Flyers 2022-23 complete season predictions

VOORHEES NEW JERSEY - It’s pretty safe to say that headed into the 2022-23 NHL season the Philadelphia Flyers have some of their lowest expectations in years. Coming off a disappointing 2021 campaign that saw the Orange and Black lose a Metro division worst, 57 games. While at the same time severing ties with longtime captain and Flyers great Claude Giroux in a trade to the Florida Panthers, while only acquiring a few loose draft picks and depth pieces. Many fans have questioned the dedication of the ownership and brass such as GM Chuck Fletcher. And as the Flyers stand now, it seems the Orange and Black faithful may be in for yet another rough season.

Offseason Breakdown

This offseason may have been one of the most confusing ones in all of Philly sports history. They began with a head-scratcher, trading multiple high-value draft picks to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Defensemen Tony DeAngelo. Coming into the offseason, many fans were brought to believe the team would be trading assets away to stockpile draft picks for the future, not the other way around. As the offseason trudged on, the release of Oskar Lindblom infuriated Flyers fans everywhere. As the team dumped off one of their most promising scorers with little reasoning. And it was safe to say that come September, the additions of 31-year-old Nic Deslauriers on a 4-year fully guaranteed deal and the return of a washed-up Justin Braun were not nearly enough to give any excitement to this starved Flyers fanbase.

Record: 20-56-6, Last in Metro Divison

It should come as no surprise that I have the Flyers once again placed among the worst teams in Hockey. As I mentioned in the open, last year was a huge step back for the Fly Guys and they’ve given us no reason to believe we should expect any better out of them this year. As they now need to compete in an Eastern Conference that may be more difficult than it has been in years, it seems there are fewer and fewer teams you can feel safe with placing below the Flyers. Any chance of the Fly Guys competing may have been abstracted already.

5 season predictions

1. Travis Konecny returns to his former self

When a young Travis Koencney burst onto the scene in 2016, fans were blown away by his quick feet and acceleration to the puck. Along with his natural scoring talent, the hard-nosed, trash-talking Konecny seemed perfect for Philly. But following a career-best 2019-20 season which saw him score 61 points, helping the Flyers to a Metro division best record. “TK” has seemingly fallen off and has not been the same young sniper we once knew. That being said, with a new coach and a new core of teammates that will rely on Konecny to be the main striker for the Flyers attack, I feel that TK will have the perfect opportunity to flourish for the Orange and Black.

1. The young guns show promise

Though the Flyers may be one of the worst teams on paper at the professional level, some of Flyers prospects are giving fans plenty to look forward to down the line. Guys like Cutter Gauthier, Emil Andrae, Tyson Forester, and Egor Zamula all have a chance to make appearances with the big club this year. It is safe to say that if all goes well up in Lehigh Valley, some of the Flyers best young pieces could give fans a reason to flip on the game this year.

1. Jon Torterella an untamed Flyers squad whos boss

Under the likes of Alein Vingnault and Mike Yeo the Flyers and their players were criticized for being too soft. As coaching took the brunt of the hate for reportedly babying their players. Regardless of if any of that was true, we know for a fact that Jon Tortorella likes things done his way, the first time. Hopefully, Torts is able to bring out the best in his guys, and help to bring hard-nosed Broad Street Bully Hockey back to Wells Fargo Center.

1. Flyers rank among the worst in the league in all categories

I’m not going to pretend like this season is going to be all sunshine and rainbows, with the Flyers surprising everyone and going on a run for the ages. Because that is not what’s going to happen and that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows even a little about Hockey. This Flyers team is an uncommon mixture of washed-up vets, bad contracts, and hungry young prospects. Definitely not the makings of a Stanley Cup contender by any means. Though there will be some bright spots, don’t look to this Flyers team for a contender.

1. Chuck Fletcher’s ineptitude catches up to him

It’s pretty difficult to fire a GM when you don’t have an owner. The fact that the Flyers are virtually owned by the Comast Corporation, makes it incredibly difficult to make moves such as these. There is no singular owning body that can push a button and dismiss a member of the organization, like with many other sports teams. However, I feel that come seasons end, the failures of Fletcher and his office will leave the organization with no choice but to relieve him of his duties.

Stat leaders

Points)

Travis Konecny (66)

Cam Atkinson (52)

Joel Farabee (50)

Sean Couturier (39)

Ivan Provorov (30)

Goals)

Travis Konecny (27)

Joel Farabee (24)

Cam Atkinson (20)

Scott Laughton (16)

Sean Couturier (13)

Assists)

Cam Atkinson (32)

Sean Couturier (26)

Joel Farabee (26)

Scott Laughton (25)

James Van Riemsdyk (25)

Goalie Stats)

Carter Hart: 55 GS, 111 GA, 1298 SV, 2.49 GAA, .910 SV%