Flyers Placed Helge Grans on Waivers
The Philadelphia organization looks to manage its roster capacity as injured defensemen recover.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Should your local professional sports teams prioritize young prospects over veteran players during a losing streak?
The Philadelphia Flyers placed Helge Grans on waivers on Monday. If he clears, the defenseman is expected to be reassigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Why it matters
The team must clear roster space to accommodate the potential activation of players currently on Injured Reserve. The move also allows the club to maintain Oliver Bonk on the active roster.
Helge Grans played one game for the Flyers this season, recording no points in 12:26 of ice time. He previously appeared in 61 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms during the 2025-26 season.
The players
Helge Grans
He is a professional hockey defenseman currently navigating the waiver process after limited appearances with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Philadelphia Flyers
This is a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia that competes in the National Hockey League.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
This team serves as the primary American Hockey League affiliate for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Rasmus Ristolainen
He is a veteran defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers currently listed on Injured Reserve.
Oliver Bonk
He is a young defenseman who was recently recalled from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to provide depth for the Philadelphia Flyers.
The details
Grans was part of the lineup during the team's 5-1 loss to Boston this past Saturday. The Flyers are currently at their maximum 23-man roster capacity, necessitating the move to provide flexibility for injured defensemen like Rasmus Ristolainen and Cam York.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: Rasmus Ristolainen suffered an injury.
October 10, 2026: Rasmus Ristolainen was placed on Injured Reserve and Cam York was listed as day-to-day.
October 12, 2026: The Philadelphia Flyers placed Helge Grans on waivers.
October 13, 2026: The waiver clearance deadline for Helge Grans occurs.
Season Trajectory
This move highlights the Flyers' ongoing efforts to manage defensive depth as the team navigates early-season injuries. The outcome will clarify the roster composition for the coming weeks and impact the developmental path for prospects like Oliver Bonk.
The roster move creates necessary cap and spot flexibility to allow for the return of veteran defensemen. It also solidifies the current defensive pairing options for the coaching staff as they evaluate young players like Oliver Bonk.
The takeaway
Roster management is a critical component of navigating the long NHL season, especially when dealing with multiple defensive injuries. Fans should track the waiver wire to see if Grans remains within the organization or joins another franchise.
What happens next
Helge Grans is scheduled to clear waivers on October 13, 2026, which will determine his eligibility for assignment to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Further reading
For more background on the team, visit the Philadelphia Hockey section.
Live Poll
Should your local professional sports teams prioritize young prospects over veteran players during a losing streak?
