Predicted Finish For The 2022-23 Philadelphia Flyers

If any current players on the Flyers roster thinks they can come in and automatically win a job, they had better think again.

Don't forget, it was Tortorella who benched star player Patrik Laine in Columbus. He won't take anything but a complete effort from his entire roster. The alternative is you sit on the bench.

Tortorella will begin the new season without three of his players due to injuries. Young prospect Bobby Brink will miss the first few months due to a torn labrum in his left hip.

Then, Ryan Ellis' return from a pelvic injury is still unknown. Finally, Joel Farabee is still recovering from surgery for a disc replacement.

All of this will not deter Tortorella's optimistic attitude towards his new team. He may need to determine how to generate some offense this coming season. They finished 31st with an average of just 2.56 goals a game.

With the intense competition in the Metropolitan Division, the Flyers have their work cut out for them if they don't want to repeat their last place finish a year ago.

They have the 'BIG FOUR' of the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals to contend with for a possible playoff spot.

Don't forget that the Columbus Blue Jackets snatched Johnny Gaudreau and that will elevate their standing. Another team who has improved is the New Jersey Devils. While they missed out on convincing Gaudeau to come home, they did add John Marino, Simon Nemec (the 2nd overall pick), and signed free agent Ondrej Palat.

The New York Islanders, while not adding any players of consequence look to be in the mix as always for a postseason spot.

Where does that leave the Flyers? More than likely, about at the same place they finished last season. They're not going to be horrible (Torts won't have it), but they will NOT be able to make the playoffs. Their division is way too talented for them to overtake another team.

Sorry, Flyers fans looks like eighth place again... maybe next year?