A Look at the Flyers Winger Depth Chart

There are many different forwards on the Flyers roster that could rotate spots on the wing or even appear as part of different line combinations. If the team is not to make another move, this is what they have to work with for next season.

Jakub Voracek

Voracek’s spot in the lineup typically finds him between the first and second lines. When the team is looking for a spark, they use him with Couturier and Giroux. The three have excellent chemistry and are very familiar with each other.

If the team decides to spread out the offense, they can always move Voracek to the second line. With the likely return of Oskar Lindblom, the Flyers may be able to keep Voracek on the top line.

Travis Konecny

With his All-Star caliber play last season, Konecny has transitioned himself into a possible top-line player. A full season last year would’ve seen him with a new career in goals after he had already shattered his assist and point totals from before.

The once inconsistent forward has now found himself as the team’s leading scorer after his fourth season in the NHL. He could find himself on either the first or second line, depending on what combination the Flyers believe would work best.

Oskar Lindblom

After what was looking like it could be a career season, Lindblom’s world was rocked in December when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. After going through surgery and treatments, he officially rang the bell in July. He even traveled with the team to Toronto and appeared in a few playoff games in the second round.

All signs point to a full season from Lindblom. After overcoming incredibly tough odds, he was able to come out on the other side. He could possibly appear on the second line if the Flyers feel he is back up to speed. His ability to come back in the playoffs leads one to believe he could handle that role.

And putting him alongside someone like Konecny, a player he has had chemistry with before, could pay dividends for the Flyers.

James van Riemsdyk

The curious case of van Riemsdyk strikes again. After rumors that the team could be looking to trade him this offseason, it now appears that they will roll with him again next season. Despite his faults, he has been one of the team’s top scorers since he returned for a second stint with the Flyers.

His inconsistent play, however, has been a problem on multiple occasions. It even led to a few healthy scratches during the playoffs. He still posted 19 goals and 40 points during the shortened season. That is solid depth if van Riemsdyk is to appear on the third line again, as he is projected to do.

Joel Farabee

Now through his first season in the NHL, Farabee now knows what it takes to make it at this level. He is primed to spend the entire season with the Flyers after appearing in 52 games during his rookie season. There were some up and down moments, but he did prove in the end that he can do what it takes to make it.

Farabee even showed that in the playoffs as he posted five points during his 12 games. He could appear on both the left and right winger spots, depending on how the Flyers view him. That kind of versatility would only help him moving forward.

Michael Raffl

Raffl is the true wildcard in the lineup as he can appear almost anywhere you want him to be. He can be anywhere from the top line to the fourth line. A typical spot for him is usually in the bottom six, though. 20 points from a bottom-line winger is not a bad contribution to have.

There were times during the playoffs where he was one of the Flyers’ best players. He posted four goals in nine games, despite dealing with some injuries. No matter when he is placed in the lineup, the team is sure to get some kind of contribution from Raffl.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel

After struggling to prove himself previously, Aube-Kubel was finally able to do that this season. Under new coaching and management, he was given another chance to show what he could do. And he ran with it this time. 36 games later and Aube-Kubel not only had his first NHL goal, but he also posted 15 points.

With the offensive production finally backing up his other play, he has secured his place on the roster. That earned him more security as he signed a two-year contract a season after re-signing on just a one-year deal.

It had been a long time coming for the young forward who had been drafted back in 2014. But he has more than earned it. He spent most of his time on the fourth line, but he has the ability to jump up in the lineup. And he has at different times during the regular and postseason.

Scott Laughton and Claude Giroux, while mentioned when talking about the center depth, also have the ability to play on the wing. So they could factor into how the lines shake out as well. If all goes well, that is exactly where they will be next season.

The team has a lot of options to work with when it comes to their wingers. Especially if any of the younger forwards on the cusp of the lineup are able to force the team’s hand.