3 Bold Predictions for the Flyers in 2026-27

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3 Bold Predictions for the Flyers in 2026-27

3 Bold Predictions for the Flyers in 2026-27 — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

William James · Philly Hockey Now

Mon, Sep 28, 2026 ·

6 min read

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The Philadelphia Flyers surprised many last season when they snapped their 5-year playoff drought and finished in 3rd place in the Metropolitan Division. This season, the Flyers have the chance to match that success and find themselves in the postseason.

The 2026-27 NHL season begins in just two days for the Flyers. Last season , before the year began, we predicted that Zegras would have a 25+ goal season, which he accomplished. We also predicted that the Flyers would make the playoffs, which also happened. Our prediction that missed the mark was Owen Tippett scoring 30 goals; he was just 2 shy.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, it's time to predict the future once again.

The Flyers did not make any team-altering moves in the offseason. After adding Noel Acciari , Joseph Woll , and Simon Benoit , the Flyers filled some holes on the roster, but did not make a move to jump them from playoff hopefuls to Stanley Cup contenders. However, the core that made the playoffs is still intact. With the core being so young, the expectation should be that they're only getting better, and the playoffs should be the expectation this season.

So, let's lay down our prediction for the coming season.

Flyers Young Stars Shine, Michkov & Martone Each Score 25 Goals

Is it bold, or is it not?

The Flyers have a duo of Young stars in Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone. Both players have sky-high expectations regarding their future, but also this coming season. Martone is coming off an incredible year in the NCAA and World Juniors, and capped it with a brief 9-game stint in the NHL regular season and 10 playoff games. He looked right where he belonged.

Michkov, after a down sophomore year, spent the summer training and now looks better than ever. He is moving quickly, his hands look faster, and he seems poised for a big bounce-back year. His passing has been on point all throughout camp, and his shot looks dialed in already.

It's a lot of pressure, but a lot of the Flyers' long-term success sits in the hands of these two young stars. This season, the Flyers will see the reward of their draft picks.

My first bold prediction is a two-for-one. Martone scored 4 goals in 9 games last regular season. 25 goals should be a light prediction for him. Matvei Michkov has already scored 26 goals once in his career. Predicting a 25-goal season for one of them seems a little light for a bold prediction. That's why I am predicting that both players hit the mark.

Joseph Woll Provides Stability in Goal as a Backup, Earns 20+ Wins

Last season, the Flyers' backup goalies combined for a record of 14-13-5 in decisions between Samuel Ersson and Aleksei Kolosov . The backup goaltender position had been something biting the Flyers for a little while now.

GM Danny Briere went out and acquired Joseph Woll from the Toronto Maple Leafs to help shore up that position and give the Flyers a little more stability between the pipes.

Dan Vladar was incredible last season. However, because of the lack of stability behind him, he was forced to play a career-high 52 games.

This season, the Flyers won't have to rely on Vladar as much. Woll is a solid goaltender. One who you could probably name a handful of NHL teams that he would start for. Instead, he'll back up Vladar, but he will give the Flyers confidence in doing so.

Winning games with your backup goalie is something every contending team needs to do to make that playoff push. Woll will give the Flyers confidence when he starts, and I predict he picks up 20+ wins this season. A little bonus: I am also predicting that he appears in more than 35 games, giving the Flyers more of a tandem, rather than a starter and a backup.

Tyson Foerster Becomes the Flyers' First 35+ Goal Scorer Since 2011-12

It has been well over a year since the Flyers had a player score more than 35 goals. The last one to do so? Well, that was Scott Hartnell in the 2011-12 season.

This season, I am predicting that the Flyers will once again have a 35+ goal scorer.

Tyson Foerster was on a tear last season before an early December injury forced him to miss the majority of he remainder of the regular season. He was held to 29 games last season, but still managed to rack up 13 goals. For reference, that pace would put him on track for 37 goals if he plays in all 84 games this coming season.

Foerster is going to have a big role this season. With top-6 minutes and a spot on the top power play, he'll have plenty of opportunity to rack up goals.

Matvei Michkov's improved conditioning was a major talking point of camp this season. One thing that was not talked about enough was how much Foerster's conditioning looks improved. He came into camp looking leaner than ever, skating better, and his shot is still just as dangerous.

It's going to be a big, big year for Foerster, who I think could easily hit 60 points this season. However, points aren't the prediction here. I am predicting a monster goal-scoring year for the 24-year -old forward entering his 4th full NHL campaign.

Bonus: Flyers Finish 3rd in Metropolitan Division Again

As mentioned earlier, the Flyers did not make any major additions to the skater group in the offseason. While Noel Acciari was a great pickup and will certainly improve that 4th line, it was not a signing that will boost the team from playoff hunters to Cup Contenders.

At the same time, the core from last season remained intact, and they only look to have gotten better over the offseason. The Flyers will be improved from last year. They finished with a 43-27-12 record and 98 points, which was enough to fend off the rest of the Metro and hold on to that 3rd spot.

This season, I am predicting 100 points as the floor and 48 wins for the Flyers. So, let's say that with a handful of overtime losses, the Flyers end the season with somewhere around 105 points; that should be more than enough for at least the 2nd spot in the division.

The Hurricanes aren't going to be knocked off the top of the Metropolitan mountain any time soon. Washington went out and spent big money to improve their club for what is likely Alexander Ovechkin 's last season. I would also expect a bounce-back year for the Devils, and don't count out what the Islanders can do, especially if their forwards step up.

I think the Flyers will be able to hold off the Penguins, who finished 2nd last season, the Devils, and the Islanders, and finish 3rd in the Metropolitan behind the defending champs and the Capitals .

What are your bold predictions for the 2026-27 season?