Philadelphia Flyers: All-time 10 Best Flyer Goal Scorers

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#10 – Bobby Clarke

15 seasons, 358 goals, .31/game

A player who hardly needs any introduction. The iconic Mr. Flyer. Clarke played 15 seasons in the NHL, all with the Flyers. More of a playmaker that a goal scorer, Clarke still piled up 358 goals in the Flyers uniform.

Clarke first made his name with the Flin Flon Bombers out in Manitoba, leading the team in scoring 3 consecutive seasons leading up the 1969 draft. Clarke’s draft status, however, was significantly impaired as he had Type 1 diabetes. Although doctors advised that Clarke was still perfectly capable of carrying on as a professional, Clarke was still available for the Flyers pick in the second round at #17 overall (they selected Bob Currier with the #6 overall pick, who never played a game in the NHL).

Clarke immediately joined the Flyers the following season. In his first season, he was selected as an NHL all-star, and The Hockey News voted him the league’s best rookie (he was fourth in official Calder voting). In his second season with the Flyers, he led the team in points. Clarke continued his rapid rise in the hockey world, as he featured prominently for Team Canada in the Summit Series against the Soviet Union in 1972. Clarke’s infamous two handed-hack that broke the ankle of Valery Kharlamov could be the subject of many articles by itself, but no matter your perspective, it was a turning point in the historic series.

In the following NHL season, Clarke was named captain of the Flyers, becoming the then-youngest captain in NHL history at the age of 23. Thus began the golden era of the Clarke and the Broad Street Bullies.

With his famous gap-toothed smile as the face of the team, the Flyers would win the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, and Clarke would take the Hart as league MVP in 1973, 1975 and 1976. Furthermore, Clarke centered the “LCB” line between Bill Barber and Reggie Leach, and together they would set a then-NHL record with 141 goals in 1976.

In the end, Clarke’s 358 goals is practically a footnote to his laundry list of accomplishments:

#1 in games played, assists and points in Flyers history
At the time of his retirement, he was #4 in assists and #11 in points in NHL history
8 time all-star
1983 Selke winner
Career +503, #5 in NHL history
32 short-handed goals, #1 in Flyers history

Next: “#9”

#9 – Mark Recchi

10 seasons, 232 goals, .39/game

Unlike many players on this list, Mark Recchi was not drafted by the Flyers, and would spend significant portions of his career away from Philadelphia. He was also more of a playmaker than a pure scorer. None of this, however, stopped Recchi from some top-notch achievements and goal scoring exploits in Philadelphia.

Recchi was selected 67th overall in the 1988 draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins (4 picks after the Flyers selected Dominic Roussel, and one pick before future Flyers teammate Tony Amonte). Recchi became a full-time member of the Penguins in the 1989-90 season. He quickly established himself as an NHL impact player, scoring 40 goals and 113 regular season points in 1990-91 (4th in the league), and adding 34 points in 24 playoff games while winning the Stanley Cup with the Penguins.

Recchi’s career took a dramatic turn in the spring of 1992, as the powerful Penguins traded him to struggling Flyers. It was a significant trade, with Recchi coming to Philadelphia along with Brian Benning and a first round pick. In return, Pittsburgh received Kjell Samuelsson, Rick Tocchet and Ken Wregget. Moving away from the high-powered Pens was no problem for Recchi. In his first full season as a Flyer, 1992-93, Recchi scored 53 goals and 123 points marauding with the “Crazy 8s Line.”

He followed this up with 40 more goals and 107 points the next season. To put this in perspective, 123 points is the all-time single season points record in Flyers history, while 53 goals is the most goals in a single season by a Flyer not named Kerr or Leach. His 230 points in 2 seasons is only just behind Bobby Clarke as the most productive in Flyers history (235 points, 1974-75 and 1975-76).

Ever the travelling man, the Flyers traded Recchi to Montreal in February 1995, bringing a return of Eric Desjardins of John LeClair. By no means was Recchi a poor player in Montreal, but the trade was an unmistakeable turning point for both franchises.

Four years later, the Canadiens traded Recchi back to Philadelphia for Dainius Zubrus and two picks. Recchi clearly looked good in a Flyers uniform, and Recchi had a great season in his first full season back in Philadelphia. At the age of 31, Recchi was sliding back into more of a playmaker role, but he still had enough spring in his legs to score 28 goals and 91 points during the 1999-2000 season. He led the league in assists, and trailed only Jagr and Bure in total points. No Flyer would score as many points or finish as high in league scoring again until Claude Giroux in 2011-12.

Recchi spent 4 more years in Philadelphia and then became a bit or a journeyman the rest of his career. With 1533 career points (12th all time) and 3 Stanley Cup Rings, Recchi is in elite company. It remains bittersweet for Flyers fans, however, to see him win cups with rivals Pittsburgh and Boston while never achieve the prize in Philadelphia, despite playing more games for the Flyers than any other franchise.

Next: “#8”

#8 – Simon Gagne

11 seasons, 264 goals, .38/game

Despite coming up in one of the lowest-scoring eras in NHL history, with his speed and a quick shot release Simon Gagne, piled up 264 goals in his 11 seasons as a Flyer.

In the years leading up the 1998 draft, the Flyers had not seen much success bringing up home-grown forwards. Gagne changed that status quo rather quickly. After being drafted by the Flyers, his productivity in juniors exploded from 69 points in 1997-98, to 120 points 1998-99. This springboarded Gagne to the Flyers roster, and Gagne scored 20 goals as a rookie center.

The following season the Flyers moved Gagne to the LW spot which is now familiar, and his goal totals would continue to rise as he scored 27 and 33 goals in 2000-01 and 2001-02, respectively. Gagne’s ascent, however, was slowed by groin injuries, which muted Gagne’s trademark quickness.

After frustrating seasons in 2002-03 and 2003-04, and the lockout in 2004-05, Gagne’s career would peak playing next to Peter Forsberg. Forsberg and Gagne formed perhaps the most pure passer-shooter pair in the NHL, as Gagne scored 47 and 41 goals in 2005-and 2006-07. From this peak, injuries would again derail Gagne’s career.

In 2006-07, the Flyers had a nightmare season, finishing dead last and setting a franchise record for lowest winning percentage. Peter Forsberg was traded away, and Gagne suffered as a many 3 concussions during the 2007-08 season. Gagne would bounce back one more time and score 34 goals in 2008-09, before all the injuries caught up him. The Flyers eventually moved him to Tampa Bay in a salary cap move, and Gagne won a Cup in LA. Lastly, Gagne had something of a cameo late-season return to the Flyers in 2013, playing 27 games.

Now 35, Gagne told reporters he would be training this summer in hopes of returning to NHL this upcoming season. It remains to be seen if any NHL teams will give him another shot. Either way, 264 goals as a Flyers ain’t too bad a number.

Next: “#7”

#7 – Brian Propp

11 seasons, 369 goals, .47/game

It almost seems like sometimes Brian Propp is a forgotten name in Flyers history compared to some of the other giant names on this list. This is a tragedy, as only Bill Barber has more goals in a Flyers uniform, and only Bobby Clarke has more assists.

While Tim Kerr was being passed over the in 1979 draft, the Flyers took Propp 14th overall after an incredible WCHL career. He immediately cracked the Flyers lineup, getting a chance to play alongside Reggie Leach and Bobby Clarke. Propp scored the game-winning goal in his first NHL game and never looked back. As a rookie, he scored 34 goals and 75 points. From there on out, like clockwork, Propp would produce every year.

An undersized player at 5’9”, Propp had all the offensive tools. Speedy, skilled, and clutch, Propp was a 4 time all-star for the Flyers in the 1980s. Flyers fans became accustomed to the sight of Propp’s signature goal celebration, the “guffaw” as he racked up 369 goals. Furthermore, his 148 points in the playoffs stands as an NHL record for a left wing.

Propp’s career doesn’t have as many dramatic highs and lows as other top scorers, he just went out and did it. 849 points in 790 games with the Flyers and a 3-time Cup finalist speaks for itself.

Next: “#6”

#6 – Rick MacLeish

12 seasons, 328 goals, .44/game

Rick MacLeish falls under the unsung heroes of this list. His name has never the cache of Broad Street Bullies like Clarke, Parent, Barber, or even Leach, but he is a near textbook example of a guy whose under-the-radar contributions on the second line makes championships possible.

MacLeish seemed destined to play second-fiddle from day one. Rick MacLeish was taken #4 overall in the 1970 draft, one pick after Reggie Leach. Both players were drafted not by the Philadelphia Flyers, but by Boston, although MacLeish never played a single game in a Bruins uniform. He was traded to the Philadelphia the next year, being the second most famous player involved in a 3-way trade, the most memorable name being Bernie Parent who was sent to Toronto.

It would take 2 years for MacLeish to settle into the Flyers lineup, playing only 43 totals games for the Flyers in 1970-71 and 1971-72. MacLeish put an end to any questions about his place on the up-and-coming team, scoring 50 goals and 100 points in 1972-73. He was the first Flyer ever to hit the 50 goal mark, although Clarke stole his thunder by winning league MVP the same season.

Stanley Cup seasons for the Flyers would follow the next two seasons. MacLeish simply did his part, playing at a point per game pace and bringing depth to the Flyers attack by giving the second line offensive teeth. An effortless skater and offensive talent, MacLeish quietly went about his business. Some may have targeted him for his apparent lack of grit on the ice, but there was no doubting he could perform under pressure.

MacLeish led the team in playoff scoring during both Cup runs, scoring 24 goals and 42 points in 34 games over the two seasons (Bob Clarke was a distant second in team scoring, with 32 points). When MacLeish missed the 1976 playoffs due to injury, the Flyers saw their Stanley Cup run end.

MacLeish remained a staple in the Flyers lineup through the 1980-81 season. Now in his early-30s, his career quickly fizzled out after leaving Philadelphia. What is left is his career as a great player who finished just off the podium in many ways; #6 in games played, #6 in goals scored, #4 in point. Not glamorous, but still one of the best.

Next: “#5”

#5 – Reggie Leach

8 seasons, 306 goals, .51/game

It took a few seasons for Reggie Leach, aptly nicknamed “The Riverton Rifle” because of his deadly shot, to arrive in Philadelphia. When he finally did, it was clear that’s where he belonged all along.

Leach’s ties to the Flyers pre-date his NHL career. Out in Manitoba for the Flin Flon Bombers, Bobby Clarke would set them up, and Reggie Leach would finish them off. Clarke was a year older than Leach and thus departed one year sooner than Leach, as Leach went to Boston with #3 pick in the 1970 draft. His time in Boston was brief and unremarkable, before being shipped out to California.

Leach trudged through 2 and a half terrible seasons on the west coast, scoring 45 goals over his two full seasons while accruing a shocking -102 plus-minus rating. Leach’s salvation came in a 1974 off-season trade to Philadelphia that would reunite him with his junior hockey setup man, Bobby Clarke.

Leach immediately took off in Philadelphia with Clarke, scoring 45 goals and winning the Cup in 1974-75. The following season would prove to be the zenith for Leach, as Leach scored 61 goals during the record breaking season by the “LCB” line. Remarkably, Leach was even better in the playoffs, scoring a stunning 19 goals in 16 games. Leach’s 61 goals in 1975-76 is a Flyers single season record, and he became the only skater in league history to win the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP for a losing team. These two accomplishments make Leach’s 1975-76 season the greatest goal-scoring single season in Flyers history.

Often criticized for his lack of work-ethic, Leach regressed back into a 30-goal man for the rest of his time with the Flyers. Leach did have one more great season, alongside Clarke and Brian Propp in 1979-80. Leach scored 50 goals and the Flyers made one more run to the Cup finals.

Next: “#4”

#4 – Eric Lindros

8 seasons, 290 goals, .60/game

Where does one begin when discussing Eric Lindros? One of the most anticipated prospects of all time, it suffices to say that “The Next One” was one of the most consequential Flyers ever.

The Quebec Nordiques picked Lindros first overall in the 1991 draft, despite widespread expectations that he would refuse to sign with the small market, french-language team. The ordained holdout came, which led to dramatic trade talks on the eve of the 1992 draft. The Nordiques appeared to accept trade offers from both the Flyers and the Rangers, and ultimately it would take an arbiter to decide that Nordiques had a deal with the Flyers.

In one of the biggest trade packages in league history, the Flyers sent Ron Hextall, Steve Duchesne, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Chris Simon, Peter Forsberg, two first round picks, and $15 million. (The Rangers offered Alexei Kovalev, Tony Amonte, Doug Weight, John Vanbiesbrouck, $12 million and a first round pick)

Lindros debuted for the Flyers in the 1992-93 season, and made an immediate impact scoring 41 goals in only 61 games. His uber-aggressive style of play seemed a perfect for the Flyers and Philadelphia’s reputation. There was not much he couldn’t do, as he could stickhandle, hit like a truck, pass, shoot, and fight.

His first two seasons with the Flyers on the “Crazy 8s” line with Brent Fedyk and Mark Recchi were very productive, with 85 goals in 126 games. Things got even better at the beginning of the 1994-95 season as Lindros was named captain of the Flyers at age 21, and he soon found linemates Mikael Renberg and John LeClair to form the “Legion of Doom.” During this strike-shortened season, the Legion would dominate opponents, as Lindros tied for the league lead in points and won the Hart trophy.

Lindros continued to dominate for a few more seasons, hitting career points milestones at rate only exceeded by Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Peter Stastny during the high-flying 80s. Unfortunately for Lindros and the Flyers, Lindros sustained the first of many concussions in 1998. Bobby Clarke, now GM, questioned his toughness in the media, and relations with the team would never recover. A series of concussions took a bite out of his game, and Lindros and the Flyers parted ways.

After Lindros left the team, there were many mixed opinions on him. Flyers fans took sides, supporting Lindros or Clarke. Flyers fans have generally forgiven all parties over the years, and choose to remember the Lindros for his own ice feats. His .60 goals per game ties him with Tim Kerr as tops in Flyers history, and his 1.36 points per game is the best in Flyers history by a wide margin. Flyers fans can only wonder what could’ve been without the concussions.

Next: “#3”

#3 – Bill Barber

12 seasons, 420 goals, .47/game

Nearly as famous as Bobby Clarke as an iconic Flyer, Bill Barber was a model of consistency. Year after year, he just kept pouring in the goals.

The Flyers took Barber with the #7 pick in the 1972, and after only 11 AHL games he joined the big team. Clearly Barber was ready for the promotion, as he scored 30 goals. This 30 goal plateau became a habit for Barber, and he would go on to score 34 or more goals in 9 of his first 10 NHL seasons. Barber’s best season came in 1975-76, scoring 50 goals and 112 points as part of the record breaking season for the LCB line.

Barber’s consistency extended beyond simply scoring goals. He was a dependable two-way player that also added his share of assists. Barber would say “I want to be remembered as being capable of doing my job day in and day out, not just as a goal scorer, but as a good all-around player for every kind of situation.” This well-roundedness as a player would be reflected when Barber served as captain of the Flyers in 1982 and 1983, and he was a perennial favorite of various Flyers coaches.

Barber only once reached the top-5 in NHL goal scoring in a single season, but his consistency and well-rounded game over the long-term built impressive stacks of goals. Barber leads the Flyers in all-time even-strength goals (285), he’s 2nd in power-play goals (104), 2nd in short-handed goals (31), and tops in total goals (420). His career .465 goals/game is 43rd all time in NHL history. This puts him right alongside NHL legends such as Teemu Selanne, Jaromir Jagr and Steve Yzerman. Not too shabby.

Next: “#2”

#2 – John LeClair

10 seasons, 333 goals, .51/game

John LeClair falls just short of being the top Flyers goal scoring in my opinion. While he started and finished his career elsewhere, LeClair was one of the most dangerous scorers in the league while riding shotgun with Eric Lindros in the mid and late 90s.

The Montreal Canadiens took LeClair in the 2nd round of the 1987 draft. From there he would take what was then an atypical career path, and play four seasons at the University of Vermont. He finally played his first full season in Montreal in 1991-92. He appeared to be settling into a role as a checking forward, scoring 19 goals in both 1992-93 and 1993-94. This all changed when he was traded to the Flyers.

LeClair joined the Flyers along with Eric Desjardins and Gilbert Dionne with Mark Recchi going back to Montreal in February 1995. Although Dionne was arguably seen as the greater potential goal scorer, Dionne never scored a goal in Philadelphia. LeClair on the hand, found his perfect linemates in the “Legion of Doom.”

LeClair scored 26 goals in the strike-shortened 1995 season. When NHL play returned to normal, LeClair hit the 50 goal mark in three consecutive seasons. With incredible strength in front of the net and a slapshot that could rip a hole in the net (it literally did on one occasion!), no player in the NHL scored more goals during that period. For the duration of his years playing with Eric Lindros (1994-2000), LeClair scored 40 goals or more in every full season, and played in 5 NHL all star games. LeClair also proved remarkably durable during this period, as he only missed 6 total games from 1995 to 2000.

Only Tim Kerr can match LeClair’s period of dominant goal scoring. When comparing the two, Kerr benefitted from playing in the wide-open 80s, while LeClair had one of the most dominant players in NHL history setting him up.

Next: “#1”

#1 – Tim Kerr

11 seasons, 363 goals, .60/game

Not many would’ve pegged Tim Kerr as a great goal scorer after he went unselected in the 1979 draft, but the Flyers saw something in the big forward and ended up with one of the best goal scorers in the decade of great goal scorers.

Kerr was never a favorite of scouts. Although he always had the size and the hands of a scorer, he was never a particularly intense player. He wasn’t a great skater, and couldn’t be trusted to do much on defense. Still the Flyers saw enough that they liked and signed him as a free agent, and Kerr would go on to make the team out of training camp in 1980.

Kerr immediately showed that he was an NHL player. He scored 22 goals as a rookie, followed by 21 more in his second season. While Kerr was showing his talent, two knee injuries and a broken leg prevented him from fully blossoming.

By the fall of 1983, Kerr was ready to breakthrough. Finally playing a full season, Kerr exploded for 54 goals. As if that wasn’t enough a statement enough, Kerr would score 54, 58 and 58 goals the next three seasons. Four consecutive 50 goal seasons is a Flyers record. Even allowing that the 80s was an era of inflated scoring, during this 4 year stretch, only Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri and the greatest offensive machine in NHL history could outscore Kerr.

Always plagued by injuries, they began to get the better of Kerr. He missed nearly the entire 1987-88 season with shoulder surgeries. He was able to appear in 69 games in 1988-89, scoring 48 more goals and winning the Masterton Trophy. Unfortunately by this time, Kerr’s knees just about gave out and he would never be 100% again.

While injuries conspired to hold Kerr back from even higher career totals, his run from 1983-1989 is truly awesome. His 4 goals in only 8:16 against the Rangers in the 1985 playoffs remains an NHL record, and his 34 power-play goals in 1985-86 may stand as another NHL record for a very long time.

With this period of dominance, and best goals per game in Flyers history, I’ll take Tim Kerr as the best goal scorer in Flyers history.

Next: All-Time Top 10 Assist Leaders

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