2013-14 record: 42-30-10 (94 points)
Lost to NY Rangers in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Claude Giroux
A chaotic season began with a change in coaches just three games in and ended with an early playoff exit. The off-season, while relatively quiet on the free agent front, was eventful, from Ron Hextall being named General Manager to Claude Giroux having a new hobby with male police officers. The only real change in the lineup is that R.J. Umberger will be joining the team after coming over in a trade with Columbus that saw Scott Hartnell go the other way. Other than that, the lineup remains the same, although the Flyers would love to get rid of Vincent Lecavalier's contract. Offensively, Giroux leads the charge, and though there are plenty of secondary scoring options, most of the players aren't consistent enough to overcome the defensive shortcomings. Speaking of the defense, it remains a problem, as Kimmo Timonen, their best defenseman last year, had to be talked out of retirement for this year. Braydon Coburn is still inconsistent, Mark Streit is strictly an offensive defenseman, and the average age of the six defensemen slated to start the season is north of 30. Despite the 20th rank on defense, it was Steve Mason who kept the Flyers in it most nights. His absence was felt the most in the playoffs, where the Flyers were simply shellacked when he wasn't there.
Prediction: 4th in the Metropolitan Division
Offensively, the Flyers can compete with anyone in the league, and as long as Steve Mason is healthy and building upon a solid 2013-14 campaign, the Flyers could be a dark horse to make a deep playoff run. However, the blue line unit remains average at best, and are in desperate need of a dominant number one player.
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