Philadelphia Flyers: Projected 2015-2016 Roster

By Kevin Gullage |

Flyers projected 2015-2016 lineup pre-training camp:

As we all wait for training camp and the Flyers season to begin, we will take a quick look at what I believe the Flyers lines could look like come training camp. Once training camp begins though, these lines could be totally different. Especially since we don’t know who is going to make an impression on not only new head coach Dave Hakstol, but Philadelphia Flyers GM Ron Hextall. This is purely my opinion. I will be looking at every aspect of the Flyers roster, from forwards to goalies. But seriously, can’t hockey start already?

Forwards:

Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

First Line: Raffl-Giroux-Voracek

Second Line: Gagner-Coots-Simmonds

Third Line: Laughton-B. Schenn-Read

Fourth Line: White-Bellemare-Vandevelde

*Sitting Umberger and lecavalier

Breakdown of the forwards:

First Line Analysis: When it comes to the Flyers first line, it’s been tough to find another elite left winger to compliment Giroux and Voracek. Michael Raffl has been the one player on the Flyers roster that seems to be able to not only keep up with Giroux and Voracek, but excel with them. We saw this the year before but it became very apparent last year. I once again expect a great year from Giroux and Voracek and believe that the first line will continue to excel.

Second Line Analysis:

With Couturier getting a contract extension this offseason, he will likely become the number 2 center. This is completely fine with me. Coots obviously excels at the defensive side of the game and it should be interesting to see what he can do in a more offensive role.

I also believe that Hakstol’s system will fit Coots very well, and I am very excited to see his role expanded. We can’t forget, Coots is still very young and hasn’t even hit his prime as of yet. I think the Flyers secondary scoring took a step in the right direction by keeping Gagner.

I also believe that the Flyers second line can be a very solid line this season. With Simmonds improving every year, Coots having a new bode of confidence, and Gagner in a prove it year, this line could be a lethal one for the Flyers. If this line were to excel, it could take some of the pressure off of the first line.

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Third Line Analysis:

This is clearly a make or break year for Brayden Schenn. This is why I decided to keep him at his natural position of Center. I believe this is his best chance to show everyone what he has to offer.

It would be quite unfair if we were to put him to a Left Wing position and expect him to produce. I expect Matt read to return to his former self, pending he’s healthy of course. It was very apparent that he was battling through the High ankle sprain and other injuries throughout the season.

This is where it got a little tricky. I’m sure a lot of you are surprised by me putting Laughton on this line. This battle could go either way; it could be Laughton or Umberger. With Umberger’s lackluster season last year, I am going to give the edge to Laughton.

I know Umberger was injured, but he just looked so out of place and I think both him and Vinny aren’t going to fit anywhere into Hakstol’s system. I also believe that it’s time for Laughton to be on the Flyers opening night roster and stay put.

Laughton isn’t going to continue to grow by playing in the AHL. It’s time to get him so NHL playing time and see what he does with it. Not to mention, if Brayden doesn’t produce, Laughton will have some NHL playing time and will be able to transition into the third line center, which is also his natural position. The third line could be an interesting line up combination.

Fourth Line Analysis: The fourth line last season was excelling at every part of their game come the end of last season. Vandevelde and Bellemare played strong on the penalty kill throughout the season, which is why I believe they will be staying put. Vandevelde is also a product of new Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol, where he played at the University of North Dakota. This is a great fourth line that will win the board battles, play the body, but can also create scoring chances. As the season progressed, they showed a knack for scoring. This is a fourth line that can produce, kill penalties, and bring high energy.

Sitting Vinny and Umberger: I just don’t see either one of them fitting into Hakstol’s system. I do believe that Vinny can still produce as long as he is playing center and logging minutes, but there just isn’t a spot for him to fit amongst the Flyers line up. Hakstol did say that he will make his decisions after training camp and that he will be unbiased, so who knows. It’s crazy to think that around 8 million worth of cap could be sitting each night.

Defense:

Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Top Pairing: Streit- Schultz

Middle Pairing: Del Zotto- Luke Schenn

Bottom Pairing: Medvedev -Macdonald

Seventh and Eighth defensemen: Gudas-Manning

Top Pairing Defensemen: Without a doubt, Mark Streit will continue to fulfill the number one defensemen role for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is substantially better than any of the other Philadelphia Flyers defensemen. Nick Schultz proved last year that he can still be a solid and steady defenseman in the NHL. I expect him to have another solid year where he’s consistent in regards to his defensive game.

Middle Pairing Defensive Pairing: This is a line that is easily the riskiest. Unfortunately both defensemen on this line are prone to turnovers. When they did play together last year though, they played well. I like the idea of having a mobile defenseman with a stay at home defensemen, even though Hakstol’s defensive scheme is known for pinching both defensemen in an effort to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

Bottom Pairing Defensemen:

I paired Medvedev and Andrew Macdonald together. If Andrew Macdonald doesn’t play at the level which is expected, I can definitely see him being benched for the likes of Radko Gudas or Brandon Manning. Like one of our writers Ryan Walsh stated, “I almost feel bad for Macdonald.”

The poor guy is not worth 5 million a year, but which one of us would decline a substantial pay increase? Oh that’s right, nobody in their right mind would. I really hope that Andrew Macdonald can take a step in the right direction because not only is his cap number killing the Flyers, but his play is as well.

Medvedev was a very nice signing by Flyers GM Ron Hextall. He brings a veteran presence to the Flyers blue line and from videos and reports I’ve read, he can be a solid defensemen. This is something the Flyers desperately needed. Without a doubt, Ron Hextall has made the Flyers a better all-around unit this year.

This was the hardest part for me. Mainly due to Hakstol wanting to incorporate mobile defensemen and since the Flyers drafted Ivan Provorov who is an NHL ready defensemen now at the age of 18. Then when you look at how well Ghost and Morin played last year at training camp, it’s just so tough to keep them out of the lineup another year. There’s still hope that the Flyers can move another defensemen or two either before the season starts, or at the trade deadline. This will surely open up a spot for the young guys to come in and start gaining experience. I would say that Provorov is the most NHL ready, then Gostisbehere and Morin.

Goalies:

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Mason-Nuevirth

I think every single Flyers fan knows the depth chart in regards to the goalie position. Steve Mason has stood on his head more times than I can count and kept the Flyers in games they should have been blown out. Mason will undoubtedly be the starter for the Flyers. With the addition of Nuevirth, the Flyers now have a very solid 1-2 punch and this will definitely improve the flyers wins this season. With the couple solid defensive additions this year, this should take some of the pressure off the goaltenders.

I’m interested to see what your lineups look like. Feel free to post in the comment section what you’ve come up with.

Next: The Best Flyers Team That Couldn't Win the Cup

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