Regarding the 2024-2025 Philadelphia Flyers, there is now a new sense of excitement since Matvei Michkov announced he was coming over. However, there are still a few things that need ironing out between now and when the team begins to take its next big leap.
Last season, the Flyers were a playoff-contending team for the majority of the campaign. Even though the team fell short, there seemed to be an energy change for the orange and black. John Tortorella got players like Bobby Brink and Tyson Foerster to improve tremendously. The future of the Flyers does revolve around these younger players. While it’s a good thing that veterans such as Garnet Hathaway, Erik Johnson, and Scott Laughton are progressing as both players and leaders, there are a few areas on the team that still need addressing.
Travis Koncecny’s big payday – Is it on the horizon?
I can’t imagine the Flyers not trying their hardest to get Konecny a contract extension. He’s in the final year of his contract and remains one of the teams’ top players. However, rumors exist that he is asking for $10 million annually.
With the way the hard cap is in the NHL, the main catalyst in an extension would be whether or not the Flyers would be willing to leverage that much money to keep him. Right now you can argue that Konecny is the best player on the team, and I agree. He produces goals and solid playmaking and isn’t hesitant to drop the gloves when needed. However, money could also be a problem.
Figuring out whether Konecny is staying long-term, plays out this final contracted year, or is moved before the beginning of the season so the team can cash in on a diminishing asset in terms of trade value and source a replacement is the next big challenge for GM Danny Brierre.
The Flyers’ Goalie situation
Another critical point that the Flyers must figure out is their goalies. Given the circumstances, Sam Ersson did a good job last season. However, Ivan Fedotov having an entire offseason of proper training for the NHL-style game will be a huge positive. I understand why Philly decided on this goalie tandem, but how long will this be sustainable?
Rumors say that goalie Alexei Kolosov missed prospect development camp because missed a flight by oversleeping, potentially raising concerns about his commitment. While it’s not confirmed, it’s still a bad look.
Carson Bjarnason is another goalie in the system who won’t be ready for at least three years. He had a good development camp, but unlike other positions in hockey, goalies need the most time to be NHL-ready.
The future certainly looks brighter than it did a couple of years ago for the Flyers, but there are some fundamental decisions that need to be figured out before this team will be able to continue its evolution. Luckily, this season isn’t where my concern is; it’s after.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
