Photo Credit: Katelynn Reiss
Everyone knows by now how dismal this Flyer season was, and how tough it was for the fans and media alike. Even in in abysmal season, Flyers team awards were still presented as normal. Travis Sanheim cleaned the house of team awards, as he should have considering he was the most consistent Flyer this season. Here are the list of the winners for all team awards:
MVP (Bobby Clarke Trophy)- Cam Atkinson
Best Defenseman (Barry Ashbee)- Travis Sanheim
Nice Guy/Class Act (Yanick Dupre)- Cam Atkinson
Most Improved (Pelle Lindbergh)- Travis Sanheim
Most Heart (Gene Hart)- Zack MacEwen
Toyota Cup Winner- Carter Hart
Travis Sanheim
The young 25-year-old, 6’3 181 pound, Travis Sanheim has been the Flyers most steadiest defenseman this season. Paired alongside Rasmus Ristolainen for the majority of the season, the two played well together for the most part, as Sanheim has been very consistent. The one area that Sanheim should have received more playing time was the Power Play. It’s time to take the gloves off these younger guys, and see what the Flyers got.
He was in the passing lanes, his gap control was better, and Sanheim was just confident with the puck which were leading to quick zone exits.
Sanheim said earlier in the season, “A lot of changes. A lot of new faces. I think everyone’s excited. I think we see a lot of good things in the moves that were made and gets us excited to get back to Philly. I know speaking with the other guys and the potential that we see. Chuck’s done his job. Now it’s up to us to come together as a group and show him the moves that he made and why he did them.”
Cam Atkinson
Chuck Fletcher and the Flyers entered into an offseason knowing that there were major changes in store for the team. After a debacle of the 2020-21 season and facing a difficult cap situation, the organization knew high priced fan favorites would have to be moved to address scoring and defensive depth. One of the top priorities for the team was to add a shoot first winger to play a top six forward. The Flyers pulled the trigger in a rare one-for-one deal, and traded Jakub Voracek for Cam Atkinson
The acquisition of Cam Atkinson highlighted some of the priorities that the Flyers had for their offseason most notably: Leadership, ability to play at 5-on-5, faster starts, and special teams. Before the two Covid shortened seasons, Atkinson averaged 20+ goals per season. His career high came in the 2018-2019 season when he scored 41 goals, to go along with his 28 assists.
Atkinson was just as advertised before his season ending injury, shooting from everywhere. He has literally done everything, and provides much needed energy to the lineup. Atkinson blocks shots, hits, and really wears his heart on his sleeve. He takes responsibility, that is what this young team is going to need in the future. Accountability is a an breath of fresh air for this organization, as it is very uncommon for players to openly take accountability. The season did not end the way he hoped, but I assure you he looks to make amends next season.
Zack MacEwen
MacEwen, 25, has registered three goals and six assists this season with the Flyers, and only has tallied nine goals for his career in the NHL. He is known for his hitting, grit, and just being a hard-nosed player to play against. MacEwen has quickly turned into a fan favorite here in Philly, and it has to do with him working hard. He never takes a shift off and should be re-signed in the offseason.
Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher continues to revamp the team with physicality. He took over a role that when healthy Samuel Morin would be utilized for, and he has relished that with the Flyers this season.
This native of Canada in MacEwen is not afraid to stick up for his teammates, “Happy to have him on the team,” said Carter Hart following a game against the Washington Capitals. “Maccer (Zack) did a good job stepping up defending our teammates. Was a great tilly. He’s a tough customer. We’re real lucky to have him on our team.”
Carter Hart
The 22-year-old netminder had a tremendous back bounce season considering the level of play in front of him on a nightly basis. In most cases, Hart was the reason why the Flyers were able to stay competitive in games. Hart’s stats were much improved from the stats the goaltender posted last season as he finished the season sporting a .905% save percentage. With the way the Flyers have performed in front of Hart, Hart’s GAA was left desirable with a 3.05 GAA. Of course, it didn’t tell the whole story, nonetheless Flyers fans should remain confident in Hart moving forward.
In a season clearly highlighting the Flyers flaws. One certainty is that Carter Hart is the goaltender of the future for the Flyers.
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