Flyers 2018-19 Projections: The Young Guns
Much like last season, the Flyers rosters consists heavily of young players both up front and on the blue line.
It is expected to be a season of growth, a season where these young, budding stars take another step forward.
Using Daily Faceoff’s fantasy projections as a guideline, we’ll review the five young players that are a big part of the roster and how they are anticipated to fare this season.
Travis Konecny (22 G, 30 A, 52 P) - If he solidifies a role on the top line, he should be a key contributor to the offense this season. Konecny scored 24 goals last season. There’s a good chance he can top that, but setting the projections at 22 goals and 52 points is a fair start until he shows he can surpass that.
Nolan Patrick (21 G, 30 A, 51 P) - After a disappointing first half of the season playing through injury, Nolan Patrick closed his rookie season strong and is getting a lot of buzz as a breakout candidate for the 2018-19 season. If Patrick can break the 20-goal mark and reach 50 points, it will be a big step for him.
Ivan Provorov (16 G, 31 A, 47 P) - Provorov just continues to impress. The goal number may be tough to sustain. Scoring 17 goals is difficult for a defenseman, so to say he’ll reach 16 may be difficult, but he’ll easily reach double digits and if he can approach 50 points, that gives the Flyers quite the top pairing. A good offensive defenseman averages around 50 points. Imagine if the Flyers have two of them.
Shayne Gostisbehere (14 G, 45 A, 59 P) - The Flyers offensive dynamo on the blue line figures to have another big season. He’s approaching elite status on the offensive side after a 65-point season a year ago. He figures to be right around 55-60 points again, and if his defensive play takes another step, he’s got the qualities of a top-pairing guy.
Travis Sanheim (8 G, 29 A, 37 P) - After an up-and-down rookie season, Sanheim figures to settle into a role this season. With not much to go off from a season ago, if he can reach the eight goals and 37 points that are projected here, it will be a very productive year.
Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN and Flyers editor for SportsTalkPhilly.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.