Nic Aube-Kubel, 24
NAK is coming off of a strong end to his second season in the NHL and one that was rewarded with a two-year contract. Of the 15 points he recorded in 36 games, 10 of those came in the team’s final 15 matchups before the big pause. His spike in form played a huge part in pushing the Flyers to the top of the pile.
Easily one of the more physical players on the team, he scored 3 points in 13 playoff games, but actually led the team in hits in the bubble with 52. He also led in this metric when looking at all Flyers who played in 20+ games.
We can expect NAK to pick right up where he left off last year as a depth right winger who could well work his way up to the third line if Farabee tails off or seems to hit teething problems.
A vital piece of the Flyers’ offensive depth puzzle, NAK could be primed to take the biggest jump of the names listed here due to making such significant progress after his NHL call-up last season.
Oskar Lindblom, 24
The whole world is waiting to rejoice. Oskar Lindblom is so close to making his full NHL return after finishing cancer treatments at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Lindblom was having a great season for the Flyers, notching 11 goals and 7 assists in 30 games before he was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma.
After beating the rare form of cancer, Oskar was among the 31 players to make the playoff roster. Not only did he make the roster, but in a vital game 6 OT win, AV turned in the direction of the Swede with both Couturier and Farabee down. Oskar Lindblom played in 17:30, recorded 3 shots, two hits, and blocked a shot. What’s stunning is that Lindblom was even more ahead of schedule than even we thought!
Training Camp is going to be a very different ball-game, especially amidst COVID concerns. However, the extended break may only benefit Lindblom in the long-run, who could be ready to step back into his role on the second line. Flyers fans were jubilated to see the inspiring young man beat Cancer, and after inking a new three-year-deal and being named a Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Finalist, his fairytale story looks like it’s showing no signs stopping anytime soon.
Carter Hart, 22
It’s almost hard to envision the wonderkid taking an even bigger leap than he already has, but that’s par for the course at this point.
Hart was a different beast at the Wells Fargo Center last year, going 20-3-2, allowing 1.63 goals per game and amassing a .945 save percentage. While his road record was a little cooler, he still posted posted the league’s eighth-best GAA and recorded 24 wins. When he got to the postseason, many wondered if he was mentally ready for the challenge.
He smashed it.
In 14 total games, Hart rallied to a 9-5 record, picking up a pair of shutouts in the process. He ranked 3rd among goalies who played in 10+ games in save percentage (.926%) and 5th in GAA (2.23). There were some regrettable moments, but some absolutely sensational performances that truly kept the Flyers alive, kicking and screaming.
Hart was exceptional last year. How high is the ceiling next season? As high as it possibly can be. He’s already proven he’s the real deal, and the ascension may only continue.
Photo Credit: Alex Mcintyre
