Yes, I am well aware football season just started and the MLB postseason is right around the corner. But, thanks to the new NHL schedule the Philadelphia Flyers play regular season hockey this month. And if you’re new here when it comes to the Flyers they are my number one team when it comes to Philadelphia sports. So, what better way to get excited about the Orange and Black then a little 4 part series getting you ready for the 2026-27 Flyers season.
The last time we saw the Philadelphia Flyers they were receiving a standing ovation from their fans after getting swept by the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes.
Having been in attendance for every Flyers home playoff game last season(Humble brag) I can confidently say that for the first time in almost 15 years things feel different.
The push they made just to make the playoffs last year, then going on and beating their biggest rival in the first round should be enough to make everyone believe the organization is finally ready to take the next step.
This was made even more apparent by what they tried to do this offseason…
Danny Briere and the Flyers swung for the fences and made an offer sheet to Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks. Carlsson accepted the offer sheet and for a week we waited to see if the Ducks would match. They did, making Carlsson one of the highest paid players in the NHL. Unfortunate? Yes, but the main thing is they showed they aren’t afraid to go for it now. A true number 1 center is their biggest need still but players around the league took notice that Philly is ready to pay and there are already rumors about possible big name free agents for next year that may now be considering Philly as a top choice.
Now, the focus shifts to this upcoming season where the Flyers will be looking to build off of last seasons success. The core group is returning and they will be joined by some new faces so lets get into it…
Offseason Additions:
One of the biggest issues during parts of last season was the backup goaltending. Sam Ersson struggled at times and really didn’t get into a groove until the end of the season. The problem is if the Flyers want to continue to have success they need a more consistent backup goaltender. Insert, Joseph Woll from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Flyers acquired Woll and Simon Beniot in exchange for Sam Ersson, Emil Andrae, and a 3rd round pick.
Woll struggled last season behind a very poor Maple Leafs defense. However, he has shown in the past that he can be a very reliable option. If the Flyers defense, which was much improved at the end of last season can be just as good if not better then Joseph Woll could prove to be a very wise investment.
Dan Vladar was locked up to a five year extension in the offseason and he will get the bulk of the games during the season. If Woll can come in and play 25-30 games and be consistent the Flyers will be in very good shape. For the first time in a long time goaltending isn’t the main concern for the Flyers.
Also acquired in the Woll trade was defenseman Simon Beniot. While some may consider this just a throw in, Beniot is going to be competing for the Flyers 6th defenseman slot as we start training camp. At 6’4 210lbs Beniot is another big body on the backend and could be someone that benefits from a change of scenery. Beniot will have his work cut out for him as he will be competing for a spot against Oliver Bonk, David Jiricek, Cam Dineen, and Hunter McDonald for the Flyers 6th/7th defenseman.
The Flyers added some much needed grit and center depth when they signed Noel Acciari to a two year deal this offseason. While it wasn’t a shiny signing Acciari is someone that will fit the Flyers system well. Is he going to put up massive numbers? No, probably not but he brings intensity and experience to a young Flyers team. He was on the Bruins during their 2019 Stanley Cup Final run and has played in 71 playoff games in his career. He is the type of guy a young team like the Flyers will benefit from having around.
One of the biggest priorities of this Flyers offseason was adding depth. It is something that you can never have enough of. Injuries happen and with this Flyers roster they have a lot of young kids that are pushing for roster spots. Not all of them are going to make it and if they struggle it is important to have guys that can step in at any moment. The Flyers signed four guys that can do just that. Zach Ashton-Reese, Jack Studnicka, Nolan Foote, and Danila Klimovich.
It’ll be intriguing to see how these new additions blend with the returning core of the Flyers that are hungrier than ever to get back to the postseason. Stay tuned for the 2nd part of this series that will talk more about the players that are returning for another year in Orange and Black.
-Walsh(@Keith_Walsh18)
The Philly Phan Cave 
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