Charlie – interesting hypothetical for you, based upon some of the developments in the past ~2 months (primarily assuming that Zegras can stick down the middle as a higher end 2C).

Let’s say it’s the offseason and it becomes increasingly more clear that the only realistic way to get another top 6 center is via trade. Let’s say they kick the tires again on Robert Thomas and the asking price is in the ballpark of 3 first round picks, plus a couple of younger players/prospects (e.g. Andrae and Luchanko). Yes, it’s a bit rich for the player, but that’s the position we’ve found ourselves in.

We obviously have a gluttony of wingers (presumably one less, in this exercise, with Zegras staying at center). If you had to move a winger in a separate trade, to grab additional assets that would then be flipped to the Blues, who would you move on from? Is Tippett now too valuable with how he’s played, or is this just the brighest flash in the pan we’ve seen from him yet, meaning we can cash in at an all-time high? Is it time to move on from Konecny if we get back high-end value and he’s starting to age out of our ideal window? Do you move on from somebody like Foerster who you have some possible durability concerns with?

Either way, it’s a great problem to have. But curious who you think would toe the line of expendable with the highest value, given some of these newer developments.

Great article and insights there, thank you, Charlie. It did seem to me that the Flyers had opened up the offense a little more – good to see it being backed up.

I recall a quote by Torts where he was shifting the team from dump and chase to a more carry-in style of offense, so as to prepare them for the arrival of Michkov. And I do t think it’s a coincidence that MM looked a lot better there.

Is there a way to grade his production based on the controlled entry vs dump&chase? I’di suspect the difference would be quite significant.

Anyway, enough of all that. I gladly take back my complaints about Tocchet’s boring system – for the first time in ages, late season hockey means something.

Let’s effing go!!!!

Another outstanding article, Charlie. I will admit the Flyers are the number 4 team for me. Your articles are the reason I understand hockey much better. Thanks

Great job explaining the Flyers recent surge back to relevancy, Charlie! The analytics point to the changes that the coaching staff has made all working out in their favor and this is a fairly large sample size to prove it out. Granted some of these are changes that us fans have been asking for all season: Zegras @ C, Michkov @ RW, and Couturier moved down the lineup. All have benefited both the player and the team. I really commend Coots for taking the 4th line center role, now that is a captain! The change is defensive system is an admirable switch and shows that Tocchet is capable of learning himself. Go Flyers!!