Flyers Focus: Phans, Westergård and More

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Team Toyota Prospect Spotlight Countdown: Max Westergård (#18)

Finnish prospect Max Westergård will push to take the next step in his development during the 2026-27 season. This past season, the Flyers 2025 fifth-round pick (132nd overall) earned a spot on Team Finland’s World Junior Championship roster (7 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS). He dominated the top Swedish junior league, compiling 30 regular season points (9 G, 21 A) in 20 games for Frolunda’s J20 team, plus 23 points (11 G, 12 A) in 15 playoff games.

Moreover, Westergård appeared in 18 SHL regular season games with Frölunda and five Allsvenskan (pro minor league) matches for Bjorkloven. He did not record a point in very limited ice time. The previous season, however, he dressed in 11 SHL playoff games, chipping in three points (1g, 2a).

Westergård turns 19 on September 3. There’s no question that he’s skilled enough to play as a pro. Rather, it’s all about year-to-year progress. Right now, he can dominate the J20 level. How ready is he to contribute regularly soon as a pro, whether in SHL or Allsvenskan.

The young forward — like Ilya Pautov (#20) and Alex Ciernik (#19) lacks size. He compensates, at least at lower levels. with hockey intelligence, creativity, and agility. The fact that he has 13 games of SHL playoff experience (two in 2025-26) as a teenager speaks to his overall smarts. Despite his small frame, the youngster competes and does not shy away from physical involvement. Hence, he’s slotted slightly higher than Pautov or Ciernik on this list.

Two main objectives for 2026-27:

• Earn a regular SHL lineup spot with Frölunda during the regular season.
• Play an increased role for Team Finland at the next WJC.

Flyers Daily: Special Guests Sean Couturier and Jamie Drysdale

Earlier this offseason, Jason Myrtetus conducted one-on-one interview with Flyers team captain Sean Couturier and defenseman Jamie Drysdale. In today’s episode of Flyers Daily, Jason reviews his talks with the two players. Also, he discusses why a strong summer alone does not guarantee a stellar season but a wasted summer can spoil the entire campaign (or at least cause a poor first half).

Cold War in Philly documentary

The Cold War in Philly documentary about the 1976 game between the Flyers and the Red Army is now available nationwide on Amazon Prime. There are still two in-person August showings on the docket with special guest speakers plus director Joe Amodei. Stay tuned for September dates.

Sellersville Theatre (24 West Temple Ave., Sellersville, PA) : Thursday, Aug. 13th, 2026
Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA): Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2026

Phans of Philly: Road Trip Planning

Last season, the Flyers went a perfect 6-0-0 in road trip games organized by Phans of Philly. Large contingents of Flyers faithful traveled together to see the team sweep its California trip. The Flyers also earned wins in New Jersey, Detroit and Pittsburgh (Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal). This season, Phans of Philly planned two road trips involving flights and hotel stays. There will also be a couple bus trips in the works (TBA). The main attractions this season are:

In November, Phans of Philly will take a group of Flyers fans north of the border to see the team play the Ottawa Senators (Nov. 19) and Montreal Canadiens (November 21). This four-night trip is a Phans of Philly exclusive.

Come March, Phans has a five-night trip to see the Flyers play the defending Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights (March 11) and the Utah Mammoth (March 13). Fans will also have the option to add the March 9 game in Denver against the Avalanche ahead of the Vegas and Utah games.