Kevin Kurz

No

Yes, the Flyers will have to make a big trade. No, it doesn’t mean everyone is available Whether or not Quinn Hughes will be available, the Flyers will look at a big move — but only at a certain cost.

Some of the takes I've seen lately -- No one is untouchable! Briere should have made a big trade by now! -- represent a fundamental misunderstanding of how this front office operates.

My column:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...

Flyers at the quarter point: Zegras’ offense, unsustainable resilience, Michkov’s journey Plus Tyson Foerster's rising importance and scoring woes on the Flyers' fourth line.

📈 Zegras, Vladar, Foerster thriving

📉 Seeler, Hathaway struggling; Couturier goes cold

💪🏼 Michkov still working his way back physically

😬 Depth still questionable

And more of what we learned through the first quarter of the Flyers' season:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

Flyers at the quarter point: Zegras’ offense, unsustainable resilience, Michkov’s journey Plus Tyson Foerster's rising importance and scoring woes on the Flyers' fourth line.

My broad look at the Flyers now that we're one quarter of the way through the regular season:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

Flyers have led games this season a total of 269:59. That's the second-lowest total in the NHL, ahead of only Nashville. They've trailed for 526:56.

Fairly remarkable their record is what it is. Impressive they keep erasing deficits, but that's not sustainable. Need more leads.

Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko traded in OHL: What it means for him Luchanko has had two brief NHL stints with the Flyers.

Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko traded in OHL: What it means for him

With @scottcwheeler:

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www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

Flyers’ 3 goals in 26 seconds set franchise record, show signs of improving offense Philadelphia scored a franchise-record three goals in just 26 seconds in the first period, the fifth-fastest mark in NHL history.

"It’s going to be a work in progress, and we’re going to have some good days and bad days.”

Saturday was a good day for the Flyers' offensive attack. It's going to be critical they maintain that during a hectic part of their schedule this coming week.

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www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

Flyers score 3 goals in 26 seconds, showing signs of an improving offense Philadelphia scored a franchise-record three goals in just 26 seconds in the first period, the fifth-fastest mark in NHL history.

It's been a process for the Flyers to figure out just what Rick Tocchet wants them to do offensively.

For one night at least, it looked like it's starting to click.

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www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

Emil Andrae showing Flyers he belongs with the big club, permanently Andrae has become a mainstay in the Flyers’ lineup, and was promoted to the second defense pair with Jamie Drysdale on Thursday.

On Emil Andrae settling in, and showing Flyers he belongs with the big club after initial AHL reassignment left him "pissed."

More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

Is now the time for Flyers to recall prospects Alex Bump and Aleksei Kolosov? After a slow start, Alex Bump leads the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 15 games.

Alex Bump and Aleksei Kolosov have been playing well with the Phantoms. It's led to speculation they could be recalled to the Flyers.

Is now the time?

(Spoiler alert: don't bet on it).

🔗

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

I know there's a lot out about there about maybe recalling Bump and/or Kolosov -- and my story on that will be up tomorrow morning -- but there's nothing imminent. Belief is Bump is benefitting from marinating with the Phantoms, and there is still faith in Ersson.

Why Flyers forward Matvei Michkov may still be getting limited minutes Michkov looked to be turning a corner after a bump in minutes and scoring goals in three straight games — until his usage dipped again.

Yesterday I texted three former players/analysts with a question: How long does it take an out of shape player to get up to speed?

The answers may help reveal why Matvei Michkov is still getting limited minutes in a team struggling for offense.

More:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Cam York thriving on Flyers’ blue line after last season’s disappointing campaign After a difficult year last season, Cam York has arguably been the Flyers’ top defenseman this season.

"I think there’s a little bit of F-you (in his game)," Rick Tocchet said recently of Cam York.

Who that might be directed at people can draw their own conclusions. Regardless, York is thriving so far.

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www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...

Flyers’ Matvei Michkov may be ready to break out after acknowledging poor offseason Michkov acknowledged that he could have handled his first NHL offseason differently and didn’t show up to camp in good enough shape.

Our @theathleticnhl coverage since the Flyers' last game...

Michkov ready to break out?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...

On Couturier's comments (column):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...

Pelle Lindbergh (feature):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

Extend Zegras now?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...

Should the Philadelphia Flyers extend Trevor Zegras now? The 24-year-old Zegras, who is a pending restricted free agent, has fit in with the Flyers on and off the ice.

“I want to win, man. I want to win so bad."

Trevor Zegras on a potential contract extension/thoughts on the Flyers organization, and a little help from @domluszczyszyn on what he might be worth:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...

Asked Trevor Zegras about a potential contract extension:

“I haven’t thought about it once. I feel like that’s just kind of a distraction. Playing some good hockey right now. That stuff will take care of itself in the long haul. But it’s not something I’m thinking about.”

NHL99: Joe Thornton pushed teammates to the brink, but they loved him for it Perhaps misunderstood outside the locker room, Joe Thornton remains beloved for his intensity and high standards.

I've often told people that my career highlight is that I got to cover Joe Thornton for a decade. With him going into the Hall, wanted to quickly resurface this story from our NHL 99 series a few years back.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/400...

There was nothing wrong with Sean Couturier’s assessment of Matvei Michkov The captain's recent comments about the Flyers' young potential star require some context.

After Matvei Michkov played his best game of the season Saturday, Sean Couturier still said the young winger has "got to find a way to contribute to helping the team win in other ways when you’re not scoring goals."

Appropriate, or out of line?

⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...

Why Pelle Lindbergh still resonates with the Flyers, 40 years after his death The team continues to honor Lindbergh, who died in a drunk-driving crash in 1985.

Today marks 40 years since Pelle Lindbergh's fatal crash. Even now, his name still resonates with the Flyers, their fans, and those that knew him.

My feature with insight from Dave Poulin, Mark Howe, Jay Snider, Mike Keenan, Bob Clarke and more:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

Flyers’ Matvei Michkov may be ready to break out after acknowledging poor offseason Michkov acknowledged that he could have handled his first NHL offseason differently and didn’t show up to camp in good enough shape.

Matvei Michkov acknowledged today that he could have handled his first offseason better.

But judging from the way he's been going lately, he could be rounding into form. Finally.

More ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...

Evaluating Owen Tippett’s streaky start to the Flyers’ season: ‘Just a matter of time’ The 26-year-old is struggling to find consistency, but he may have turned the corner after an excellent game against Montreal.

Owen Tippett didn't score on Tuesday, but he was very noticeable, with 6 shots and 11 attempts.

Tocchet: “He’s been a fun guy to coach. I want to help him get to the next level."

The Flyers need him, especially with Tyson Foerster still out.

⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...

Sam Ersson saw much more of the practice net today than Kolosov. He could return as soon as Saturday afternoon's home game with Ottawa.

Flyers offense shows signs of life in Montreal, unsurprisingly led by Trevor Zegras The Philadelphia Flyers have had a difficult time learning new coach Rick Tocchet’s offense. On Tuesday, it all clicked.

On the Flyers taking a major offensive step last night in Montreal, including Travis Sanheim's particularly insightful theory on why it's taken them a little while to do so.

My story from Montreal ⤵️

www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

What’s next for Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko? A trade? World Juniors? The Flyers have little, if any, say in the immediate future of a player for whom they still have high hopes.

Will Jett Luchanko be moved from Guelph? Is his spot on the World Junior team safe?

Quick story on what I'm hearing about the Flyers' 2024 first round pick:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...

What’s next for Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko? A trade? World Juniors? The Flyers have little, if any, say in the immediate future of a player for whom that they still have high hopes.

Jett Luchanko was reassigned to Guelph on Monday.

What I'm hearing that could come next for the Flyers prospect:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...

A confident Jamie Drysdale may be on the cusp of reaching the next level for Flyers Drysdale's path to becoming one of the league’s more effective play-driving defensemen this season starts with his confidence.

“Step by step, we’re getting there.”

On Jamie Drysdale's improved play, and a confidence level that the new coaching staff has helped him to achieve:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...

After shenanigans vs. Penguins, Trevor Zegras may be becoming a Flyers fan favorite In training camp, coach Rick Tocchet pushed Zegras about his reputation for "doing stuff for clicks on social media."

"He does get feisty like that sometimes."

On Trevor Zegras, those late-game shenanigans with the Penguins, and his potential to become a true Flyers fan favorite:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...

Flyers’ early results show Philadelphia may have addressed its biggest problem So far, Dan Vladar looks like a revelation in the Flyers' net, and his play might help Samuel Ersson, too.

Is the Flyers' goaltending this season...actually good?

On Dan Vladar's hot start, and Sam Ersson attempting to keep up with him ⤵️

www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...

Trevor Zegras offering hope that Flyers’ low-risk bet on him could pay off Zegras scored two goals and three points in the Flyers' 4-3 shootout win over the Islanders on Saturday.

"In games that can be tight, a guy like him can make those big plays for us, which he did.”

Daniel Briere's low-risk bet on Trevor Zegras is looking good, so far:

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www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...

Trevor Zegras offering hope that Flyers’ low-risk bet on him could pay off Zegras scored two goals and three points in the Flyers' 4-3 shootout win over the Islanders on Saturday.

Trevor Zegras is now tied for the Flyers' team lead in scoring with eight points (2g, 6a) in 8 games. He's offering plenty of hope that the Flyers’ low-risk bet on him could pay off.

More 🔗

www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...