Flyers Forecast: 5 August Predictions

As August grows near its end, the 2026-27 season draws closer and closer. The Philadelphia Flyers are making their way back to Voorhees, New Jersey, as September training camp grows nearer and nearer.

This will be an important training camp for the Flyers. They have a few key roster battles, and maybe even some competition to see who could fill out that crowded top-6, even top-9 spots on the wing. The team that they put together this season will play a big role, following up on the playoff team that beat all of the expectations from last season.

Now, can they make it back to the postseason? That’s the next question.

Flyers’ GM Danny Briere had a clear goal in mind this summer when approaching trades and free agent signings. His ambition was to get better, not in a way that just helps right now. Instead, he wanted to find ways to get better in the long term.

The Flyers did not make many moves, and none were too major. Their offer sheet attempt at Leo Carlsson showed the ambition, but they came up empty when the Ducks matched.

So now, focus shifts to training camp: the roster battles, lineup spots, and which youngsters rise up and take the next step.

So, while it’s still August, let’s lay down some predictions for the Flyers’ coming season.

5 Flyers Predictions in August

5. Oliver Bonk Forces Flyers’ Hand, Makes NHL Roster

While we all expect there to be a battle at camp for the 6th defenseman spot between Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek, one may have a slight advantage. Jiricek is no longer waiver-exempt and is on a one-way deal. Bonk can still be loaned back to the Phantoms without being waived.

So, if the Flyers don’t want to risk losing Jiricek, he’ll have to make the team out of training camp.

That is why I beleive he has an advantage over Bonk in the roster battle.

My first prediction is that Bonk will force the Flyers’ hand and give them no choice but to keep him around. The young blueliner looked ready to be an NHL defender in his first regular-season game, even if it was against a Canadiens team resting some starters.

Even in his one playoff game against the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, Bonk did not look out of place. He got a taste and now knows what he needs to work on. I think Oliver Bonk is ready to break onto the NHL scene, and will put on a performance at camp that forces the Flyers’ decision.

4. Matvei Michkov Forces His Way Back into a Top 6 Role

Last season, a big deal was made over Matvei Michkov coming into camp out of shape. He did not have the training camp he wanted and was set behind for the season. It was a less-than-ideal sophomore season for the Flyers’ rising star. It seems like he took it personally.

Michkov has spent the offseason training and preparing for the coming season. He looks ready to go for the season. He seems determined to put last season behind him, like there is a chip on his shoulder.

That said, I think the show begins in training camp. My second prediction is that Matvei Michkov is set to take that second step he did not take last season and really assert himself as a top-6 player on this team.

Whether it was rookie sheltering or performance-based from last season, Michkov has spent a lot of time on the 3rd line in his career. I beleive he will earn the right to play in the team’s Top-6 following an excellent training camp.

3. No Major Roster Decisions

I think one prediction is that the Flyers will not make any real major roster decisions. For the most part, things will go as expected.

Noel Acciarri will fill the Luke Glendenning role. Jett Luchanko will start the year in the AHL. Joseph Woll will be the 2nd goalie. There does not seem to be any real wild cards at camp this season.

One could become one if they decide to start Bonk in the AHL, which I don’t think they will; then who becomes the 7th defenseman? Or, if Nikita Grebenkin is not healthy for the start of the year, who will start the season as the 13th/14th forward?

Either way, those are all minor decisions. I don’t think the Flyers will have any surprises up their sleeves in camp.

2. Jamie Drysdale Keeps Getting Better

We saw Jamie Drysdale turn into a really solid two-way defenseman last season. For a guy who was tabbed as an offensive blueliner with no real game in the defensive zone, we saw a great improvement in Drysdale’s game.

The improvement showed a completely different player. He used his great speed to become effective on the backcheck. Drysdale became more efficient with his stick in the defensive zone and had the ability to stay on a skater.

Now, there is still plenty of improvement to be done defensively; Drysdale proved that he is far from a liability.

This season, I think Drysdale finally takes that big step in his offensive game. Rick Tocchet always talks about how if he could add a few more miles per hour to his shot, Drysdale could have an effect similar to a guy like Quinn Hughes.

Obviously, Drysdale is not going to become Hughes in one offseason, if at all. But Drysdale knows where he needed to improve from last season. If he comes back with a harder shot, look out.

1. Flyers Make a Deadline Splash, Solidify 2nd-Straight Playoff Berth

For my final August prediction, I am going to make a little bit of a bold one.

I predict that the Flyers will make a splash at the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline, one that will solidify them as a playoff contender. Last year, the Flyers had to fight their way into the playoff race, almost needed to be sellers at the trade deadline. They did not, and clearly that became the right choice.

This coming season, I beleive the Flyers will be in a better position. They’ll be in a playoff spot by the deadline and become comfortable making a big splash at a position of need, like center or a No. 1 defender, that will solidify them as a true playoff contender that can go on a run.

Who that player may be is hard to guess. That depends on which teams find themselves in a position to sell, and whether a player who fits the vision becomes available. The Flyers do have plenty of assets to make a deal, and I beleive that Briere will find a way to start adding at the deadline, starting next season.

Do you have any predictions for the coming season?

Tags: