Offense continues to be a challenge for the Flyers. Two moves were made this off-season with the hope of remediating that issues. First was the hiring of former Flyer Rick Tocchet as coach with the belief that his addition and use of his system will help. Second was the inflex of talent upfront, specifically Trevor Zegras.
If the goal production is going to take steps forward, Matvei Michkov will need to lead the charge. Michkov potted 26 goals and 63 points as a rookie and was the team’s most dangerous weapon on that side of the ice. He should be joined on the first line with Travis Konecny, who led the team with 76 points, the fourth straight campaign his offensive output rose. The center for the first line is up in the air.
Last season Sean Couturier was the pivot for that duo. Couturier had 13 points in his last 13 games alongside Michkov and Konecny, finishing the season with 45 points. He had a solid season, his second full one after returning from back surgery. The other option is Zegras. He wore out his welcome in Anaheim, paving the way for his trade. Zegras got off to a slow start last season before scoring 22 points in his last 33 games. In the final season of the three-year, $17.25 million contract he signed with the Ducks in October of 2023, Zegras is looking to prove he is worth big money. He should end up the first line center.
As noted in the projected lineup column, once you get past the top line, the remainder of the lineup comes with significant questions. The wingers for the second line may be the best remaining options. Tyson Foerster tallied 25 goals and 43 points, up from 20 and 33 the prior season. His consistency left a lot to be desired, but he closed the year strong with nine goals and 13 points in 12 outings. Owen Tippett saw his output fall from 53 to 43 points, including a decline in goal scoring, but he is penciled in as the second line right wing.
One possible late round target is Bobby Brink. He racked up just 12 goals but also 41 points in 79 games, upping his production from 23 points the prior season. Brink could benefit from the arrival of Tocchet, who may rely on the young forwards. Noah Cates rebounded after a poor 2023-24 campaign, earning a four-year, $16 million contract extension. He is a solid third line center who should get 35-40 points. Nicolas Deslauriers could slot on that wing, though he is better suited to the fourth line. One sleeper for this line is Nikita Grebenkin, acquired from Toronto as part of the Scott Laughton deal last trading deadline.
Christian Dvorak, in Montreal the last four seasons after five in Arizona, signed this past offseason and should center the fourth line. Joining him will be Garnet Hathaway, best known for irritating opponents and his rugged style of play, evidence in his 257 hits. Anthony Richard, Rodrigo Abois, Alex Bump, Deslauriers and a few others are candidates for the other wing. Jett Luchanko probably starts the year in the minors but could force Tocchet’s hand with a strong camp.
The Philly defense is not elite. Jamie Drysdale, the sixth overall pick in 2020, has yet to live up to his draft status. But he should benefit from the addition of Tocchet, as he may install Drysdale as his #1 blueliner. If that happens, a material spike in production should ensue. Cam York, better in real life than fantasy, is expected to pair with Drysdale. Travis Sanheim, likely the teams’ best overall defenseman, saw his production tailed off this past year. If Drysdale moves up, Sanheim will run the second pairing, paired with Nick Seeler. Whose claim to fame is leading the NHL in blocks across the past two campaigns with 405, including 200 last season.
Rasmus Ristolainen will miss the start of the season after March surgery to repair a right triceps tendon. With Risto sidelined, Egor Zamula and Emil Andrae is the probable third pairing. Oliver Bonk needs some seasoning and has a better shot to earn a spot next season.
Samuel Ersson, after raising hopes as a rookie in 2023-24, had his moments last season but was vastly inconsistent. He played in 47 games, earning a 22-17-5 record with a 3.14 GAA and a .883 save percentage, numbers that were down across the board. Ersson will open the year as the top netminder but may be pushed by Dan Vladar, who backed up Dustin Wolf last season. Aleksei Kolosov is the third goalie.
Prediction:
Tocchet makes the team more interesting on the ice, creating a new vibe in the locker room. Michkov tallies at least 35 goals while Zegras rebounds and rebuilds his career, earning a long term deal. Drysdale also benefits from the presence of Tocchet before getting injured again.
The young forwards take over partway through the season, paving the way for an active trade deadline. Philly struggles between the pipes as Ersson does little to show he should be the top goalie. This becomes a focus in the offseason.
The Flyers miss the playoffs but show signs of life late in the season lending hope for the 2026-27 season.
All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.