Philadelphia Flyers
PhHN Flyers Fan Summer Survey
As August gets late, and the Flyers season starts drawing closer and closer, it’s time for our Philly Hockey Now summer survey.
The fan survey acts like a mailbag, but in reverse. Instead of you, the readers, asking questions in search of a response, it will be us asking the questions, looking for a response from the readers! After a certain amount of time, to be determined based on responses given, we will compile the responses and share some of the most common, boldest, and most interesting ones!
So, let’s start with our first question.
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Who Will be the Flyers Breakout Star in 2025-26?
While he may not have been the true definition of a “star”, Noah Cates had an unforgettable breakout season for the Flyers in his own right last season. He took a massive step forward, becoming a lockdown two-way forward that let his impact be felt by his team.
The Flyers do not have too many “broken out” players on their roster. That leaves the door wide open for some to take that big step like Cates did last year. Who is your Flyers breakout candidate for next season?
Will Matvei Michkov Take a Big Step Forward?
The sophomore slump is a real thing. Matvei Michkov started his NHL career with a bang, scoring 63 points in 80 games with 26 goals and 37 assists. Now, he has the chance to truly show the league who he is, or possibly take a step backwards.
Personally, I believe the sky is the limit for this kid. Now that he has a skilled centerman to play with him, the possibilities are endless.
What are your expectations for Year 2 Michkov? Will he take a big step forward, or will he feel the effects of a sophomore slump?
What Are Your Expectations For Alex Bump?
Alex Bump will likely be the Flyers’ most significant rookie on the roster this coming season, with the reasonable expectation that he makes the Flyers out of camp.
I have already shared my expectations for Bump this coming season, but what are yours? What will Alex Bump’s rookie year look like? Do you have a comparison for him? What are your excitement levels for the former Bronco? Let’s hear it.
Does Travis Konecny Continue to Improve?
We have seen what Travis Konecny is capable of. He has shown steady improvement each season since COVID.
However, we have all seen how streaky Konecny can be. So, that leads to my question: what do you think Konecny’s year will look like? He is entering the first year of his new long-term extension, so the pressure is on. Will there be yet another year of steady incline? Or, will this be the year that his numbers plateau?
Buy or Sell: What will the Flyers Do?
To me, this is the first season under Briere that I see a chance for them to be a buyer at the deadline. Of course, that could be considered a bold take, but I genuinely believe it.
Now, my question for you: will they?
I see this season going one of two ways. They either make a push for the playoffs, or yet another season at the bottom. Do you think the Flyers will end buying in March, or will this be another season of selling?
Any out-of-the-box Box Trade Candidates for the Flyers?
Who could the Flyers make a move for this season if they decide to buy? We all know their big needs are a defenseman and a center. So, rightfully so, names like Mason McTavish, Martin Necas, and Bo Byram naturally make sense.
But, what about an out-of-the-box candidate? Someone completely unexpected. Who could the Flyers trade for this season?
Flyers Bold Takes
Now, it’s time for some hot takes!
I am not talking about Michkov’s 30 goals or Sam Ersson having a .900 SV%. I want to hear some absolutely scorching hot takes.
Open Ended
If you have any other thoughts you want to share, feel free to let them fly!
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VegasInsider….Flyers at 77.5 points…I would lean to take the Over.
That’s the figure for LAST SEASON as of mid-April. The under/over numbers for this upcoming season are around 83.5 points.
The road to our success is a formula and we don’t got it. Mostly on the back end. Too many offensive defencemen. Again. You need 2 offensive defensemen, and 4 big lumpy farmboys to box people out, block shots, and crunch them into the boards. It never changed
We have a bunch of offensive defensemen who can’t score, don’t produce on the PP, and can’t play defense for shit.
The Achilles heel of the team will be the usual suspects. Goaltending, defensive depth and special teams. They will show glimpses of improvement at times but overall will fall short of actually being in the running for a playoff spot.
Because of this they once again will be sellers, not buyers at the deadline and will end up picking around pick #10 in the draft. Hopefully this will allow them to possibly draft a 1D/2D. The best case scenario for the team would be if Risto remains healthy and he gets flipped at the deadline without too much salary retention. At the same time, hopefully the new coaching staff can cause Tippett to raise his game a notch, otherwise he too could be dealt at the deadline.
Being a cusp playoff team, not trading anyone at the deadline and even possibly being buyers will not really help in the long run. It would only damage how high they would draft and this year another top 10 pick is imperative for future success.
Once Risto is healthy again for 12/15 games in a row…be it Dec or Jan…DB should trade him….strike while the iron is hot. He has that uncanny knack of getting injured right around trade deadline.
The Achilles heal will be the lack of a true 1C,1D, and 1G.
This is the year to bring in more young guys and let them find their way. Some vets like Tippett have to step up their game. I wonder if Vladar will unseat Ersson who I think is not a #1 goalie on ANY NHL team. Too inconsistent and cannot really stand up and play more than 40 games without issues. Defense needs to let some young guys get a chance like McDonald, Grans or Bonk. Forget Zamula and Andrea. Zamula is not reliable and has had 2 years to show he is NHL caliber. He is not. Andrea is just too small and gets pushed off the puck too much. Yes he can skate and deliver the puck BUT he cannot hold off NHL forwards, period. I expect improvement this year but no huge jump in points unless most guys have really good years.
Hot Take: Trevor Zegras comes over with a chip on his shoulder, in a contract year, playing with much more skilled and experienced forwards, 100% healthy, and goes Ballistic with Michkov. Zegras scores 30+ goals and 60 assists and damn near hits 100 points this season, and looks competent without the puck, breaking out big time in Philadelphia under Tochett playing with Michkov.