Devils 2024-25 Metro Opponent: Flyers

The New Jersey Devils finished below the Flyers in the 2023-24 standings, but that shouldn't happen this coming season.

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In our first Metro Division preview last week, we looked at the Columbus Blue Jackets and how the New Jersey Devils compare to them. This week, we'll look at the Philadelphia Flyers, who finished one spot ahead of the Devils in the Metro last season with 87 points.

The Flyers had a quiet offseason, and appear to be mostly running it back with the same roster from a season ago. Aside from signing Matvei Michkov to his entry-level contract, Erik Johnson was their lone signing, and he finished last season with the Flyers.

If all goes well, the Devils should be able to leapfrog their Turnpike Rivals in the 2024-25 Metropolitan Division standings.

Devils Forwards vs. Flyers Forwards

Michkov could be a significant addition to the Flyers' forward group, but it's hard to say how much since he's only 19. The talent is undeniable. He totaled 19 goals and 41 points in 47 games for HC Sochi in the KHL this season, and the KHL is no beer league. That's quite impressive for a 19-year-old.

But aside from Michkov, the Flyers' scoring depth may be a bit thin, especially down the middle. Sean Couturier is the team's first-line center, but he finished with only 38 points last season. His impacts may still be good, but it's hard to imagine he reemerges as a top scorer.

It doesn't get much better after Couturier, either. Morgan Frost is a solid middle-six option, but he's a 40-45-point player. He'd probably be a third-line center on a contending team, but it looks like he'll be the Flyers' 2C.

This is where the Devils should have a big advantage over the Flyers if Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes stay healthy. Hischier has been close to a point-per-game player over the last two seasons, while Hughes has averaged 99 points per 82 games. They're game-breakers, something the Flyers don't have at center.

However, there is some talent on the wing in Philly. Owen Tippett has morphed into a legit top-six option, totaling 55 goals across the last two seasons. Travis Konecny has averaged 39 goals and 78 points per 82 games since the start of 2022-23, so they'll provide the scoring. Add in Michkov, and the Flyers have some threatening wingers.

The Devils can counter with Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, though. Bratt had the best season of his career in 2023-24, with 83 points in 82 games. Meier needs to start fast this coming season, but he was one of the Devils' best players to close last season. And if Dawson Mercer looks closer to his 2022-23 self, that only helps.

The Flyers have some decent depth, with Joel Farabee, Bobby Brink and Noah Cates likely filling out third- and fourth-line roles. This isn't the worst forward group the Devils will face, but it's far from the best.

The Devils also have a deeper forward group heading in 2024-25 after adding Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen in separate transactions this offseason. Their forward core should have the edge over the Flyers'.