Meet the Flyers’ 23-man opening night roster from Noel Acciari to Trevor Zegras
Starting goalie Dan Vladař is ready to go, but forward Denver Barkey will start the season on the shelf with a lower-body injury.
Oh, training camp, we hardly knew ye.
After less than two weeks on the ice under the watchful gaze of coach Rick Tocchet and his staff, the Flyers will lift the lid on the season Wednesday (7 p.m., TNT, truTV) when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Aiming to build on last year’s run to the second round of the playoffs, much of the same personnel is back, with some in new roles, plus a few newcomers. Ten players on last year’s start-of-season roster are gone — reminder: Rasmus Ristolainen and Cam York started on injured reserve — with only Jett Luchanko, now in the American Hockey League, still with the organization.
Here’s an in-depth look at the 23 players, in alphabetical order by group, who will start the 2026-27 season with the Orange and Black:
Centers (4)
2026 stats: 18 goals and 47 points in 82 games
One of several Flyers who had a career year but also dealt with injury, Cates posted 18 goals and 47 points in 82 regular-season games before missing the last two playoff games with a foot injury. Based on his training camp, he is back to form and ready to go, and it doesn’t hurt that, at five-on-five, Tocchet has reunited him with his longtime winger Tyson Foerster. Last season he earned Selke Trophy votes for the second time in his career, putting him in the conversation of the game’s top defensive forwards. Is this the year he breaks out?
2026 stats: 12 goals and 36 points in 78 games
The Flyers captain showed the kind of leader he can be when he was dropped to the fourth line and flourished late in the season. Couturier became a physical force, skating with Luke Glendening — who he would rotate between center and wing with — and Garnet Hathaway. Both headed south, so while Couturier has new wingers — Noel Acciari will now be the guy he flips back and forth with and there’s likely to be a rotation on the left — his assignment remains the same: playing a tenacious, physical, and defensively sound game. And, like always, Couturier will be a key penalty killer, now in tandem with Acciari.
Christian Dvorak, 30
2026 stats: 18 goals and 51 points in 80 games
In his first year in Philly, Dvorak showed what kind of versatile cog he can be in Tocchet’s lineup. The Illinois native, who can play wing, centered the top line, chipped in on the power play, and was a force on the penalty kill. Last season he blew his career highs out of the water, racking up 33 assists, 51 points, a plus-11 rating, and playing an average of 18 minutes, 28 seconds a night. He tied his career high in goals (18), and the hope is he’ll finally crack the 20-goal mark.
2026 stats: 26 goals and 67 points in 81 games
The forward came to the Flyers excited to return to his natural position, but despite posting career highs across the board, it didn’t go exactly to plan. Although they interchanged during shifts, Zegras was lined up on Dvorak’s wing for most of the season, but by the end and into the playoffs, he got a chance down the middle. He played well there — yes, he acknowledges he needs to work on his faceoffs — and this season will get another chance to prove he can be that creative, high-energy center the Flyers think he can be after signing him to a four-year, $36.5 million contract extension in July.
Right wings (4)
Noel Acciari, 34 (Free-agent signing)
2026 stats: 13 goals and 25 points in 67 games (with PIT)
There’s an adage: “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” A free-agent signee, Acciari played last season for the Pittsburgh Penguins, whom the Flyers ousted from the Stanley Cup playoffs. But Acciari was actually beating the Flyers in that series; he had a 61% winning percentage in the faceoff circle and was a menace to deal with. Now he’s across the state filling a hole left when Hathaway was traded to the Florida Panthers. Acciari slots into his spot, working with Couturier, and the lefty Couturier and the righty Acciari will flip-flop between wing and center depending on the faceoff situation.
» READ MORE: Matvei Michkov symbolizes the steps forward the Flyers can take in 2026-27
Travis Konecny, 29 (Alternate captain)
2026 stats: 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games
The winger has led the Flyers in scoring for six of the past seven seasons and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. He’s spent time in training camp with Cates and Foerster — Tocchet said the trio could be the best third line in the NHL — and with Dvorak and Alex Bump. Regardless of where he is slotted, he’ll be relied on to put the puck in the net and set up his teammates, whether at five-on-five, on the penalty kill, or on the power play.
Porter Martone, 19 (Rookie)
2026 stats: 4 goals and 10 points in 9 games
The teenager hit the ground running when he turned pro in March, compiling six goals and 15 points in 19 games, including the playoffs. Martone was a sparkplug with his offense, defensive smarts, and ability to get under every opponent’s skin. The universal expectation is that he will only get better this season and, no pressure, but he’s the odds-on favorite to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.
2026 stats: 20 goals and 51 points in 81 games
The Russian winger potted 20 goals and 51 points last season, a drop-off from his impressive rookie season (26 goals, 63 points). But what a difference a summer makes. A trimmer and more motivated Michkov came to camp ready to take the NHL by storm. He worked on getting his body in shape for the grueling 84-game schedule — reminder: two more games this season — and his skating. Already known for his high hockey IQ and creative vision, he has shown a stronger stride, better speed, and increased strength with his puck protection. Much to Tocchet’s delight, Michkov looks more focused on driving to the net.
Left wings (6)
Alex Bump, 22 (Rookie)
2026 stats: 5 goals and 9 points in 17 games
After a disappointing camp last season that led to him being sent down to Lehigh Valley, Bump was called up following the trade deadline to show what he learned in the minors. Known for his shot and goal scoring, the Minnesotan displayed an upgraded all-around game and potted seven goals and four assists in 23 contests (including playoffs). He had a better camp this season and will now get every opportunity to build on an already strong start to his NHL career.
» READ MORE: Tyson Foerster is ready to roll after last year’s injury setback: He ‘could score 40 goals in this league’
Tyson Foerster, 24
2026 stats: 13 goals and 17 points in 29 games
Foerster dealt with an elbow injury last summer before suffering what everyone thought was a season-ending upper-body injury in December. Instead, the Canadian rehabbed hard, returning in April as the Flyers were grinding toward a playoff spot. Now fully healthy, the sharpshooter, who is also one of the Flyers’ best defensive forwards, is poised for a breakout season. The question is, can he finally reach the 30-goal milestone?
Nikita Grebenkin, 23
2026 stats: 4 goals and 14 points in 55 games
A feisty, physical winger who loves to irritate the opposition and stand up for his teammates, Grebenkin’s status is a little up in the air. He got banged up in the Flyers’ third preseason game, but according to Tocchet, it is unrelated to the upper-body injury he suffered in March that kept him on the shelf the rest of the season. A big personality who just wrapped up his first full NHL season, the Flyers would certainly love to get his edgy game back into the lineup soon.
Carl Grundström, 28
2026 stats: 9 goals and 13 points in 47 games
Acquired in exchange for Ryan Ellis’ contract last October, the Swede carved out a regular NHL role in December. He came out strong, posting seven goals and eight points in his first 12 games with the Flyers and showed the value to his game: speed, some grit, reliability, and versatility.
2026 stats: 28 goals and 51 points in 81 games
Things started to really click for the Canadian in the second half of the season as he found the right balance between offense and physicality. Throwing monster hits against the Penguins, his momentum got derailed due to an internal bleeding issue and an unrelated sports hernia that kept him out of the second round of the playoffs. Fully healthy and ready to go again, the speedster is focused on consistently being the power forward he unearthed last season.
Garrett Wilson, 35
2026 stats: 0 goals and 0 points in 3 games
In a slightly surprising move, the Flyers inked Wilson to a one-year, two-way deal on Sunday. Why was it surprising? The Phantoms captain was already under an AHL deal. Why was it not surprising? He had a strong camp, is a valued mentor to younger players — which this roster is filled with — and he showed he can fill the enforcer role opened up by the trade of Nic Deslauriers last season.
Defensemen (7)
Simon Benoit, 28 (Trade acquisition)
2026 stats: 0 goals and 6 points in 73 games (with TOR)
Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs with Joseph Woll, Benoit is a depth defenseman who should fill the role left open by Noah Juulsen’s departure. He didn’t have the best analytics last year, but he has certainly passed the eye test in the preseason — and it doesn’t hurt that the rugged blueliner dropped the gloves against the Boston Bruins.
2026 stats: 8 goals and 32 points in 78 games
What a year it was for the blueliner. Long known for his offensive game, Drysdale not only set a career high in goals (eight) and tied his career high in points (32), but he also dramatically elevated his defensive game. One of the largest turnarounds year-over-year on the team — he went from minus-32 to minus-3 — he teamed up with his good buddy Cam York and, while it is only the preseason, according to Natural Stat Trick, the duo is trending upward from last season in several analytical categories, posting puck possession numbers above 50%. The Flyers believe Drysdale has yet another level to reach and rewarded him with a $26 million contract extension this summer.
David Jiříček, 22
2026 stats: 0 goals and 0 points in 26 games (with MIN and PHI)
The Flyers love projects and the Czech defender is proving to be that. There is no denying he has a strong offensive tools, but his defensive play leaves a lot to be desired. On Saturday, Flyers general manager Danny Brière called Jiříček’s preseason “OK.” Jiříček was then on the ice for two goals against, including one where he turned the puck over to the goal scorer. Less than 24 hours later, the guy praised for his shot didn’t take power-play reps in practice, and his status for Game 1 — reminder: he is no longer waiver-exempt if they send him down — is less concrete. Take note: a defenseman with a strong offensive foundation but questions defensively sounds awfully familiar, and Drysdale is now relied on in big defensive moments. The hope is the Flyers can build up Jiříček’s game at that end of the ice too.
» READ MORE: ‘It’s up to me. Everyone is watching’: Can former lottery pick David Jiříček win a job on the Flyers’ blue line?
Rasmus Ristolainen, 31
2026 stats: 1 goal and 14 points in 44 games
This season marks the defenseman’s sixth season in Philly — final year of his contract! — but just the second time he will suit up on opening night. Finally, the Big Finn is healthy and raring to go after dealing with countless injuries over the past few years. Getting a taste of the playoffs for the first time in his 13-year career this past spring, Ristolainen showed why his game is perfect for the game’s biggest stage. The only question, and the one heard over and over again, is: how much longer will he be wearing orange and black?
Travis Sanheim, 30 (Alternate captain)
2026 stats: 11 goals and 37 points in 81 games
Like fine wine, Sanheim only keeps getting better with age. This past season, he posted career highs in goals (11), shooting percentage (11.6%), and plus-minus (plus-12), marking his first positive plus-minus rating since 2019-20. Like then, the Flyers made the playoffs, and the 6-foot-4, 222-pound blueliner showed off impressive footwork and confidence with two goals in the opening round. Paired with Ristolainen, the top duo will shoulder heavy minutes and seem to shine best when counted on not only to shut down the opposition but to set the tone.
Nick Seeler, 33
2026 stats: 4 goals and 10 points in 80 games
It’ll be interesting to see how Seeler is deployed this season. A steady, effective hand on the third pairing, there is a good chance he will be asked to skate with Jiříček, who, as mentioned, needs to build up his defensive acumen. But this is a familiar spot for Seeler, who was once paired with Drysdale. A tough, rugged defensive defenseman who can bang and drop the gloves, the Minnesotan is also sneakily skilled at the other end of the ice.
Cam York, 24
2026 stats: 4 goals and 26 points in 74 games
At this juncture last season, we mentioned a lightness to York’s game. This season, add in an uptick in confidence too. After a career-high in assists (22), his first positive plus-minus in the NHL (plus-5), and averaging 22:32 of ice time, York is now focused on upping his offensive production. “I want to have five shots a game, if possible,” he recently told The Inquirer. Tocchet loves hearing that and can see how much time the Californian spent in the offseason to strengthen his footwork and hands. York is “in the mix” for the power play, which should not only boost his confidence even more but also help him reach that lofty shot total.
Goaltenders (2)
Dan Vladař, 29
2026 stats: 29-14-7 record, .906 save percentage, and 2.42 goals-against average in 52 games
The Czechia native came to Philly to prove that he’s not just a backup, but a solid No. 1 goalie. He did that and more. The Flyers’ MVP finished third in goals-against average (2.42), and tied for eighth in save percentage (.906) and wins (29), among NHL goalies who played at least 40 games. And he did it without posting a shutout until the playoffs, where he upped his game with a 2.18 GAA and .922 save percentage despite suffering an injury in the first round. There were some nervous folks in town when Vladař left his first, and only, preseason start with an upper-body injury, but he looks back on track, and expectations are that he’ll be good to go on Wednesday.
Joseph Woll, 28 (Trade acquisition)
2026 stats: 15-16-7 record, .899 save percentage, and 3.34 goals-against average in 39 games (with TOR)
If Vladař cannot tend the twine, the Flyers will look to Woll, who is considered an upgrade at the backup spot after years of questionable goaltending. His numbers were not great last season, but neither was the rest of the team, as the Maple Leafs ended up picking first in June’s draft. The Missourian boasts talent, a .906 career save percentage, and has played on hockey’s biggest and most pressurized stage in Toronto. He’ll take some of the load off Vladař to keep him healthy as the Flyers hope to, like Toronto, end a longstanding Stanley Cup drought.
Injured reserve (1)
Denver Barkey, 21
2026 stats: 5 goals and 17 points in 43 games
The forward, who was primed to get time at center after a strong postseason, suffered a lower-body injury in the Flyers’ first preseason game. He’s skated once by himself and once with a group since the injury but left the latter session early. Listed as day-to-day, the Flyers would love to have him back in the lineup quickly due to his high motor and hockey IQ.
Injured non-roster (1)
Helge Grans, 24 (Rookie)
2026 stats: 0 goals and 1 assist in 6 games
The defenseman was injured in the Flyers’ preseason game on Thursday. Although he was not projected to play in the NHL to start the year, he cannot be sent down to the AHL just yet due to his injury status. Unlike Barkey, who is on regular injured reserve, he is designated as an injured non-roster. A major difference between IR and an injured non-roster is that a player on injured reserve is out for a mandatory seven days, and an injured non-roster can be activated and return to play as soon as they are ready to go.
