Breakout Candidate: Jamie Drysdale, D
Drysdale, the sixth overall pick in 2020, has yet to live up to his draft status. Injuries have played a big role in this, though he has not overly impressed when on the ice. Drysdale has the perfect chance to change that narrative, as new coach Rick Tocchet will provide him every opportunity to succeed. If he fails, Travis Sanheim or Emil Andrae will fill that role.
Buy Low Candidate( Trevor Zegras, C
Zegras gets a new lease on life moving back to the East Coast. He wore out his welcome in Anaheim, landing this offseason in Philly. Tocchet could deploy Zegras as his first line center, which would give him a major boost next to Matvei Michkov. That would be the perfect storm for Zegras.
Riser: Matvei Michkov, LW
Michkov showed last season that he is a dynamic winger. He may have just scratched the surface of how good he can be and what he will produce, tallying 63 points as a rookie. Michkov lacks elite talent around him, but Zegras’ playmaking ability would provide him the greatest opportunity for success. A 35+ goal campaign certainly is in reach.
Faller: Cam York, D
York posted 10 goals and 20 assists in 2023-24, giving hope that he was ready to ascend to the next level. That next level was a step back, as his production nearly fell in half, as he posted just 17 points. York is a better real lief than fantasy blueliner, whose biggest value t Philly will be if he pairs with Drysdale.
All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.