Meet the new Flyers, from Joseph Woll’s musical talent to Simon Benoît’s intense love of milk and coffee
The Flyers got a bit smarter Tuesday by adding a former valedictorian. They also added a defenseman who loves a very specific type of milk.
Following Carolina’s Stanley Cup victory Sunday, it’s officially the NHL offseason — and it took almost no time for the Flyers to make a move.
On Tuesday, the team traded goalie Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round pick in next week’s draft to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goalie Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoît.
There are still a few months before fans will see the Flyers’ latest additions on the ice, and that leaves plenty of time to get familiar with the new additions off the ice.
» READ MORE: Trade grade: Flyers take a step forward by upgrading the backup goalie spot with acquisition of Joseph Woll
Here are five things to know about the newest Flyers …
High IQ player
Goalies are often regarded as some of the quirkier players on the ice, and while Flyers fans have grown accustomed to Dan Vladař and his un-goalie-like habits, the new member of the Flyers’ tandem seems to better fit the adage.
Woll’s uniqueness lies less in quirks and superstitions and more in his intellect and cerebral approach.
A straight-A student, Woll attended Westminster Christian Academy in the St. Louis area for his first two years of high school, originally committing to Harvard as a sophomore. When he moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., to join the United States National Team Development Program, he attended Pioneer High School and graduated valedictorian.
He flipped his commitment, ultimately playing for Boston College where he earned a finance degree and the school’s scholar-athlete award.
Goal(ie) song
Woll’s intellect and talent intersect at his love of music.
With an interest in music theory and the ability to play the piano by ear, Woll’s talent comes from his great grandmother, who shared the same musical ability.
Playing since he was young, Woll revealed in a 2024 YouTube video posted by the Maple Leafs that he doesn’t do well reading music, but enjoys the instrument more when he can play from memory or from ear.
He even performed Hans Zimmer’s theme from Interstellar at the Maple Leafs’ Blue and White Gala while recovering from an ankle sprain in 2024.
The Philadelphia Ducks
Benoît was an undrafted free agent in 2018 before signing an AHL contract with the San Diego Gulls, the affiliate team of the Anaheim Ducks. He then signed an entry-level contract with the Ducks in 2019, playing six games for Anaheim in the 2020-21 season before appearing in 131 games over the next two seasons.
The 2020-21 season was the same time that current Flyers Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras started their careers with Anaheim.
In May, ahead of the 2021 American Hockey League playoffs, the trio were all sent back down to the Gulls. Because of the pandemic, the Calder Cup was not awarded that season, but the three all competed in playoff AHL hockey together for Anaheim.
Benoît was then traded to the Maple Leafs before the 2023-24 season. Drysdale was traded to the Flyers in January of that same season. Zegras followed suit last season, with each of their paths bringing them back together as teammates in Philly.
A ‘whole’ new meaning to 3.8%
On a January 2024 episode of the Mitts Off with Luke Gazdic podcast, Benoît spoke passionately about his love for milk, adding that he keeps glass bottles in the refrigerator and admitting he cannot sleep without it.
When asked which kind of milk he preferred, Benoît’s answer perfectly foreshadowed his new team.
“The whole milk, 3.8%, that’s the real stuff,” Benoît said.
During their playoff run this season, 3.8% was closely tied to the Flyers. Of course, it wasn’t dairy-related, but rather reflected their underdog role — as late as March 18, the Flyers had just a 3.8% chance of making the playoffs.
While the Flyers and their new defenseman might have different associations for the number, having a link to the same percentage down to the decimal point seems like a good sign for Benoît’s fit in Philadelphia.
Coffee connoisseur
Milk isn’t the only beverage Benoît has publicly revealed his appreciation for.
Arriving at Scotiabank Arena ahead of a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche in March 2025, Benoît was seen carrying in a silver briefcase.
Benoît revealed that the briefcase was actually a coffee machine for his pregame flat whites.
Benoît also noted that he can’t always trust the quality of the coffee on away trips. Hopefully, the brews in Philly will meet his standard.