Predicting The Philadelphia Flyers Top Five Scorers In 2019-20

Who could be at the top of the Philadelphia Flyers scoring list when the 2019-20 season is in the books?

With the Philadelphia Flyers first preseason contest less than a month away, it’s time to start making some predictions about the team for the upcoming campaign. Beginning on the offensive side of the puck, the Flyers weren’t the worst in the league in terms of putting the puck into the net but definitely could’ve been better given all of the talents they possessed. Add Kevin Hayes to the mix this year, and there should be little to no reason as to why Philadelphia shouldn’t finish in the better half of the NHL in total Goals-For. Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voracek, Travis Konecny, and James van Riemsdyk led the way in points in 2018-19, so who could find themselves in the top five in terms of point production in 2019-20?

Well, I think the names will be relatively similar, with a couple of changes in the order. First off, I think this will be the season where Giroux’s two-year reign as the team’s top point producer comes to an end. That’s not to say the Flyers Captain will take a step back on offense, just that a different player will have a better outing.

That player is none other than Couturier. I think Coots is just scratching the surface on his offensive potential and should see his point total rise or at the very least continue at a stable rate as he enters the prime of his career. I wrote in his expectations piece that I envision the two-way centerman surpassing 80 points on the season, putting himself a couple of tallies ahead of Giroux in overall scoring.

With Couturier and Giroux leading the way, I anticipate Voracek not being too far behind. Though he scored 66 points, Voracek was mostly inconsistent on offense last year, and his lack of defensive effort was on full display. Fans grew frustrated with his play as the campaign went on, with some even going as far as wanting him traded. Jake should, for lack of a better term, bounce back and put up more consistent performances this next year to quiet the skeptics, looking a little more like his 2017-18 self in the process.

Another guy who should be able to rebound from a disappointing year is Shayne Gostisbehere, who I think will come in at number four. While his even-strength production was about on par with his career numbers, the lack of power-play success by the entire unit is what did the defenseman in. I can’t imagine the man advantage struggling for a second straight year and believe Ghost’s productivity and confidence will grow as the power-play returns to form.

Rounding out the top five, in my opinion, will be Konecny. TK was one of, if not the unluckiest Flyer on the ice in 2018-19, having nine shots hit the post and crossbar according to NHL.com. I’m inclined to think his finishing abilities will improve as he gets more used to the ways of the league and could be a 30 goal scorer for the Orange and Black in 2019-20 if the puck bounces his way. Obtaining a new contract should provide him with more confidence, as well.

To me, those five players should lead the Flyers offense throughout the year. I think JvR, Hayes, and Travis Sanheim will have impacts, too, but just miss being among the top five on the squad in points.