The Flyers’ chances of returning to the 2025-26 NHL Playoffs are uncertain, as predictions vary based on available analyses. The team has not made the playoffs since 2020, matching their longest postseason drought in franchise history (1989-94). Last season (2024-25), they finished with a 28-32-8 record, placing last in the Metropolitan Division, thus failing to make the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.
Believe it or not, users on X are nearly split down the middle if the Flyers will make the playoffs this season. I conducted a poll yesterday, and well over 500 respondents were nearly split down the middle with the Flyers making the playoffs this coming season.
Factors Against Playoff Chances:
- Recent Performance: The Flyers have struggled, missing the playoffs for five consecutive seasons. Their 2024-25 season ended with a late collapse, going 1-10-1 in their final 12 games, with poor Goaltending (.888 save percentage at 5-on-5, lowest since 2009-10) and a 30th-ranked power play (14.9%).
- Goaltending Concerns: Samuel Ersson, Ivan Fedotov, and Aleksei Kolosov have not proven reliable, with Ersson ranking 40th in save percentage (.881) among goalies with 30+ games. The addition of Dan Vladar may improve the situation but is not expected to elevate them significantly.
- Roster Limitations: The Flyers lack game-breaking talent and experienced depth, particularly at center. Their offense ranked poorly in high-danger shot percentage and shooting efficiency last season.
- Tough Competition: The Metropolitan Division remains highly competitive, with teams like the Hurricanes, Devils, and Rangers projected to dominate. The Flyers’ rebuild is ongoing, and they may still be a year or two away from contending.
Factors Favoring Playoff Chances:
- Offseason Moves: The acquisition of Trevor Zegras from Anaheim is a significant addition, potentially boosting their offense as a top-six center alongside rookie Matvei Michkov, who led NHL rookies with 26 goals and 63 points in 2024-25. A healthy Zegras could return to his 60+ point form, and Michkov is projected to possibly hit 100 points.
- Coaching Change: The departure of John Tortorella and the introduction of new head coach Rick Tocchet could improve prospect integration and team dynamics, addressing past issues with young players’ development.
- Draft Capital and Prospects: The Flyers have six picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft, including Porter Martone (No. 6 overall), which could add depth for the future. Young players like Cam York, signed to a five-year extension, and Jamie Drysdale are expected to take steps forward.
- Optimistic Predictions: Some analysts, like those at brotherlypuck.com, boldly predict the Flyers could end their playoff drought this season, citing the potential of their young core and new coaching staff, though they acknowledge it’s an uphill battle.
Projections and Sentiment:
- No definitive statistical projections for 2025-26 playoff odds are available in the provided data, but earlier in 2024-25, the Flyers had a 77.1% chance of making the playoffs mid-season before collapsing.
- Analysts note that while the Flyers could be closer to competitiveness, their Goaltending and Power Play issues, combined with a tough division, make a playoff berth unlikely without significant improvements or luck (e.g., injuries to competitors).
The Flyers are not favored to make the 2025-26 playoffs due to their ongoing rebuild, Goaltending uncertainties, and competitive division. However, the additions of Zegras, a new coaching staff, and Michkov’s development provide some hope.
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