It's 2025. It got me thinking, "Wow! It's been 25 years since it turned 2000." That's 25 years ago that Sixers fans were watching AI fly, Phillies fans were rooting for Scott Rolen, Eagles fans were beginning to believe in Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid, and Flyers fans were wondering how the Eric Lindros saga would play out.
It also made me wonder who the most important players of the Philadelphia Flyers were over the last 25 years. I didn't say the best players, but the most important ones. I also kept this tight, from 2000 on. That meant some cuts. For example, the post-2000 Lindros was a shell of what he once was...so, he's not on this list. But there are a few surprises and some old friends on here.
With that, let's hit the list!
#25: Jaromir Jagr
Yes, he spent just one year in Philly after all those years of playing on teams we hated. He scored 19 goals with 35 assists, not bad for a 39-year-old who had spent the previous four years playing in European leagues.
So, why is he here if he played just one year in Philadelphia? His importance came with his leadership. He proved to be a great role model for young players like Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds. He showed what it takes to be a great player. His dedication on and off the ice proved the work ethic it takes to be a star. His legacy far outlived what he did here. You almost wonder what could've happened had the team re-signed him after that season.
#24: Shayne Gostisbehere
Ghost Bear! He had one of the best rookie seasons by a Flyers' defender, scoring 17 goals with 29 assists. He also came the closest to winning a Calder, as he placed second to the eventual winner, Artemi Panarin. He also became a fan favorite; which isn't always easy for a young player. He still has fans here. But man, when he was on, he was fun to watch; especially on the power play.
He wasn't perfect. There were holes in his game, mostly on defense. However, he could score. In his seven years, he had 60 goals and 159 assists while battling through injuries and coaching changes. Could he have fit in with John Tortorella's coaching style? We'll never know. Many fans are still upset at the trade that sent him away for literally nothing.
#23: Nick Seeler
Sticking with defense, you may be surprised to see Seeler on here. He doesn't score much, although this year he has three goals and 10 assists. That is one goal, two assists, and one point shy of his career highs in each category. Unlike Gostisbehere, an offensive defender, Seeler is a defensive-minded blueliner. He is also a hard worker.
He is probably the best move that former Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher made. Seeler is not flashy but has done enough to earn a four-year contract. For a team that is looking to get younger, he is going to be the lynchpin that will keep the defense on this team going for years to come. His Flyers story is still being written.
# 22: Brayden Schenn
Brayden Schenn was a top prospect for the LA Kings when the Flyers traded for him. He immediately paid dividends. In his six years, he scored 20+ goals three times. He proved to be a great linemate for Wayne Simmonds and his scrappiness endeared him to the fanbase. He was a scoring threat and was fun to watch.
When he was traded away in 2017, it was because he was one of the few tradeable assets the Flyers had. Still, it shocked the Flyers' faithful. He was flipped for two first-round picks and Jori Lehtera. While Lehtera was a letdown, the two first-rounders became Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. The jury is still out on those two, but at least Farabee seems to be promising. It's for that trade that he is important to this team, not just the six years he spent donning orange and black.
#21: Braydon Coburn
Coburn arrived as a toss-in for the shell of what was once Alexei Zhitnik just two months after the Flyers coughed up a third-round pick for him. This would begin a nine-year career of Braydon Coburn being one of the solidest defenders ever to suit up for the team.
He was not a big bruiser, but he could deliver a hit. He was more apt to lay down for a blocked shot than take one, although he did score 34 goals. He ate up the clock, serving over 20 minutes of ice time per game. He was not flashy, but he did everything you wanted in a defender. He defended the zone well, didn't turn the puck over, and kept scoring at bay.
Coburn would be traded to Tampa at the 2015 trade deadline for a first round pick, a third round pick, and a bruiser named Radko Gudas. The Flyers would take that pick (29th) and package another one to acquire the 24th pick. That pick would be Travis Konecny.
His defensive abilities would be welcome on this current iteration of the Flyers. The team has yet to have a solid blueliner of his ability since his departure. However, the loss of him meant the arrival of Konecny and that has been a blessing to his team.