Hypothetically, let’s assume B. Tkachuk and A. Matthews decide they will not extend with their current franchises in a few years. As a Flyers fan, I would be shocked to see them waive to come here. Does the Utah franchise have a better chance then Philly to land them? Probably. On the same level as Vegas, TB, FLA, DAL, CHI, LA, or NYR? Probably not. So I disagree with you it is only cyclical based upon if a franchise is playing competitive hockey. In 5 years, may be my opinion will change.
Players just wanna win, winning solves a lot of issues. Winning starts with drafting well. Typically you have to lose to get good draft position, that’s just how the systems set up. McDavid, Draisaitl, MacKinnon, Barkov, Matthews, Eichel, Heiskanen, Makar, Stutzle, etc. These kids are all top five picks, the Flyers have had one top five pick in the past eight drafts, Cutter Gauthier, who they traded away because he’s a bitch.
damn is that why? flyers really showed him