As training camp starts, I decided to take a look at the Philadelphia Flyers, the upcoming 2022-23 season, and make some predictions about how this team will do. This could be a great year or another groaner. A big part of this season will depend on the health of the players and how everyone else in the Metropolitan Division does too. But let’s take a look and what could happen?
What Place Will the Flyers Finish In?
This is tough. IF this team is healthy, they can be very competitive and tough. They were not healthy last season, and so they lost a lot of games that they probably should have won. Many games were lost in the last period when they held a lead. If they win half of those games, they are close to a wild card spot. But with Sean Couturier, Ryan Ellis out, and Joel Farabee close but uncertain for opening night, it’s hard to say what trey throw out there on the ice.
However, they are in the toughest division in the league and most of those teams got tougher this offseason. This is going to be a much more competitive year. Here how I think the final standings will play out:
- Carolina
- NY Rangers
- Pittsburgh
- Blue Jackets
- Capitals
- Flyers
- NY Islanders
- Devils
I think Carolina still has the coach and the players to be the top team. However, I think the Rangers will be close on their heels. It is possible that the Rangers take the top spot. The Penguins will be making their last run with the band they got back together in the offseason. I feel that the Pens, Caps, and Jackets will be competing for those the 3-4-5 spots, with the Caps just missing the playoffs.
I don’t think the Flyers will be a playoff team, but I think they will make a strong go of it. The Isles didn’t do much in this offseason and really underperformed last year. I think they are ready for a fall. The Devils will round out the bottom because someone has to, but this will be their last year for that. And even for a last place team, they will probably be frisky enough and be competitive. Look for them to improve next year. I also feel that the bottom three teams will all be with 6 total points of each other and be. I will make a bold prediction that the Eastern Conference champion will come from the Metro.
Will the Flyers Make the Playoffs?
No. It will take a lot of health and good luck for them to stay competitive as well as a lot to go wrong for the teams that actually have it put together. I think they may stay competitive and put up a good fight, but no, they will not make the playoffs. I think they won’t be out of it at the all-star break like last year, but will fade out sometime around the trade deadline-late March. And that may also be tied to who they sell off at the trade deadline this year if they are sellers.
Flyers Stat Leaders
Cam Atkinson, being Coach Torts’s guy will be the team leader in goals. For assists, I think you will see Travis Konecny leading the team here. He will also be the top points scorer. Tony DeAngelo will be the top points scorer for defenders and will lead the team in power play points. Nic Deslauriers will lead this team in penalty minutes.
Flyers Team Awards
I think the following awards will be given out the the following Flyers players:
Barry Ashbee Trophy for Best Defenseman: Tony DeAngelo
Bobby Clarke Trophy for Team MVP: Cam Atkinson
Yanick Dupre Memorial for Class Guy: Kevin Hayes
Pelle Lindbergh Memorial for Most Improved Award: Owen Tippett
Toyota Cup Game Star Selections: Carter Hart
Gene Hart Award Work Ethic & Dedication: Travis Sanheim
Flyers All-Star Selection: Cam Atkinson