The summer season is coming to a close, and Flyers training camp is just a few weeks away.
A brief period of calm lies ahead – or so it seems – yet this stillness provides some insight into what the 2024-25 roster may resemble, especially with the excitement from trades, signings, buyouts, and rumors now subsiding.
Matvei Michkov is officially on the team, which stands out as the most significant news for the Flyers. The question remains: who will take the ice alongside him on opening night?
Below is our updated projection for the Flyers’ 2024-25 lineup – you can view the original lineup from June HERE – along with some additional notes…
Offensive Lines
RESERVES: Nic Deslauriers, Olle Lycksell, Rhett Gardner, Elliot Desnoyers, Oskar Eklind
• The discussion surrounding the first Michkov line will continue throughout training camp and the preseason. However, as of now, the trio of him, Frost, and Foerster stands out as a logical combination. In theory, all three possess the speed to keep pace with one another; Frost can maneuver the puck through the center, Foerster could add defensive solidity with his potent wrist shot, and Michkov serves as an ever-present goal-scoring threat. Furthermore, this would present a notably young line: Michkov is 19, Foerster is 22, and Frost is 25, signifying that the Flyers are indeed incorporating youth into their strategy, with hopes of improvement, even if only two-thirds of this line are certain long-term fixtures.
• There’s potential to interchange Tippett and Foerster as the first-line left winger. Tippett, being more seasoned, may contribute slightly more scoring. However, for the sake of balance, placing him on the second line alongside Couturier and Konecny seems advantageous. This approach mirrors the first line’s philosophy: Tippett offers power and a strong shot from the boards, Couturier excels in defensive assignments, and Konecny brings speed and creativity from the right side. This also provides a veteran presence to balance the youthful energy of the top line.
• Laughton has been featured in trade discussions for quite some time, while Farabee has also surfaced as a possible trade candidate; nonetheless, both players remain Flyers as camp approaches and appear set to claim spots in the bottom six. Laughton has consistently been a bottom-six checking forward, so there’s no issue there. Farabee’s situation is more intriguing since he’s coming off a career year, even if it didn’t fully register at the time. He may find opportunities in the offensive zone limited, given that Tippett and Foerster now occupy the top left-side positions.
• During Michkov’s media introduction in July, GM Danny Brière humorously remarked that Nic Deslauriers would be his new best friend, jokingly sharing that he showed Michkov a clip of Deslauriers going up against New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe. Deslauriers has alternated in and out of the lineup for much of the past season and is expected to continue this trend. It will be interesting to see if he dresses for the Flyers in the early games, aiming to send a message to opponents that Michkov will receive proper protection.
MORE: The next core is starting to take shape, additional thoughts on the Flyers
Defensive Pairings
RESERVES: Rasmus Ristolainen, Ronnie Attard, Adam Ginning, Emil Andrae, Helge Grans, Louis Belpedio
• Our initial defensive projection from June remains mostly intact, although Erik Johnson has been placed on the bottom pairing with Egor Zamula. Johnson extended his contract for a year to take on a veteran mentorship role similar to what Marc Staal had last season. As the season progresses, his responsibilities will likely diminish to allow more ice time for younger defensemen, a fact he acknowledges. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take the ice on opening night, especially considering Rasmus Ristolainen‘s recovery from his ruptured tricep injury.
• Speaking of Ristolainen, he will surely be in the lineup if he is fit to play, especially with his $5.1 million cap hit. There have been a few trade rumors surrounding him, but like Laughton and Farabee, he remains on the roster, and the trade chatter will likely remain quiet until the next deadline.
MORE: The top 5 offenses and defenses in Flyers history
Goaltenders
RESERVES: Cal Petersen, Alexei Kolosov(?)
• This season, the Flyers have committed to Ersson and Fedotov as their primary goaltending duo. Ersson enjoyed a full summer of preparation to step into the No. 1 role, while Fedotov had the same to settle into a new league and country after being thrown into the action abruptly upon his arrival from Russia late last season.
• Although the Flyers have kept Cal Petersen on the roster, it will not be ideal if he needs to be called up from the Phantoms at any time.
• As for the enigmatic Belarusian prospect, Alexei Kolosov… your guess is as good as anyone’s right now.
MORE: The Flyers’ strange 2024
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Projected Lineup for the Flyers: Key Changes and Exciting Prospects Ahead of the 2024-25 Season
Overview of the Philadelphia Flyers’ Current Situation
The Philadelphia Flyers are gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 NHL season. After a series of ups and downs in previous seasons, management has committed to a rebuild that prioritizes youth and talent development. As the Flyers look to re-establish themselves as competitive contenders, fans are eager to see how the projected lineup will shape up.
Key Changes in the Roster
This upcoming season will feature several significant roster changes that could impact the team’s overall performance. Here are the key alterations:
- Departures: Several veterans have moved on, clearing the way for younger players.
- New Additions: The Flyers have made strategic acquisitions through trades and free agency.
- Prospect Call-ups: A number of promising players from the AHL are being given a chance to shine.
Departures
As part of the ongoing rebuild, the Flyers have said goodbye to several veteran players. Notable departures include:
- James van Riemsdyk (F) – A seasoned forward, his exit opens up space for younger forwards.
- Kevin Hayes (F) – A big-bodied center who brought experience but was often inconsistent.
- Travis Konecny (F) – Traded to a contender, his offensive prowess will be missed.
New Additions
The Flyers have been active in the offseason, making key signings and trades to enhance their lineup:
- Free Agent Signings: The addition of skilled forwards and a solid defenseman aims to bolster the team.
- Trade Acquisitions: Key trades have brought in young talent that fits the Flyers’ long-term vision.
Projected Lineup for the 2024-25 Season
The Flyers’ projected lineup is a blend of seasoned players and exciting prospects. Here’s a breakdown of the expected lines:
| Position | Player | Age | 2023-24 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Wing | Owen Tippett | 25 | 28 |
| Center | Ryan Patrick | 26 | 35 |
| Right Wing | Wade Allison | 26 | 22 |
| Defense | Tony DeAngelo | 27 | 40 |
| Goalie | Carter Hart | 25 | N/A |
Key Prospects to Watch
As part of the Flyers’ commitment to developing young talent, several prospects are expected to make significant contributions in the upcoming season:
- Tyson Foerster: The skilled winger has shown tremendous potential in the AHL and is poised for a breakout season.
- Cam York: A promising defenseman, York is anticipated to take on a larger role and contribute both offensively and defensively.
- Gavin Haines: A recent draft pick, Haines has caught the attention of coaches with his speed and vision on the ice.
Benefits of the Youth Movement
The Flyers’ focus on youth brings numerous benefits that could reshape the franchise’s future:
- Increased Energy: Young players often bring a fresh, energetic approach that can revitalize team dynamics.
- Growth Potential: Developing young talent allows for long-term investments that can pay dividends in future seasons.
- Fan Engagement: Fans love to see homegrown talent making an impact, fostering stronger community ties.
Practical Tips for Fans
As the 2024-25 season approaches, here are some practical tips for Flyers fans to enjoy the upcoming campaign:
- Stay Informed: Follow the Flyers’ official website and social media channels for the latest news, including lineup changes and player updates.
- Attend Games: Experience the excitement live by attending games at the Wells Fargo Center. The energy of the crowd can be truly electrifying!
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions with fellow fans on platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share insights and opinions about the team.
Case Studies of Successful Rebuilds
Examining other NHL teams that have successfully rebuilt their rosters can provide valuable insights for the Flyers:
- New Jersey Devils: After a rough patch, the Devils focused on drafting and developing young talent, resulting in a playoff berth in 2023.
- Colorado Avalanche: A commitment to youth and shrewd drafting led to the Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Current Flyers players have shared their thoughts on the excitement surrounding the team’s youth movement:
Owen Tippett mentioned, “I think it’s a great time to be part of the Flyers. The young guys are eager to prove themselves, and that competition will push us all to be better.”
Defenseman Cam York added, “We have a great mix of talent, and I’m excited to see how we can grow together this year.”
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Flyers are on the verge of an exciting new chapter as they enter the 2024-25 season. With a projected lineup that emphasizes youth and potential, fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming months, as the team strives for success on the ice.
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