Seravalli of SportsNet has linked the Philadelphia Flyers to two defensemen. One who could be a cheaper, likely 3rd-pair solution. The other, a player with top-pairing potential and a bright future ahead. Those two are Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames and Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings.

Whitecloud, 29, is in year 5 of a 6-year deal that carries a $2.75 million AAV. The 6’2″ right-shot defender has a home on the Flames’ 3rd pair and 1st penalty kill. He does not provide much, if any, offense, but his big, physical play style helps him with shutdown defense. He could be the perfect 3rd-pair upgrade, but not much more than that.

Whitecloud’s biggest weakness, aside from the lack of offense, is his skating. He lacks speed and can get caught behind the rush if not positioned right. Overall, he is very much a 3rd-pair guy, but would be a clear upgrade for the Flyers.

Edvinsson would be an option for now and the future of the Flyers. The 6’6″ Swedish defenseman is currently still unsigned and has until December 1st to ink a new contract, so there is a sense of urgency here.

Edvinsson and the Red Wings have yet to agree on a new deal for the defenseman, keeping him off the ice. Detroit’s preference is to keep Edvinsson, and rightfully so. However, if they cannot agree to a deal, the Flyers could be one of many teams ready to pounce.

Seravalli reported that the Flyers have checked in on Edvinsson but haven’t gotten firm engagement from the Red Wings brass, who, again, prefer to keep the defenseman.

If the Red Wings do decide to listen to Edvinsson offers, it’s a can’t-miss opportunity for the Flyers. The 23-year-old defenseman fits in perfectly with the Flyers’ age range, has the always-coveted size and physicality, and is an excellent skater.

His game, in all honesty, reminds me a lot of Travis Sanheim’s, with the potential to be a little more offensive.

What do you think of the latest round of Flyers trade rumors?