The Philadelphia Flyers will enter the 2014-15 season looking to build on the momentum that saw them return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the season may have ended in disappointment with their first round loss to the New York Rangers, a seventh game loss by a single goal to the Eastern Conference Champions is nothing to hang your head about.
Considering how far the Flyers came just to reach the playoffs is a testament to coach Craig Berube’s ability to motivate the players. After taking over the team four games into the season, the fiery Flyers coach took a no-nonsense approach to the talented underachievers.
The result was a steady climb in the standings and the re-emergence of Claude Giroux as one of the elite players in the NHL. The Flyers went from the bottom of the conference to the playoffs, finishing just behind the Rangers for the fifth spot overall.
From a fantasy perspective the Flyers are loaded up for the next year with plenty of weapons to choose from. Here are your top five to keep an eye on.
Claude Giroux, C/RW
The Flyers captain is obviously the top choice among the Broad St. crew. The 2014 Hart Trophy Finalist had a spectacular finish to the season after a terrible start. He can line up at center or right wing and is more than likely a top five to top three overall draft pick.
Wayne Simmonds, RW
The rugged right wing set career highs across the board in every offensive category and could be entering the level of elite power forwards if he continues to improve. He is playing a more disciplined style now, staying out of the penalty box and is a legitimate early round option for fantasy owners.
Steve Mason, G
A return to form in 2013-14 was the pleasant surprise of the season for the Flyers. Cast off from Columbus in favor of (ironically) Philadelphia castoff Sergei Bobrovsky, Mason grabbed the starting job from Ray Emery and was fantastic all season. Though he has been in the league for six years, Mason is still only 26. His form last year was a reminder of the 20-year old that broke in with Columbus and won the 2009 Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. Sleeper candidate that will be available late.
Jakub Voracek, RW
Another big season from the 24-year old Czech right wing and the Flyers can check a win next to the trade that brought Voracek to Columbus for Jeff Carter three seasons ago. Voracek enjoyed his most productive season to date in 2013-14 and his ceiling will continue to rise. He has an innate chemistry with his look-alike Giroux and the top line combination is a handful for opponents. Voracek will be snapped up in the first five rounds.
Mark Streit, D
It isn’t often that I would recommend a defenseman that is on the back side of his 30’s but Streit showed that he can have a positive impact on the Flyer’s blue line. He certainly won’t warrant Norris Trophy consideration, but he is the top statistical option on the Philadelphia blue line. Chances are he’ll be available late, but there are certainly better options available elsewhere.