2024 was a year filled with ups and downs for the Flyers, and their (in)decisions have set the table for a very interesting 2025. So what can we expect from Danny Briere and the Flyers in the coming calendar year?
Number 5: John Tortorella Steps Down
John Tortorella still has one more season left on his contract as head coach of the Flyers, but between the consistent flowing rumors of a front office gig now pushed by a team on pace to miss the playoffs for a third season under his watch, John Tortorella finally walks off into the sunset a year early. He can go out a hero rather than waiting to turn into the unquestioned villain.
Number 4: Give Fedotov a Chance
It’s no secret the Flyers love mistreating and cutting the legs out from their own prospects. Despite the large contract the 28-year-old Fedotov was handed and the fact his numbers are no worse than his counterparts in Sam Ersson or Alexei Kolosov, he’s been banished from NHL ice to close out 2024. But that will chance in 2025. He will given an opportunity and rise to the occasion. This isn’t even written from the perspective of a huge Fedotov fan, but rather because the Flyers refuse to play him, he’s likely the key to their success that’s right under their nose.
Number 3: Michkov Wins the Calder
What seemed like decent odds a few weeks ago has turned into quite the underdog story. Michkov is in a dogfight with Macklin Celebrini and Lane Hutson for the league’s top rookie slot. A recent cold stretch flamed by Tortorella’s demand for two-way accountability has taken quite a bit of wind out of Michkov’s sails, but there’s still half a season to be played and time for Michkov to run away with the point lead. Historically, this hasn’t gone well for the Flyers, but Michkov will finally break the mold.
Number 2: The Flyers Make a Trade
The Flyers haven’t done anything of note since last year’s deadline where Briere dealt away Sean Walker and added Erik Johnson. With the team’s constant state of limbo a little more under the microscope this time around, Danny Briere will put on his big boy pants and actually make the first net-positive main roster trade in years in 2025…. or, ya know, we can dream.
Number 1: Briere Adds a Center
The Flyers have largely ignored the position of center since trading away Brayden Schenn back in 2017. While there have been plenty of rumors around players like Dylan Cozens and Quinton Byfield, something actually materializing is a much different story. It’s make or break time for Briere’s Flyers, and if they want to keep the growing whispers of distain at bay, 2025 will be the year they actually attempt to fill the position with legitimacy.
By: Dan Esche (@DanTheFlyeraFan)
brotherlypuck.com 