The puck is about to drop on a new season, and for the Philadelphia Flyers, it’s a year of pivotal questions. The Orange and Black have made some bold moves in the offseason, but two major uncertainties will ultimately determine their fate. As an expert who has followed this team for years, I can tell you that the excitement is palpable, but so is the anxiety. Let’s break down the two biggest storylines heading into the 2025-26 season.
Can Trevor Zegras Handle the Center Position?
The Flyers made a splash by acquiring Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks, a move that sent waves of excitement through the fanbase. Zegras is a dynamic offensive talent, but the question remains: can he be the full-time center the Flyers desperately need? The 24-year-old has spent the last two seasons on the wing due to defensive struggles, but he’s eager to return to his natural position. “I’ve always felt more comfortable there,” Zegras said, and that’s a sentiment the Flyers are banking on.
From my perspective, this is a high-risk, high-reward situation. If Zegras can find his defensive footing, his offensive upside is immense. However, if he struggles, the Flyers have options in Christian Dvorak and the promising rookie Jett Luchanko. The pre-season will be a crucial testing ground for Zegras, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can anchor a top line.
Can the Goaltending Finally Steal Some Games?
It’s no secret that the Flyers’ goaltending has been a sore spot. A team’s success is often built from the net out, and a .890 save percentage at 5-on-5 last season simply won’t cut it. The front office has brought in Dan Vladar to split the duties with Samuel Ersson, a move that I believe brings a healthy dose of competition to the crease. Vladar is coming off a career-high in games played and is determined to prove he can be a reliable starter. “I’m 100 percent confident I have a lot more in me,” he stated, a sentiment that should give Flyers fans a glimmer of hope.
The key here will be consistency. If either Vladar or Ersson can get hot and provide the team with a steady presence in net, it will go a long way in turning the tide for a team that has been plagued by inconsistent goaltending.
Here is the full pre-season schedule for the Philadelphia Flyers:
- Sunday, September 21st @ New York Islanders – UBS Arena, 7:00 PM ET
- Tuesday, September 23rd @ Montreal Canadiens – Bell Centre, 7:00 PM ET
- Thursday, September 25th @ Washington Capitals – Capital One Arena, 7:00 PM ET
- Saturday, September 27th vs. Boston Bruins – Xfinity Mobile Arena, 7:00 PM ET
- Monday, September 29th @ Boston Bruins – TD Garden, 5:00 PM ET
- Thursday, October 2nd vs. New York Islanders – Xfinity Mobile Arena, 7:00 PM ET
- Saturday, October 4th vs. New Jersey Devils – Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3:00 PM ET
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