Flyers fans received news they had been waiting months for on Sunday evening, with full details of the new season being released. Naturally, there’s plenty to be excited about and a lot to take in. Here’s everything you need to know and how it pertains to the Flyers.
A new Flyers season begins
The regular season is set to begin on January 13th 2021 with a slate of 56 games for each team. With safety during the pandemic still being the obvious focus, the NHL has re-aligned the divisions to accommodate the new season and make things less geographically challenging.
The Philadelphia Flyers will now compete in the East division alongside:
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
New Jersey Devils
New York Rangers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington Capitals
The good news is that many of the rivalries fans hold dear to their hearts are still on the cards to give us more jubilation and heartbreak next year. The top 4 teams from each division will make the playoffs (50%), All 56 games will be played against opponents inside the division and inside the division only – playing each team 8 times.
This is brilliant for the Flyers, who went a combined 13-5-3 against these teams last year...although talking about the Islanders might still be a sore spot for now.
Key Dates:
- December 28: Waivers open
- January 3: Flyers Training camp opens
- January 13: Regular season starts
- April 12: NHL Trade deadline
- May 8: End of the regular season
- May 11: NHL Playoffs
- July 21: NHL Expansion draft
- July 23-24: NHL entry draft
- July 28: Free agency
Let’s build a snowman…and a roster
Each team will still need a 23-man roster that coheres to the current salary cap ceiling, but the wildcard is much like we’re seeing in the NFL with expanded practice squads.
Teams will be allowed to bring a 4-6 man taxi squad who don’t count against the cap but can travel, workout, and of course be protected by the franchise against other teams looking to poach them.
Here are some basic rules to know:
- Each squad must have at least 1 Goalie
- If a player is unable to play due to health, he won’t count against the number
- Salary cap hit equates to what an AHL affiliate contract would look like
- Players can be loaned to the Taxi Squad from the last day of training camp
For the Flyers, it’s a chance to bring fringe talent along for the ride and of course flex as necessary. For players who narrowly miss making the final roster, it’s a chance to ensure his development isn’t stagnated and he can continue to train with the team. With the cancelation of junior leagues around the world, it might mean that we see a few of the top prosepcts enlisted for similar reasons, in a bid to keep them active and practicing through what could be a very long year.
There are plenty of names who fit the bill here. The Flyers may use the Taxi Squad for a player like Nolan Patrick if he isn’t quite at a regular playing level just yet due to his migraine condition, giving them new-found flexibility. Or, they could bring on guys like Yegor Zamula who would have a whole season of training with NHL talent. There are some fun possibilities to think about.
Like other sports, players do have the ability to opt out of this season. Anyone deemed high-risk will be forced to sit out but still paid regardless.
Up next for the Flyers
For Flyers fans, all eyes turn to Training Camp on January 3rd. Shortly after the festivities end and the hangovers slowly fade, the sounds of sticks clattering on the ice will fill the Skate Zone once more. Make sure to stay locked in to PSN for regular updates!
Photo Credit: Alex Mcintyre
