The Philadelphia Flyers are showing progress in 2023-24. In fact, not only are they showing progress, they are in the thick of the playoff race. Even beyond that, they are true contenders for the Metropolitan Division title. Philadelphia sits in second place behind the New York Rangers as of this writing.
The Flyers are one of the surprising teams of this season. Many expected this to be a true rebuilding year. The team would struggle most of the season behind trading veterans at the trade deadline for future assets. However, with their current standing, Philadelphia may not go that route.
Philadelphia has now reached the midway point of the season. So let's take a look at how they've done so far. Here are the midseason grades for the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2023-24 NHL season.
Forwards grade: B+
The Flyers, on paper, had a solid group of forwards heading into this season. That's rang true so far in 2023-24. Travis Konecny is building off his 31-goal season last year. And the team is receiving bounce-back performances from a few members of the forward core.
Veteran Sean Couturier returned from injury this season after a year and a half away. And he continued where he left off. Couturier is a heart-and-soul type player, and a legitimate contender for the Selke Trophy. Furthermore, the veteran forward could reach the 20-goal mark this year.
Another big-time performer this year has been Joel Farabee. Farabee put up 20 goals in his first full season in the league. After that, though, the 23-year-old had fallen short of that mark. However, Farabee has put up 15 goals already through 44 games. He is on pace to shatter numerous offensive career highs.
Scoring depth behind Konecny, Farabee, and Owen Tippett does leave a bit to be desired. That said, this forward group is solid overall. And in terms of general depth, they are one of the deeper teams in the league. The Flyers have a reliable group for their playoff push.
Defense grade: B+
For all the bounce back performances they've received up front, the most important positive steps have come on the blueline. Philadelphia's defensive group has impressed a lot this year. Travis Sanheim has rebounded after nearly being traded to the St. Louis Blues in the offseason. Sean Walker has also impressed in his first year with Philadelphia.
Beyond those two, you have Rasmus Ristolainen and Nick Seeler. Seeler is a bottom-pairing shot-blocking monster that is extremely popular on this team. Ristolainen, meanwhile, is finally playing to the potential the team saw in him when they acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres in 2021.
Philadelphia's defensive group is not perfect. There are others in this group that have left more to be desired from their level of play. And this grade is not counting Jamie Drysdale, who could change the dynamic after coming over from the Anaheim Ducks. Still, this is a solid group that can hold down the fort when needed.
Goaltending grade: A
The Flyers have received rather strong goaltending this season. For the most part, young goaltender Carter Hart has received much of the attention. Hart has bounced back after a rather rough few seasons following an excellent 2019-20 campaign. That said, he isn't the only one producing in between the pipes.
Backup Sam Ersson has emerged this season. He is still technically a rookie, which has seen him lead all rookie goaltenders in save percentage (.910), lowest goals against average (2.33), and wins (11). The Swedish puck-stopper could find himself as a dark horse candidate for the Calder Trophy if he continues his current form.
Philadelphia's overall goaltending tandem has played incredibly well this season. And as a result, the Flyers are keeping up with some of the best in the East. If they make the playoffs, goaltending will play a major role.