All of the winners so far for the Flyers this season.
All of the winners so far for the Flyers this season.
It's been an interesting 2023-24 season so far for the Flyers. They played well when everyone was expecting them to tank, they've had some unexpected breakout players, made a blockbuster trade that felt like it temporarily knocked the Earth off its axis, and have shown fans what is possible through the power of friendship. In such a season full of chaos, unpredictability, and mysterious, possibly dog-mask related illnesses, here are the top players from the first half.
Hart Trophy: Travis Konecny
Ah, yes, the Flyers' official unofficial captain. Konecny has been experiencing a bit of a slump heading into the All-Star break, but his impact on the team is undeniable. He still leads the Flyers in points, is a textbook locker room guy, and has displayed such admirable leadership qualities that whenever the Flyers do elect an official captain, it most likely will be Konecny. Turning 26 in March, he's still a young player, but has been around the team and the league long enough to be able to be a guiding light to younger/less experienced players—so much so that John Tortorella himself said Konecny was a leader in the team now.
Also, the general unruliness of a man dubbed "The Antagonizer" is just pure entertainment.
Norris Trophy: Jamie Drysdale
I know he's been in Philadelphia for all of five minutes, but HEAR ME OUT. Drysdale possesses an incredible hockey IQ and ability to read the game that goes way beyond his 21 years. Factoring in his simply magical skating ability, the way he's seamlessly adapted to a completely new playing system, and the fact that he's been able to positively impact the Flyers' notoriously abysmal power play—all in less than a full month with the team? That deserves an award for sure.
Vezina Trophy: Sam Ersson
The Flyers' goaltending situation has been a toss-up for most of the first half of the season, with John Tortorella choosing to alternate between Sam Ersson and Carter Hart every two games or so. However, Hart has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team and was officially made non-roster in light of sexual assault charges, leaving the No. 1 goaltender position to Ersson.
Ersson has been the better goalie so far this season, and while he's struggled a bit after taking on the full brunt of goaltending duties, he leaves his all on the ice and has accepted such a huge responsibility with poise and maturity—truly admirable for a young goalie in his rookie season.
Calder Trophy: Morgan Frost
Again...HEAR ME OUT. Morgan Frost is not a rookie, but at 24, he's still a young player. He's in his fifth season with the Flyers, but this one feels like we're really seeing Frost for the first time. He's had his ups and downs throughout his professional career (especially with Tortorella), but he's made massive strides in his game and has been on a particularly scorching stretch of games in January. Credit has to be given where it's due, and Frost has more than earned his share of praise.
Honorable Mention: Sam Ersson, because he's actually a rookie and has been in real Calder Trophy conversations. (But he already got an award in this article.)
Selke Trophy: Sean Couturier
You knew it was coming. There were very real fears that his career was over after nearly two years out with a back injury, and upon his return, he's still putting up Selke-worthy performances. Enough said.
Lady Byng Trophy: Travis Konecny
Just kidding! Seeing as Konecny will probably never win this award in his entire career, I'm giving it to Cam Atkinson at the mid-point. It hasn't been completely smooth sailing for Atkinson since becoming a Flyer, especially being healthy scratched multiple times this season and dealing with an extensive goal drought. In the face of such adversity, though, Atkinson remained mature, well-spoken, and an all-around affable presence. He worked hard to get himself back into Tortorella's good graces, finding great chemistry on a line with Frost and Joel Farabee, and has generally been playing some pretty impressive offense.
He also was, in fact, the conductor of that practice train in early January. What a guy.
Bonus! Jack Adams Trophy: John Tortorella
There's obviously only one person on the Flyers that could win this award, but with everything Tortorella has been able to do with a group of players that was written off as nothing but a "rebuild team" during preseason is truly Jack Adams-worthy. The chemistry between the players is incredible to watch. So many players have found their best playing selves, and have become exponentially more confident in themselves. The Flyers have dealt with a lot, but Tortorella has been an exemplary coach (if in an unconventional manner) through it all. He's dished out the tough love, but had no problem recognizing when a player made the improvements he wanted to see. He's stood up for his guys (even Kevin Hayes!) and has repeatedly shown his dedication to making the Flyers a respected, successful team.
Related: Morgan Frost Should Not Be Traded This Season