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Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers fell flat in 2021-22 and don’t look ready to rebound in 2022-23. They are in a very deep Metropolitan Division that still features Stanley Cup contenders in the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.

The New York Islanders took a step back last season, but the Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils are much improved heading into this season. Meanwhile, the Flyers have not done a lot to improve their team.

They traded franchise cornerstone Claude Giroux last season and didn’t replace him. Even with him in the lineup for three-quarters of the season, the Flyers finished with just 61 points.

A big reason for that was significant injuries to Sean Couturier and Ryan Ellis, but the team announced already that neither player is likely to play much, if at all, this upcoming season either.

The Flyers do have a couple of young players forwards, Owen Tippett and Bobby Brink, who could help and there is always the chance Carter Hart starts to play to his potential and the team is much improved.

However, with their key injuries, and not a lot of depth up front, the Flyers are destined for another season near the bottom of the NHL standings.