Bobby Brink indeed had a notable rebound season with the Flyers in 2024-25, showing significant growth after a challenging 2023-24 campaign. He was a force in both ends of the ice, particularly his play away from the puck, “Yea with my defensive game,” Brink said of what he believed his most improvement was in his game. “I try to play within the structure, check the other team. I feel like I always knew how to do it. I think I got better in it just from focusing on it more.”
Brink recorded 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 64 games, a marked improvement over his 2023-24 season where he posted 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 57 games. His points-per-60-minutes rate placed him fifth on the team, highlighting his offensive contribution despite averaging 14:18 of ice time per game.
Role and Consistency:
Brink solidified his spot in the Flyers’ lineup, primarily playing on a dependable third line with Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster. His hustle, playmaking, and improved defensive game earned him consistent ice time under former Head Coach John Tortorella, who previously challenged Brink to enhance his checking and overall play. Tortorella noted Brink’s progress, particularly in areas like physicality and defensive responsibility, which were unexpected given his 5-foot-9, 169-pound frame and offensive background from college.
“We have always been friends off the ice,” Brink said of Foerster and Cates. “We are similar in age and kind of came in at the same time, so we had a natural friendship there. We are three pretty easygoing guys. I mean, you play 82 games, you’re going to mess up at some point. So, we are not too worried about it. Everyone goes out there and the other guys are giving their best.”
Key Moments:
Brink’s standout performances included a two-goal, one-assist game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 13, 2025, helping the Flyers snap a five-game losing streak. His ability to deliver in clutch situations, like scoring out of the penalty box and setting up linemates with precise passes, showcased his growth beyond raw stats.
After an up-and-down 2023-24 season where he faced healthy scratches, a demotion to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and a late-season offensive slump (one goal in his final nine games), Brink’s 2024-25 season demonstrated resilience. His time in the AHL (13 games, 7 goals, 6 assists) and subsequent recall helped him regain confidence, and he worked on his physicality and skating over the summer, which translated to a more complete NHL game.
With one year left on his two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract, Brink’s improved play has sparked discussions about his long-term fit with the Flyers. While his size remains a concern, his production and development suggest he could be a second-line staple, though he faces competition from emerging prospects and established wingers like Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov.
Brink’s ability to overcome earlier setbacks, improve defensively, and contribute offensively marks this as a successful rebound season, positioning him as a key part of the Flyers’ young core, especially with the new head coach in Rick Tocchet that enjoys the play away from the puck. That’s exactly what Tocchet said at his introductory presser, and Brink Will just be one player Tocchet relies on for checking.
“Just keep getting better at all areas of the game,” Brink said at exit interviews. “Try to get faster and stronger and work on skills a bit, so hopefully just try to become a better player.”
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