The Flyers’ progress this season has brought new energy to Philadelphia, but not every storyline around the team carries the same optimism. Their strong start has raised expectations, and fans now look beyond the standings for signs of what is to come next.

As the conversation shifts toward the future, one recent update from a top insider has introduced a twist that leads directly into the biggest question facing the team.

Insider Reveal Philadelphia Flyers’ Disappointing Miss in the Star Market

The Philadelphia Flyers have taken a real step forward this season. Their 14-7-3 record reflects a team that finally looks calm, prepared, and confident. They have been competitive in almost every game, matching consistent offense with reliable defense. With 2.83 goals scored per night and 2.79 allowed, their play has become more structured than in past years.

The Flyers have also recorded impressive wins against strong teams, including the Devils, Islanders, Panthers, and Penguins. The group isn’t perfect, but when mistakes happen, they respond quickly. For most of the season, they’ve looked like a team growing into a new identity.

But just as fans began to settle into the excitement of this year’s progress, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman delivered a reality check on the “32 Thoughts” Podcast. The Flyers may be improving on the ice, but behind the scenes, their plans have taken a hit.

“I would bet you that one of the teams most disappointed that some of these guys have come off the market is Philly. Like, there’s still Panarin,” Friedman said, pointing to the star names that never reached free agency.

He added that the Flyers were ready to chase a top-tier winger, saying, “I think Philly is a team that really wanted to take a swing. Like, if Kaprizov had gotten to the market, I would’ve loved to have seen what they would’ve thrown on the table.”

That comment reveals how serious the Flyers were about accelerating their rise. Kirill Kaprizov would have been the kind of superstar who changes a team’s ceiling overnight. Instead, the Wild locked him in with an eight-year, $136 million extension beginning in 2026-27. The deal removed one of the top possible targets for Philadelphia before they even had a chance to negotiate.

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Another potential path remains, but it’s far from certain. Friedman noted that Artemi Panarin is still set to hit the open market when his seven-year deal expires after this season. The 34-year-old winger continues to produce at an elite pace with 26 points in 27 games this year. His playmaking still drives the Rangers’ offense, and his recent four-point game against Boston shows he has not slowed down. He plays big minutes, contributes in key moments, and remains a difference-maker despite a -4 rating this season. But Panarin’s availability is not guaranteed, and his price will be steep.

For the Flyers, this update stings because it confirms how aggressively they hoped to upgrade their roster.