After a long offseason the Flyers are back in action tonight at 7 p.m. facing off against the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
With a new year comes new expectations and the hope that the boys in Orange and Black can break a five-year playoff drought. To steal a phrase from baseball: Hope springs eternal. So, without further ado, here are five bold predictions for the upcoming Flyers season.
Matvei Michkov is a point-per-game player
In his rookie campaign Michkov scored 63 points in 80 games - 17 shy of the point-per-game mark. His rookie season is widely viewed as a success but there is still room for improvement. He's got that first year under his belt so he understands the North American game better. The front office added some talent around him, namely Trevor Zegras, and the power play unit looks to be a bit rejuvenated. It doesn't take much squinting to see how he could, in theory, add 17 points to his game.
And if we're being honest, if the Flyers do what they plan on doing and go where they want to go it will involve Michkov taking another step or two forward along with some other things.
Travis Sanheim will get some votes for the Norris Trophy
Do I think he has a shot at taking home the trophy? No.
Do I think someone can make the argument that he's one of the 5 best defensemen in the NHL? Absolutely. For example Jakob Chychrun and Devon Toews both received votes for last year's Norris Trophy and they posted 47 and 44 points respectively. Sanheim finished last season with 30 points so if he can find a way to add a dozen or so points to his total, combined with the name recognition he's getting in the league circles due to his time with the Canadian National team he could, and should, get some down ballot votes for the Norris Trophy.
Sean Couturier turns back the clock and puts himself in Selke talks
Sure, he's another year old but that just means he's another year removed from back surgery. With a new coach who actually talks to him he should find himself in a more comfortable position on and off the ice.
He'll have plenty of time on the top six either alongside Christian Dvorak and Matvei Michkov or Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett. Last year he put up 45 points in 79 games. In his Selke winning season he put up 59 points in 69 games. We know defensive responsibility is his calling card, it always has been, but if he can get to about the 60-point threshold this season will have been a massive success for the soon-to-be 33-year-old captain.
The Flyers have a top 12 power play unit
To be fair, this one is based solely on vibes and vibes alone. Getting rid of Rocky Thompson and adding Yogi Svejkovsky is enough to have me buying in - and I don't even know Svejkovsky.
Adding a weapon like Zegras and letting Jamie Drysdale, Cam York or even Travis Sanheim quarterback the unit is already an improvement. Mix in Michkov, Konecny and Tippett who are skilled in their own rights and this unit should be pretty potent. Or at least close to league average which will be a vast improvement.
Honorable mention: Nikita Grebenkin becomes a fan favorite
I mean what else is there to say? This guy rules. Happy to see him on the roster and looking forward to what he brings to the rink on a daily basis.
