Not predictions, picks. Here’s mine…
Bobby Clarke Award – Team MVP: Travis Konecny
TK had another solid season with the club leading the team in scoring while reaching a career high in points. With one game left Konecny has 24-G 51-A for 75-PTS. Travis found himself riding the snake for chunks of the season but converted his frustration with the net into playmaking and recording a career high in assists to repeat his feat as team points leader. This was a strong year after signing a big contract which is always a huge relief. Michkov may give him a run for his money next season by this year Konecny is still top dog. Dangerous in every situation, relentless.
Barry Ashbee Award – Outstanding Defenseman: Travis Sanheim
Sanheim has matured into a leader in the defensive core making an impact both offensively as well a defensively. He has appeared in 80 games so far this season and logged an impressive average ice time of 24:33 minutes per game. Sanheim is relied on heavily for consistency at the blue line last week in New York against the Rangers he logged 27:38 minutes. That’s getting close to half the game. Sanheim has been adept at moving the puck and has been key to the transition game.
Pelle Lindbergh Award – Most Improved: Rasmus Ristolainen
Although he’s played in only 63 games this season due to injury he was logging a solid 20:31 minutes per game and doing it well. Ristolainen is a force to reckon with on the ice, clearing the crease, supporting his goaltender, and becoming a responsible presence in the d-zone. His size and strength are almost comical at times as he easily crumples opponents along the boards and into the ice. Consistent coaching was something his career had been lacking before joining the Flyers. His hard work has been paying off. Brad Shaw has been given much credit for his work with Risto.
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Yanick Dupre Award – Class Guy: Ivan Fedotov
Fedotov has a humble and sincere way of interacting with the fans here in Philadelphia that is just really neat to watch. This is just one great example of the unique way he connects with Flyers Fans.
Gene Hart Award – Most Heart: Matvei Michkov
At 19 years of age Michkov comes to a new country with a new language and so much to learn. A new team, a new league with a longer schedule and greater intensity. A demanding coach, a losing season, a home town crowd that is not shy about anything. Every eye is on him every single game. People are always putting the future of the franchise on his now 20 year old rookie shoulders. And he holds up just fine. He’s currently tied for most goals on the team with 24 and he is 2nd in points. That takes a lot of heart.
Flyers Alumni Award – Outstanding Leadership: Travis Konecny
On the ice Konecny is a fierce competitor, tenacious, hard-working, and totally dedicated to his team. He’s a scrappy guard dog that never stops barking. Always chirping, always yapping. He’s an expert at getting under the opponent’s skin. He’s loyal to his teammates and cowers to no one. When the chips are down it’s go time. A Flyer through and through. Off the ice he is confidently soft spoken. Upfront, honest, and a voice of reason. He has an on and off switch like night and day.
