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Last season, the Philadelphia Flyers were able to complete an improbable run to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Much of that run was thanks to their young players’ contributions. Their youth movement helped bolster the team’s efforts in making their first postseason berth since the 2020 season.
Several of those players weren’t expected to have that kind of impact last season. But in doing so, they justified Flyers’ management’s confidence in their developmental pipeline.
However, for the Flyers to continue their ascent, some of those players will be asked to be key components in making that happen. The fact that general manager Daniel Briere was willing to push all-in with an offer sheet attempt for Ducks’ center Leo Carlsson, that makes those expectations clear.
With that, we continue our Flyers summer series in reviewing their younger players’ 2025-26 season performance. In today’s blog, we’ll look at center Jack Berglund and winger Devin Kaplan.
Berglund A Longer Wait For Flyers
When Berglund signed his three year entry level contract in April 9, there was some belief that he would give North American hockey a go in the fall. However on Monday, the Flyers announced that he would be loaned to Färjestad BK for their 2026-27 season.
So why has Berglund opted to play in the Swedish Elite League? One, while the Flyers may not have high end depth at the center position, there are still slots on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. And it’s been suggested that Jett Luchanko and Cole Knuble are in line for AHL scoring line roles. Knuble may ultimately end up on a wing, but has primarily been a center so far in his young career.
Secondly, Berglund stands to be in that kind of role for Farjestad. And as they are his hometown club, he reportedly wants to help them after their SHL playoff exit last season. So while it does hurt the Phantoms depth at the start of the season, since Farjestad’s camp starts soon, he could return before the end of it.
Berglund got to play 40 regular season games for Farjestad with seven goals and 19 points. He added three points in seven playoff games. However, he was a force for Team Sweden’s gold medalist World Junior Championship team. He finished with three goals, 10 points in seven games. Additionally he played in the IIHF World Championship with two points in four games. By the time Berglund got to development camp, he had logged a lot of time with different teams.
There’s little question Berglund has developed into one of the Flyers’ stronger prospects. One of the biggest concerns was his skating ability, but has rounded out other areas of his game. He has developed into a strong physical forechecker with good hands. With a six foot four, 210lb frame, he provides coveted size at his position.
The question will be whether other areas of his game can round into a second- or high end third-line center.
Team Toyota Prospect Spotlight: Kaplan Needs To Make An Impression
As he enters the final year of his entry level contract, there’s little question that Devin Kaplan is looking to prove the Flyers that he’s worth the investment. The Boston University product enters his second year needing to uptick his offensive production at the AHL level. Last season, he finished with five goals and 13 points in 49 games with the Phantoms.
That said, stylistically he’s a born and bred Flyer in that he’s always willing to handle himself in the “dirty areas” of the ice. He physically engages in the corners and will drop the gloves when called upon. He also has good transitional speed through the neutral zone, which helps him as a forechecker.
Considering all of those things, this year’s training camp will be the moment where he could drive the most impact for himself. Philadelphia does have a logjam of wingers, including Carl Grundstrom, Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, and Noah Acciari.
However, those aren’t necessarily the type of players that Kaplan should focus on competing with. With physical agitator Garnet Hathaway was traded to the Florida Panthers, the Flyers are certainly looking for a shift disturber. If Kaplan can take on that kind of role at the NHL level, that gives him a chance to plot a career course.
Of course, he’d be in direct competition with Nikita Grebenkin, who recently signed a two year extension. But with a strong impression in training camp and solid uptick in production in the AHL, he can earn a call-up if injuries strike.
Midweek Off The Post Radio with Alison Lukan!
On the midweek Off The Post Radio podcast, Michael Augello, Russ Cohen, and I welcome Alison Lukan to the show! We’re always excited to check in with the Emmy Award broadcast analyst and co-host of the Too Many Men podcast!
We’ll discuss the Seattle Kraken’s offseason moves, how they stack up in the Pacific Division, and more! So join us on Wednesday at 4:30 pm EST/1:30pm PT at the link below!
Jason Myrtetus Update
Flyers Daily host and longtime Philadelphia sports radio personality Jason Myrtetus began aggressive palliative chemotherapy on Tuesday. The cancer has spread to Jason’s lungs and other locations. As anyone who knows — or knows of Jason — is well aware, however, he is a born fighter.
There will not be a Flyers Daily episode on Wednesday. Jason is pushing to record one for Friday if possible.
Meanwhile, 97.5 The Fanatic is selling Jason Strong — Puck Cancer t-shirts with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to Jason’s family.
Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp
The 12th annual edition of the Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp takes place at the Class of 1923 Arena on the University of Pennsylvania campus on Friday through Monday. Flyers fans are welcome to attend the practices and games. Admission is free. This year’s alumni coaches are:
Team Toyota: Patrick Sharp and Keith Jones
Team River Rock: Tim Kerr, Mark Howe, and Joe Watson
Team PSS: Mark Recchi and Robert Esche
Flyers Alumni Association president Brad Marsh will also be on hand throughout camp. Lou Nolan serves as the public address announcer throughout camp, just as he does for Flyers home games at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Steve Coates (emcee) and Jim Jackson will take part in a Q&A session (private event) on Saturday night.
After Sunday’s games, there’s another private event: a personal screening of the Cold War in Philly documentary, followed by a Q&A / meet and greet with members of the Broad Street Bullies who played in the game against Red Army. Joe Watson, of course, will be one.
Guffaw Cigars
Five-time NHL All-Star and Flyers Hall of Fame inductee Brian Propp introduced his own line of top-quality hand-crafted Dominican cigars . The Guffaw Cigar collection is highly rated for its balanced boldness, sophistication and premium-aged tobacco. Brian himself is a longtime cigar aficionado. He wanted his signature line to reflect the qualities he values in a cigar.
Phans of Philly: 2026-27 Road Trip Travel 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.
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