Philadelphia Flyers: All-time 10 Best Flyer Goal Scorers
By Marc Naples
#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”