Summer Coolers – Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers finally appear to be moving in the right direction. After a 22-point improvement, Philadelphia finished third in the Metropolitan Division, returned to the playoffs, defeated Pittsburgh in six games, and then ran into Carolina in Round 2. Danny Briere and Keith Jones have largely kept their young core together while strengthening the goaltending picture. But Neil Smith and Vic Morren identify two fascinating questions: can the Flyers finally fix a power play that has finished last four times in five seasons, and what happens next with Matvei Michkov?
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:00:00] Philadelphia finishes third in the Metro after improving by 22 points and returns to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 bubble.
[00:00:20] The Flyers defeat Pittsburgh in six games, highlighted by Cam York’s dramatic overtime goal, before being swept by Carolina.
[00:00:40] Philadelphia improves offensively and defensively, with Dan Vladar providing stability in goal.
[00:00:55] One problem remains almost unbelievable: the Flyers have finished with the NHL’s worst power play four times in five seasons.
[00:01:10] Neil explains why that is so baffling. Unlike many parts of hockey, the power play is structured and rehearsed, making Philadelphia’s repeated struggles difficult to understand.
[00:01:35] Briere and Jones prioritize continuity, retaining RFAs Tyson Foerster, Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale and Nikita Grebenkin.
[00:02:00] Owen Tippett’s absence during the Carolina series hurt, but Vic likes the overall direction of Philadelphia’s young core.
[00:02:15] Vladar receives a five-year extension worth $5.5 million annually beginning next season.
[00:02:30] Noel Acciari, Zach Aston-Reese, Jack Studnicka and Nolan Foote arrive to provide additional depth.
[00:02:45] Philadelphia also acquires Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit from Toronto for Sam Ersson, potentially giving the Flyers more stability in goal.
[00:03:00] Vic believes Woll represents an upgrade over Ersson, while Vladar has established himself as the clear No. 1 option.
[00:03:20] Neil is less convinced about Woll because of his inability to remain consistently available in Toronto.
[00:03:40] Neil does not envision a true 1A/1B situation. Vladar needs to carry the load, with Woll serving as the backup.
[00:04:00] The prospect pool offers additional optimism, led by Porter Martone after producing 10 points in nine regular-season games and another five in the playoffs.
[00:04:20] Oliver Bonk, Jett Luchanko and Alex Bump provide additional young talent that could eventually strengthen the lineup.
[00:04:35] The biggest X-factor may be Matvei Michkov, who enters the final year of his entry-level contract after reportedly clashing with Rick Tocchet.
[00:05:00] Neil notes Michkov also had issues with John Tortorella, making this a critical season for the young forward.
[00:05:20] Neil compares Michkov’s situation to Trevor Zegras in Anaheim: a highly talented player who may ultimately need either a new contract or a new environment.
[00:05:45] This could become the most important season of Michkov’s young NHL career.
[00:06:00] The conversation turns to Philadelphia’s enormous five-year, $18 million-per-season offer sheet to Anaheim star Leo Carlsson, which the Ducks matched.
[00:06:20] Neil jokes that Briere and Jones probably shouldn’t expect a Christmas invitation from Ducks GM Pat Verbeek.
[00:06:40] More seriously, Neil believes the offer sheet disrupted Anaheim’s salary structure and could have ripple effects throughout the NHL.
[00:07:00] Carlsson’s salary now exceeds Leon Draisaitl’s despite not yet reaching that level of accomplishment, potentially affecting future negotiations around the league.
The Flyers have momentum, young talent and improved goaltending, but their next step depends on solving the power play and determining Michkov’s future. Philadelphia is clearly building something—but after the Carlsson offer sheet, Briere and Jones have also shown they aren’t afraid to throw a bomb into the NHL marketplace.
