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The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects! Every day in August, we will bring you a complete breakdown of a team’s draft and insights into their off-season movements thus far. Following this up in September, we will dive into every team’s prospect depth chart with fantasy insights and implications for the upcoming seasons. Check back often because we plan on filling your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season long!
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Heading into the 2022-23 Philadelphia Flyers season, expectations were low, but things quickly changed as the Flyers challenged for a playoff spot for most of the season. Bobby Brink made the team out of camp, and young players like Tyson Foerster, Cam York, and Joel Farabee all took impressive steps forward. Sean Couturier returned from an almost two-year hiatus due to injury and was later named captain. Nick Seeler led the NHL in blocked shots for portions of the season and was re-signed to a two-year deal. Sean Walker, who the Flyers acquired in the Ivan Provorov trade last summer, was moved at the trade deadline for a 2025 first-round pick.
The season slogan was “A New Era of Orange,” and it truly felt that way for most of the year. Although it was deemed a new era, it felt as if the Flyers were returning to a lot of what made the team successful in the past: honoring tradition, working hard, competing for entire games, and playing for one another.
It wasn’t all good, though, as star goaltender Carter Hart left the team due to legal issues and was not brought back this summer. Numerous players were benched throughout the season, the Flyers were forced to trade star prospect Cutter Gauthier, and they ultimately missed the playoffs on the very last day of the season after holding a spot for more than half of the year.
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NHL Draft Recap
Round One, 13th Overall – Jett Luchanko, C
Luchanko can be a dynamic forward and possesses a strong two-way game, combining offensive creativity with reliable defensive play. He displays excellent vision and playmaking skills, making him a constant threat in the offensive zone, while his high hockey IQ and work ethic contribute to his effectiveness in all situations. Luchanko’s speed and agility make him a versatile player who can excel in various roles on the ice.
Round Two, 51st Overall – Jack Berglund, C
Jack Berglund is a physical center known for his strong presence on the ice. He plays with an edge, excelling in one-on-one battles and using his size to win puck battles. While primarily a more defensive-minded center, Berglund also has the ability to shoot the puck and can surprise goaltenders with his shot.
Round Two, 59th Overall – Spencer Gill, D
Gill is a mobile defenseman with a strong skating ability, allowing him to effectively join the rush and contribute offensively. He’s known for his smart decision-making, solid puck-moving skills, and a calm presence under pressure. Defensively, Gill is usually in the right position defensively and uses his agility to maintain good gap control against opposing forwards
Round Four, 107th Overall – Heikki Ruohonen, C
Ruohonen is a skilled forward with a strong offensive toolkit, known for his quick release and accurate shot. He excels in finding open ice and creating scoring opportunities, displaying a high level of hockey sense and creativity. Ruohonen’s versatility and work ethic make him an asset in both even-strength and special teams situations.
Round Five, 148th Overall – Noah Powell, RW
Round Six, 173rd Overall – Ilya Pautov – RW
Round Seven, 205th Overall – Austin Moline – D
Off-Season Moves
Incoming
- Matvei Michkov signed a three-year entry-level contract.
Outgoing
- Marc Staal: UFA
- Cam Atkinson: Bought out
Re-Signed
- Travis Konecny re-signed an eight-year contract.
- Garnet Hathaway re-signed a two-year contract.
- Erik Johnson re-signed a one-year contract.
- Egor Zamula re-signed a two-year contract.
- Bobby Brink re-signed a two-year contract.
- Ivan Fedotov re-signed a two-year contract.
Development Camp
Philadelphia hosted its development camp from July 2-6, 2024, at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, NJ. The Flyers’ Player Development Staff, led by Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong and Assistant Director of Player Development Nick Schultz, along with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms coaches, conducted the on-ice sessions. Additionally, Princeton University Women’s Hockey Head Coach Cara Morey once again joined the development staff for this camp.
A total of 39 players attended the development camp, including six of the seven Flyers draftees from the 2024 NHL Draft, with Jett Luchanko (13th overall) among them.
Final Thoughts
The Flyers kept most of their 2023-24 roster intact, with the exceptions of Cam Atkinson and Marc Staal, while adding 2023’s 7th overall pick, Matvei Michkov.
Summer expectations seem to be low once again for the Flyers heading into the 2024-25 season, likely due to the question marks in goal between Sam Ersson and Ivan Fedotov, neither of whom have yet proven themselves as NHL goaltenders.
However, with a young core of forwards like Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Joel Farabee, and Matvei Michkov, alongside veterans such as Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, and Scott Laughton, this Flyers team could very well surprise the NHL once again. Not to mention, they might have one of the best fourth lines in the league with Noah Cates, Ryan Poehling, and Garnet Hathaway.
The Flyers’ defense still has some question marks, particularly with Nick Seeler paired on the second line with Jamie Drysdale, who is recovering from offseason surgery. Egor Zamula will presumably be paired with Rasmus Ristolainen, who is also returning from injury.
One thing seems certain: there is a plan in place, and another exciting season of hockey lies ahead for Flyers fans.
Follow me on X (Twitter) @JimIkeHW and check out the new Dobber Prospects Youtube show where we show each of Dobber’s writers from all 32 NHL teams, @DobberHockeyFantasyHockey