Philadelphia Flyers – Travis Konecny
Travis Konecny has been on the verge of breaking out. Ironically, when he was drafted, I assumed he would take a while to do so because of his lack of durability. But Konecny has played all 82 games in each of the past two seasons, so maybe that’s a good sign moving forward.
Konecny has come within four combined points of having two seasons with at least 50 points before turning 23 years old. But what I love about him is how confident he is with the puck. Konecny is one of the best forwards in the league when he has the puck, as he’s excellent in both zone exits and zone entries.
He’ll likely continue to get minutes with Sean Couturier and Claude Giroux, which should be good for his production. I’d keep Konecny with them because, despite their prowess in other areas, Couturier and Giroux aren’t outstanding when it comes to zone entries.
The Flyers are going to be a more responsible and more consistent team under new head coach Alain Vigneault. Konecny is someone who should flourish with him. With a more structured system, his two-way play should flourish.
Honorable mention: Carter Hart is an obvious candidate, but I’m pumping the brakes on him – for now. There are several factors working against him. Hart will have to adjust to how Vigneault likes his goalies to play (closer to the net). I think he’ll adjust, but as with all goalies, it’s going to take him some time. Hart should be an above-average goaltender this season. I think he’ll make a huge jump in the 2020-21 season (if there’s not a lockout).