Once known as the Broad Street Bullies for their physical play and intimidation on the ice, the Philadelphia Flyers may be taking a new approach as the 2025-26 season approaches. With veterans doing their part, the season may be successful based on the youngsters' play. Forwards Tyson Foerster, Jett Luchanko, Matvei Michkov, and goaltender Samuel Ersson may play a critical role for the Flyers as they try to obtain a playoff berth.
Flyers' young players up for the challenge
Michkov, and Foerster combined for 51 goals and 55 assists for 106 points last season. Luchanko only appeared in four Flyers games but looked impressive in his skating and all-around play. Ersson posted a record of 22-17-5 with a goals against average of 3.14, and a save percentage of .883 with two shutouts. The core is young with Ersson being 25 years old, Michkov at age 20, Luchanko at 19, and Foerster at 23.
The three forwards will be counted on heavily as Travis Konecny, newcomer Trevor Zegras, and Owen Tippett cannot supply all of the offense. The young players listed above now have some experience and will need to turn it up a notch if Philadelphia wants to make another run at a Stanley Cup. Michkov fits perfectly on the top line while Luchanko and Foerster will spend most of their time this season somewhere in the middle six.
Philadelphia's goaltending is also young but extremely capable between the pipes. Ersson got the most time in net last season and will likely carry the Flyers this season but he has Ivan Fedotov (28) and Aleksei Kolosov (23) to give him a night off. Goaltending will also play a huge role on how far the Flyers will go this season.
Flyers' Tocchet and expectations
New head coach Rick Tocchet will have his work cut out for him in the 2025-26 season. The Flyers finished last season in last place in the Metropolitan Division but showed glimpses of what they can do when fully healthy.
Of the trio of Luchanko, Foerster, and Michkov can contribute plus play between 75-82 games and Ersson can bring down his goals against average to 2.50 the Flyers have a respectable chance of making the playoffs. The Flyers are a solid team but are not there just yet. I expect them to be better than last season and finish sixth in the division with Michkov hovering around a point per game.