The Philadelphia Flyers are the land of opportunity in 2025-26.
The Flyers’ off-season moves make it clear that the theme this upcoming season is “a fresh start.” Some additions either didn’t live up to their last contract, have struggled with injuries and poor play, just had an off-year or were simply looking to head elsewhere.
Up front, the Flyers offered a fresh start to young center Trevor Zegras by trading a second-round pick, a fourth-rounder and Ryan Poehling to the Anaheim Ducks. The 24-year-old’s reputation has taken some bumps as he struggled on the ice. After recording 61 and 65 points in his first full NHL seasons, he’s played a combined 88 games in the last two years, mustering up only 47 points.
With the Flyers, Zegras should have every chance to thrive down the middle on Philly’s first or second line. He is also entering the final campaign of his three-year deal worth $5.75 million annually, so making the most of his new opportunity will secure a fresh and bountiful harvest in his next contract negotiations.
Similarly, the Flyers signed veteran Christian Dvorak to a one-year, $5.4-million contract. The 29-year-old finished a six-year contract with a $4.45-million cap hit, but in the last four years with the Montreal Canadiens, he saw his average ice time decrease while not scoring more than 33 points in a season. He still managed to get a raise by signing in Philly.
While no one is expecting Dvorak to post 20 goals and 50 points, he’ll have a new beginning one way or another this coming year. At best, he can play at center and improve the team’s depth down the middle, or he shifts back to the wing to play higher up the lineup. The way he responds to this opportunity will largely dictate the contract he lands next summer.
In goal, the Flyers’ 3.45 goals-against average was fifth-worst in the NHL this past season, and their .872 save percentage was the lowest. Philadelphia GM Daniel Briere looks to turn the page by signing veteran netminder Dan Vladar. For the cost of a two-year contract paying him $3.35 million per season, the Flyers expect Vladar to at the very least compete for the starter’s job, which he lost out on this past season with the Calgary Flames.
In the last three seasons, Vladar’s .898 save percentage in 2024-25 was the best. After putting up a 3.62 goals-against average and .882 save percentage in 2023-24, he didn’t really bounce back enough this past season as Dustin Wolf got more of the stars. But if Philly can tighten up its defense, Vladar can be part of the short-term solution between the pipes.
Finally, there’s a fresh start happening off the ice in Philadelphia, as former Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet returned to the Flyers to be closer to his family. After starring as a player in Philly, Tocchet is now running the show behind the bench. The stellar reputation he’s built for himself as an NHL coach, having won the Jack Adams Award in 2023-24 and winning two Stanley Cup championships as an assistant in Pittsburgh, brings a lot of hope that he can not only elevate the team but maintain it over the next five years. Tocchet even said he just felt it was a fresh start for him, given that his previous contract in Vancouver had expired.
There’s no assurance any of them will work out as hoped. That said, Briere has made tactical choices and calculated gambles on the new people he’s brought in, some safer bets than others. While it’s still going to be an uphill battle for Philadelphia to leapfrog up the Metropolitan Division standings and secure a playoff berth this upcoming season, the Flyers might just find a way to beat the odds and reward their fans with their first playoff action in six years. At the very least, a core will emerge to power this group forward so that once it does make the playoffs down the line, it will stay there for a long time.
Fresh starts can be just what the doctor ordered, and that’s what Briere & Co. have put in place for Philadelphia. Whether they work is yet to be seen, but regardless, the Flyers will be a team worth watching.
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