Philadelphia Flyers

Whether the 2018-19 season involves another playoff run or not, there is a lot to be happy about with the team going forward as expectations increase as the focus shifts to next season.

With the NHL Draft approaching in a matter of a few weeks, the Philadelphia Flyers have a few different scenarios to consider in mid June. Part 3 of the Offseason Preview continues with a focus on the NHL Draft.

After the career year Couturier had in 2017-18 season, putting up new career highs in points, solidifying himself as the first-line center, and continuing to be a shutdown force, not to mention being a finalist for the Selke Trophy, could we see the same from him in the 2018-19 season and for the rest of his career?

Philippe Myers and Travis Sanheim have brought their great seasons to the Calder Cup Playoffs. Despite being down two games to the Toronto Marlies in the Eastern Conference Final, their presence has been felt and is showcasing a potential future pairing for the Flyers at the NHL level.

The success of the Vegas Golden Knights puts a sharper lens on a potential Seattle expansion draft in 2020, one in which the Flyers stand to lose a valuable asset.

In Part 2 of our Flyers Offseason Preview, possible line combinations are reviewed including a realistic name or two from free agency being tossed into the lineup.

While it is hard to imagine a scenario where the Flyers take no penalties during the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, their penalty kill is going to have to come through for them.

After Monday’s practice, it looks like Michael Raffl will be back on the fourth line with Matt Read and Jori Lehtera for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Islanders.

For the Flyers, the importance of depth scoring is key for them to get into the playoffs. The team needs to have players like Jordan Weal, Scott Laughton and Matt Read — among others — to step up and help put up points.