Philadelphia Flyers

Founded: 1967
Arena: Wachovia Center
Stanley Cups: 2
1974, 1975

2008-09 Flyers Preview:

(See below for the team ranking from last season)

Climbing from dead last in 2007 to the Eastern Conference Final in 2008, Philadelphia is seen as the model for instant rebuilding in the new NHL. Keeping up the pace is an even tougher task.

Hard up against the salary cap, Philadelphia didn’t do much in the off-season except shed a couple of key contributors on the blue line. Captain Jason Smith went to Ottawa as a free agent and Derian Hatcher begins the season on injured reserve. Both are in the twilight of their careers so it makes sense to move on. But in the short term their absence will hurt. Widely seen as a slow-footed dinosaur from the pre-lockout NHL, Hatcher adjusted his game last season and was an invaluable presence during the team’s playoff run.

For replacements, the Flyers signed Ossi Vananen from Europe, traded for faded prospect Steve Eminger from Washington, and offered Bryan Berard a tryout. Ryan Parent shows great promise, but is likely too young for a regular role. Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn are a great top pair. The supporting cast is suspect.

At forward, Simon Gagne is back after missing most of last season with a concussion. A strong 40-goal season from Gagne would stabilize the entire forward unit. But if his concussion troubles return, line combinations are up for grabs. 23-year-old Mike Richards is the new team captain, signaling a more prominent role for him, Jeff Carter, and Joffrey Lupul, with Scottie Upshall, Steve Downie, and Claude Giroux fighting for ice time. If Giroux makes the team, someone like Upshall or Downie could be traded for defensive help.

Daniel Briere scored 31 goals last year and followed up with a strong playoff. But he disappeared to often during the regular season. Veteran winger Mike Knuble has been the subject of trade rumors, but this might not be the time to part with such a reliable player. R.J. Umberger was traded to Columbus rather than re-signed, the Flyers likely figuring he was overvalued after a great playoff performance. Overall, the Flyers ice as deep a forward group as any in the East.

Finally, starting goaltender Martin Biron will be called upon to prove himself yet again. Biron was very good in last spring’s playoffs. But this is a contract year for him, so how he starts the season could determine whether he gets a contract extension or heads to free agency next summer.

Any team that makes a 39-point leap in one year is likely due for a backslide. But Philadelphia is a solid contender for a top four spot in the Eastern Conference.

NHL rankings in each category are noted in brackets

2007-08 Regular Season Record: