The Philadelphia Flyers are in such a weird spot right now, it’s wild. Seriously, trying to figure out how this next season goes is like throwing darts in the dark. We could see everything click, all that young talent finally fulfilling their potential, and this team battling for the division’s top spot. Yeah, that’s possible. But you know what else is possible? They could also totally faceplant and be one of the worst teams in the NHL. Why? Well, they lack true star power, and other teams made some monster offseason moves. General Manager Danny Briere even said himself, a small step backwards is also possible. That kind of candor tells you everything, doesn’t it? This team feels like it could swing from one extreme to the other with just a couple of things going right or totally wrong.
The Zegras Glow Up Is Real
Let’s talk about Trevor Zegras, because this dude is about to pop off even more. We’re calling it: a better season, hands down. He already had a monster bounce-back year in his first go-around as a Flyer, putting up 26 goals and 67 points and absolutely cementing himself at the center position. Imagine that. He’s gonna stick down the middle, keep improving as a solid two-way player, and finally get the recognition he deserves. Zegras is gonna be a very good, capable top-six center. Maybe his faceoff percentage even skyrockets, so all the old-school hockey heads give him a big thumbs up. That’s the kind of progress we’re talking about!
Konecny’s Nuanced Shift and Tippett’s Electric Chemistry
Now, for a prediction that might sting a little, but hear us out: Travis Konecny is probably gonna have a worse season. But wait, it’s not that much worse! Konecny has been a constant for this team, the guy who often leads them in scoring, almost because someone just has to. Last season, he racked up 27 goals and 68 points, so asking him to do much better than that is a huge ask. We’re picturing a scenario where a bunch of other Flyers wingers absolutely crush it, their ice-time goes up, and Konecny’s drops ever so slightly. That could lead to a small decrease in production. But seriously, it’s still the same Konecny we know, love, and appreciate for everything he brings.
On the flip side, Owen Tippett? Yeah, he’s getting better. It’s super easy to imagine that killer chemistry between him and Zegras just keeps rolling. Those two could be absolutely tearing through opposing defenses like they’re nothing. If Tippett plays with that physical edge he showed during the playoffs, watch out. That level of play, even on nights he didn’t quite hit the scoresheet, makes him such a threat.
This team’s youth means they’re definitely on the up, but those extremes are still lurking. What these guys do this season could set the tone for years. We’re all locked in to see how it plays out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Broad Street Hockey.
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