It's prediction time for the 2025-26 Philadelphia Flyers. Every year I do this, and sometimes I get close with some things and others....not even close. Hockey is a funny sport. Teams that people think will be good end up struggling, while there is always that "Cinderella team" that comes out of nowhere and surprises everybody.
With that in mind, let's start with how the team should finish up the season in the Metropolitan Division. This is usually the hardest part of doing this year after year. This is mostly due to how close a lot of these teams are in terms of talent and abilities. Age (either being too young or too old) will play a factor in how the Metro plays out, as well as which team gets hammered by the injury bug, which is always unpredictable.
What Place Will the Flyers Finish In?
1. Hurricanes
2. Capitals
3. Devils
4. Flyers
5. Rangers
6. Blue Jackets
7. Penguins
8. Islanders
Every year, the Hurricanes unload a few really talented players, and yet they come right back to either take first or second place in the division. As long as Rod Brind'Amour is coaching them, the Canes will always be in the conversation for divisional leadership. It's hard to see that changing.
The Caps had a wild swing from being a bottom dweller the previous season to taking the Eastern Conference's top spot. With this possibly being Alex Ovechkin's final NHL season, it's easy to see the team going all out for their captain and will challenge Carolina for the division's top spot. Likewise, the Devils went from a horrible, injury plagued season in 2023-24 to a third place finish last season. They are young and talented, but can they stay healthy enough to return to the playoffs?
This is where it gets harder. Again, I have placed the Flyers fourth. Two seasons ago, they almost made the playoffs, but had a late-season collapse. Last year, the team struggled, fired their head coach, and then started playing better down the stretch. I honestly feel that under new leadership, this team will find itself and will contend for a playoff spot. There are a lot of positive signs coming from camp already, after just a few days. The players seem to be responding to Rick Tocchet. This should carry over. Will they make the playoffs? Not sure. We'll have to see how injuries and other teams go. I think they will be close. The playoff drought could end this year. If not, they will be really close.
The teams that could most challenge the Flyers for a playoff spot are the Rangers and the Blue Jackets. CBJ almost captured a playoff berth after an emotional season following the loss of Johnny Gaudreau. They have a lot of young talent and should be taking some steps forward. The Rangers unloaded a lot of top talent this offseason. Do they have enough to contend, or will their slide continue, and they fall further down? Keep an eye on them. There is a chance they could finish lower than fifth.
The aging Penguins and Islanders bring up the rear. The Pens are saddled by trying to hold onto too many reminders of when they were Stanley Cup winners a decade ago. Thankfully, when Ron Hextall became their GM, he ran them into the ground like he did the Flyers. That'll help. As for the Isles, they are good every other year. That also means this is a bad year. After a weird offseason where they lost some talent, the Islanders return to the trash heap.
Flyers Stat Leaders
For the last few years, Travis Konecny has led the team in points. He may do that again this year, but he will be seriously challenged by Matvei Michkov. Michkov led the Flyers with 26 goals last year. This year, he will push past 30 with Konecny. Both will be at the top of the team in points as well. Tyson Foerster will come close to 30
Flyers Team Awards
The following Flyers will receive the following team awards:
Barry Ashbee Trophy for Best Defenseman: Travis Sanheim
Bobby Clarke Trophy for Team MVP: Matvei Michkov
Yanick Dupre Memorial for Class Guy: Sean Couturier
Pelle Lindbergh Memorial for Most Improved Award: Emil Andrae
Toyota Cup Game Star Selections: Matvei Michkov
Gene Hart Award Work Ethic & Dedication: Nick Seeler
In other predictions, Rasmus Ristolainen will be dealt away this year. Also, there will be some young players who start to make their presence known, like Alex Bump and Oliver Bonk (which will help make Ristolainen expendable).
However, I feel that the most surprising rookie contribution will be Nikita Grebenkin, who had an impressive showing at rookie camp. His style of play resembled the way his head coach used to play, and he could be someone that Tocchet can mentor and shape into a solid player.