The Philadelphia Flyers have a roster with plenty of players who have lots to gain or lose this season.

Like every season, new opportunities arise for some players, while the window to take that opportunity shrinks for others.

Our friend Dan Kingerski over at Pittsburgh Hockey Now wrote about which Penguins have the biggest opportunity for gain or loss this season, which sparked some Flyers-related thoughts of my own.

So, with that said, let’s look at some of the Flyers players with the most to gain or lose this season.

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Matvei Michkov Has the Most to Gain

If it wasn’t already obvious, Matvei Michkov has the most to gain out of any Flyer this season.

In the first year of a new system, Michkov should flourish this season. Not only will he see an increase in minutes, but he’ll likely get to play with the most skilled center he’s skated with yet.

Michkov broke onto the NHL scene fast last season, proving his future stardom. The sky remains the limit for the young star. Yet, he was left out of the Calder Finalist list. Despite the impressive rookie season, Michkov still has much to prove.

Between a likely minutes increase, consistent lines, and still plenty to prove, Michkov is the Flyer with the most to gain this season.

Travis Konecny Has the Most to Lose

Travis Konecny has his long-term contract, so what does he really have to lose?

Well, that is true, but it doesn’t mean he does not have the most pressure on him this season.

Konecny is entering year one of his eight-year $70 million deal. He has shown steady improvement in every season since 2020. However, he always finds himself slumping at various points in the year.

I am a big believer in Konecny, but it doesn’t mean the pressure isn’t on. With the raise comes increased pressure.

While he has the contract, the pressure increases for Konecny, giving him the most to lose this season.

Flyers with the Biggest Opportunity this Season

Matvei Michkov has the most to gain this season, but he is not the only Flyer with a great opportunity this season. Here are the top three Flyers, aside from Michkov, with the biggest opportunity.

#3 Noah Cates

Noah Cates broke out last season and showed how he can be an impactful player for the Flyers.

While he may not be getting top-line minutes this coming season, Cates still earned plenty of opportunities and responsibility.

Cates should find plenty of time on the penalty kill, in late-game situations with a lead, or even when an opponent’s best player is on the ice.

That allows him to grow his role with the team and the coaching staff that will be around for his new four-year contract.

#2 Cam York

It’s very obvious that Cam York and John Tortorella did not see eye to eye. Good thing for York, it’s a new year with a new system.

York has the opportunity to change the direction of his career and change his Flyers legacy.

Certainly, the Tocchet regime will try things differently from Tortorella. That should give York a second chance to become the two-way defenseman he was poised to be.

#1 Trevor Zegras

New year, new team, new opportunity for Trevor Zegras.

The former Anaheim Ducks star fell off and out of the rotation for a number of reasons. Whether it was due to injury, being lower in the lineup, or even playing out of position, Zegras’ career did not pan out as expected.

Now that he is a Flyer, he’ll have the opportunity to play top-six minutes, be back in the center position where he has thrived, and will get to play between two of Michkov, Konecny, Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett.

With Zegras being an RFA after this season, this becomes a big contract year for the young center.

Zegras has the opportunity to get his career back on track in Philadelphia.

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