As the Flyers veterans hit the ice for the first day of training camp on Friday, hockey is that much closer.
The first preseason game is on Monday, just three days away. The regular season begins in just under three weeks on October 8.
As with the start of all new seasons, it is a chance for the Flyers to begin with a clean slate. But this is literally a fresh start for the Flyers, who have undergone many offseason changes.
Without question, the biggest change is also the biggest adjustment. Dave Hakstol takes over behind the bench as the Flyers new head coach, making the jump from the college game at North Dakota to the NHL, only the fourth head coach in history to take that leap.
It will be a time of adjustment as the Flyers continue to shape an identity. The Flyers are a team that is all over the map in terms of roster stability and building a future.
It is no secret that the Flyers have talent, especially on the blue line, in the minor leagues and juniors. They are loaded with talent, but building it, letting it mature and not rushing anything.
The Flyers also have the core. Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek are on extensive contracts. Voracek signed his this offseason. So too is Sean Couturier, who got a six-year extension this offseason. Wayne Simmonds is currently in the midst of a long-term contract. Steve Mason is on his second year of a three-year deal.
Those pieces are in place. But it makes the 2015-16 season that much more critical for the players who don’t have spots locked up past this season.
This is a crucial year for Brayden Schenn, Matt Read and even Michael Raffl. While each one has had their share of NHL success at one time or another, consistency will play a big part in determining who survives the first season under Hakstol and who gets the chance to play for the Orange and Black beyond this season.
Playoffs will be a big factor too. This is a city that like winners. This is an organization that doesn’t tolerate losing. Another season without a playoff appearance would certainly disappoint Ed Snider, Paul Holmgren, Ron Hextall and even the new bench boss Hakstol. After the hard work they did this offseason to make changes around minimal cap space, it would certainly be understandable.
It’s a long, 82-game grind that is only just beginning. And as it is with all sports, at least on Day 1, hope arises for every team with no losses to its name.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
