Philly Leader

The 2024-25 NHL season begins on October 4, and the Philadelphia Flyers are preparing for a significant year. Coach John Tortorella enters his third season with the team, which finished last season with a record of 38-33-11, placing sixth in the Metropolitan Division and missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

One of the main focuses this season is integrating Matvei Michkov into the lineup. The 19-year-old forward was selected seventh overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and had an impressive season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with 41 points in 48 games. The Flyers need to determine which center will best complement Michkov's skills. Sean Couturier, known for his defensive prowess, or Morgan Frost, noted for his playmaking ability, are potential linemates.

Another priority is improving their power play, which has struggled over recent seasons. Last year, they had the worst power play percentage in the league at 12.2 percent. The addition of Michkov and a healthy Jamie Drysdale could provide a much-needed boost. Drysdale played through an injury last season but is expected to return to form after surgery.

Goaltending will also be under scrutiny as Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov compete for starts. Ersson had a mixed performance last season while Fedotov joined late but showed promise. Both goalies have limited NHL experience but need to improve on their combined save percentage from last year.

The Flyers' roster includes seven defensemen on NHL contracts and several promising prospects like Emil Andrae and Hunter McDonald. Oliver Bonk stands out among them; he was fifth among Ontario Hockey League defensemen in scoring last season and has impressed with his maturity.

Michkov's arrival has generated excitement due to his offensive capabilities, but Riley Armstrong, director of player development, emphasized Michkov's coachability: "The one thing that I've talked to him [about] throughout the last year is understanding when you're playing in the NHL and you're playing for 'Torts,' is just understanding the other side of the puck as well."

Hunter McDonald could be a surprise contributor this season. After being drafted in 2022, he made significant strides at Northeastern University and later with Lehigh Valley in the American Hockey League (AHL). With Rasmus Ristolainen recovering from surgery, McDonald might get an early opportunity.

Samu Tuomaala may not start in the NHL but could be first in line for a call-up from AHL if needed. The right wing had a solid season with Lehigh Valley and participated in the AHL All-Star Game.

In fantasy hockey circles, Ivan Fedotov is considered a sleeper pick as part of a goalie tandem on an improved Flyers team: "Fedotov played in only three NHL games last season but is worth taking a look at," said Anna Dua.

Projected Lineup:

Tyson Foerster -- Sean Couturier -- Travis Konecny

Owen Tippett -- Morgan Frost -- Matvei Michkov

Joel Farabee -- Scott Laughton -- Bobby Brink

Noah Cates -- Ryan Poehling -- Garnet Hathaway

Defense:

Cam York -- Travis Sanheim

Nick Seeler -- Jamie Drysdale

Egor Zamula -- Rasmus Ristolainen

Goalies:

Samuel Ersson

Ivan Fedotov