3 keys to the Flyers success in 2026-27

For the first time since the pandemic, the Flyers made the playoffs. And for the first time in ages, they won a playoff series. Not only that, but it was against the hated Pittsburgh Penguins, who've won four of the six postseason matchups between the two teams since 2000.

So now what? The Flyers have had a kinda quiet offseason, once again. They didn't attract any big-name free agents, but they locked up some young guys on longer-term contracts and signed some quality depth pieces. But how good are they going to be?

That's a hard question to ask right now. If you read or watch any hockey prognosticator, some will say the Flyers are a young, hungry team on the way up, and others will say that despite a good season, the rest of the Metro beefed up and the Flyers will be left behind.  Basically, either they will be fun and exciting, or they will crash and burn. 

I tend to trend more toward the positive side. Yes, some of the teams in the division/conference made more significant moves on paper. Can't deny that. Plus, the reigning Stanley Cup Champions are in the same division. However, there are three keys to the upcoming season that could guarantee the Flyers a playoff position this year.

Lock Em Up, Lock Em Up

The Flyers have spent the offseason locking up their young players. Trevor Zegras will be around for four more years, as will Jamie Drysdale. Tyson Foerster signed on for eight years. Goalie Dan Vladar signed a five-year deal, cementing the net position for the first time in at least 25 years. Nikita Grebenkin signed a two-year deal while Carl Grundstrom signed a one-year deal to stay on as a depth piece.

Matvei Michkov will be the next one to sign a deal, as he is the only big name the Flyers have left to extend. The message was sent that if you play well, the Flyers will treat you well.  That helps to boost team morale. Good players are being rewarded for being useful. They are happy to play and happy to contribute. More importantly, they are happy to wear the Orange and Black.

Another Year of Growth

A big thing will be the growth of the young guys. We'll have a full season of Porter Martone and all the energy he brings to this team. Last year, he scored four goals with six assists in 10 games and had two more goals with three assists in the 10 playoff games. If he can do that again this year, he'll carry the Calder Trophy home for sure.

But it's more than just him. It's a ripple effect. What can he do with Michkov or a healthy Foerster? What will the lines look like? How could that frustrate opponents? Could Grebenkin be more of a factor?

With the young talent on this team, it's going to be fun to see them grow together. And the more they understand each other, the tighter this club will become. That could make this group dangerous.

The Steadying Effect of the Veterans

While the youngsters are where all the fun is at, don't forget the vets. Travis Konecny, Travis Sanheim, and Sean Couturier still run the show. That will be important to a successful year. Konecny and Couturier work with the forwards on learning how to work through adversity. Sanheim can work with all of the younger defenders and show them what it takes to last 10 years in the NHL.

Their experience will be invaluable as this team moves forward. It will help shape the younger guys and help them through slumps, scratches, and boos. 

There is a lot to look forward to this year. While the competition is fierce, you'd rather have a tougher division than be on top of a bunch of scrub teams that can't win, only to be obliterated in the first round of the playoffs. Let's grind it out against our foes and use it to help us grow.

The season is only a month away. It's hard to feel it when it is 120 outside, but it is coming. And when it comes, the Flyers will be on fire.