5 Philadelphia Flyers players and personnel detrimental to roster retool after lackluster season feat. Sean Couturier

The Philadelphia Flyers ended a frustrating season near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. While the team had hoped to take the next step in their rebuild, the club regressed to the point where former coach John Tortorella was dismissed.

With the Flyers looking to turn a corner for next season, several crucial areas stand out as requiring urgent attention this summer.

So, let’s take a closer look at five Philadelphia Flyers team members potentially detrimental to a roster retool this summer.

5 Philadelphia Flyers players and personnel detrimental to roster retool after lackluster season

#5 Scouting department

The Flyers scouting staff will be hard-pressed to nail their three first-round picks this season - Source: Imagn

The Philadelphia Flyers landed the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after failing to make headway in the standings.

As a result, the scouting staff will be under pressure to make a great selection with the sixth overall pick. The Flyers also hold another first-rounder, the 22nd overall pick, one that originally belonged to the Colorado Avalanche. There’s also the Edmonton Oilers’ first-rounder which will be either 31st or 32nd this season.

If the scouting staff swings and misses this season, the club’s rebuild could be seriously impeded for the foreseeable future.

#4 Rick Tocchet

Rick Tocchet was a high-profile hire for the Philadelphia Flyers this offseason. Tocchet replaces the departed John Tortorella, inheriting the expectations of the Flyers’ fanbase.

However, Tocchet could be a roadblock for the Flyers moving forward. He has yet to prove he can lead a team to a prolonged playoff run. While the Flyers aren’t expected to contend this upcoming season, Tocchet will be expected to prove he can lead Philly to the next level.

#3 The goaltending group

Samuel Ersson battled this season but couldn't quite be the #1 goalie the Flyers needed - Source: Imagn

The Philadelphia Flyers lacked a true number-one goalie this past season. Despite Samuel Ersson’s best efforts, he just wasn’t quite what the Flyers needed in the crease.

His backup, Ivan Fedotov, didn’t fare much better either. He had a subpar season, leading to questions about the Flyers’ future in the crease.

There’s also Alexei Kolosov who looks like a solid prospect but hasn’t emerged as NHL-ready at this point.

The goaltending group could be a roadblock for the Flyers this upcoming season unless one of the aforementioned netminders steps up and plays like a true number-one goalie.

#2 Daniel Briere

Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel will be hard-pressed to make the most of the club’s nearly $19 million in cap space. Since the team doesn’t have any major pending free agents, Briere can utilize that cap space to figure out the best additions for the team.

But that’s where the pressure lies.

If Briere can’t find the right fits for the club, such as potentially solving the issues in the crease, the Flyers could be headed for another long season in 2024-25.

#1 Sean Couturier

Sean Couturier could face inrease scrutiny this upcoming season - Source: Imagn

Philadelphia Flyers captain Sean Couturier has been the subject of scrutiny over the last couple of seasons. His declining production has led to questions being raised about his effectiveness at this point in his career.

Unfortunately for the Flyers, he’s on the books until 2030, carrying a $7.75 million cap hit. The issue lies with Couturier’s contract as it also carries a no-movement clause until 2029.

If the Flyers suddenly find themselves in a bind, Couturier’s contract could become an anchor keeping the team from re-signing own free agents or luring high-profile players to Broad Street.