The Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers are entering the 2025-2026 season with significant questions to answer and a lot to prove. Both teams are looking to build on the previous season and demonstrate that they are moving in the right direction.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Last season, the Blue Jackets exceeded expectations, finishing just two points shy of a playoff spot. This year, the goal is to build on that near-fairytale and establish a consistent playoff presence. General Manager Don Waddell emphasized the importance of maintaining the team's core, highlighting the special group of players in the locker room.

• Key Players and Expectations:
  • Zach Werenski: After a Norris Trophy-caliber season, Werenski will continue to lead the defense.
  • Boone Jenner: As captain, Jenner is the heart and soul of the team, driving the team's identity and leading by example. His health is crucial to the team's success.
  • Jet Greaves: Greaves is expected to compete for the starting goalie position and potentially become the team's long-term solution in net.
  • Adam Fantilli: After a season of learning and adjustment, Fantilli is expected to have a breakout year.
  • Ivan Provorov: The defenseman signed a seven-year contract extension and is expected to play a significant role on the blue line, logging heavy minutes and providing a steady presence.
• Offense: The Blue Jackets had a strong offense last season, ranking among the top teams in goals scored. Key returning players include Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson. The team also added Charlie Coyle, Miles Wood, and Isac Lundestrom to improve depth.
• Defense: The Blue Jackets re-signed Dante Fabbro and Ivan Provorov, hoping for improved defensive performance. The top four defensemen, including Zach Werenski and Denton Mateychuk, are expected to be solid.
• Goaltending: Jet Greaves will battle Elvis Merzlikins for playing time, with the expectation that Greaves could emerge as the team's number one goalie.
• Special Teams: The power play needs to be more consistent, and the penalty kill must improve after struggling last season.
• Schedule: The Blue Jackets face a tough start to the season with seven of their first ten games against teams that battled for the Stanley Cup. A key stretch in late March, with games against divisional rivals, will be crucial for their playoff hopes.
• Team Identity: The Blue Jackets aim to build on their strong finish from last season and establish themselves as a playoff contender. Captain Boone Jenner embodies the team's identity, and his health will be vital to their success.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers are in a rebuilding phase and are looking to show progress this season. After finishing last in the Metropolitan Division, the Flyers have made key changes and are aiming for renewed excitement and competitiveness.

• Key Players and Expectations:
  • Matvei Michkov: After an impressive rookie season, Michkov is expected to be a central figure in the Flyers' offense and a Calder Trophy contender.
  • Trevor Zegras: The addition of Zegras is expected to bring a top-six center that the Flyers have been missing.
  • Travis Konecny: Konecny is coming off a career year and is expected to continue being a key offensive contributor.
  • Owen Tippett: Tippett is looking for a bounce-back season and to solidify his role as a consistent goal scorer.
• Offense: The Flyers have struggled to score goals in recent seasons but are hoping that the addition of Trevor Zegras and the continued development of Matvei Michkov will boost their offensive output.
• Defense: The Flyers are aiming for a more stable defensive environment, with the return of Rasmus Ristolainen and the development of young players like Cam York and Jamie Drysdale.
• Goaltending: Samuel Ersson and Dan Vladar are expected to form a goaltending tandem, with the hope that Vladar can provide more consistency than previous backups.
• Rookies: Porter Martone and Jett Luchanko are poised to compete for spots on the opening night roster, bringing vision, skill, and two-way play.
• Coaching: With a new head coach, Rick Tocchet, the Flyers are looking for a fresh approach and improved performance.
• Playoff Hopes: While a playoff spot may be a bold prediction, the Flyers are aiming to be semi-competitive and show progress in their rebuilding efforts.
• Fan Interest: After several seasons of struggles, the Flyers need to generate renewed fan interest and demonstrate that the team is moving in the right direction.

Both the Blue Jackets and Flyers face challenges and opportunities as they begin the 2025-2026 season. For Columbus, the task is to solidify their position as a playoff contender, while Philadelphia is focused on building a foundation for future success and proving that their rebuilding efforts are paying off.