Andrew Noel, Writer

Last week, the Flyers reported to the team practice facility in Voorhees, New Jersey for preseason training camp. The start of training camp marks the beginning of what will be a crucial season for the Flyers, as they continue to rebuild toward the success that fans have come to expect.

The most notable offseason acquisition for the Flyers was the long-awaited arrival of forward Matevi Michkov, from Russia. Given the current political situation involving Russia, as well as Russian ice hockey’s rocky past with the Flyers, many thought that Michkov, who is seen as arguably the franchise’s savior, would never be able to play for the Flyers. These doubts have been put to rest, with Michkov officially part of the Flyers and ready to help the team. 

Unfortunately, Michkov is the only needle-moving prospect the Flyers have. Oliver Bonk and Denver Barkey have shown potential, but even at their best they are not going to be the difference between winning or losing a Stanley Cup.

Bringing Michkov from Russia was the only notable move in what was an overall very quiet off-season for the Flyers. The quiet offseason was not a surprise to many, as the team’s difficult salary cap situation was always going to limit the team’s ability to improve significantly. Despite this, some fans are beginning to get restless with the new Flyers front office and are eager to see improvement in the standings.

This restlessness from fans is completely justified, as the Flyers are about to embark on their most important season since the new regime took over. Many feel that the progress of the rebuild has stalled, with star prospect Cutter Gauthier being traded for scraps, and flashy goalie prospect Alexi Kolosov facing an uncertain future in Philadelphia. Taking Gauthier and Kolosov out of the picture, there is not a lot for Flyers fans to look forward to. Having onestar prospect in the system after three years of rebuilding leaves a lot to be desired. 

In addition to this, some fans believe too much emphasis has been placed on building a culture around the team, one that has not existed for a decade. While there is no doubt that culture is important for winning teams in sports, good vibes do not automatically translate to wins, and good vibes do not make players better. 

Three years into the rebuild, and the Flyers have good vibes and a star prospect, who happens to play the least important position on the ice and happens to play the one position that the Flyers have talent in (winger). The puck has not yet dropped on the 82-game season, but when it does, many Flyers fans will be faced with the same thoughts that they have had for a decade, thoughts of directionlessness, stagnation, and another year wasted in one of the best hockey towns in the country. One can only hope I am wrong, but until actual change occurs and improvement is seen, it will be the same old Flyers, once again.