2025-26 Season Preview and Projection - The Maybe Contenders of the Metro
A look at the season outlook for two of our more low-key GMs
Philadelphia Flyers
Division Projected Order of Finish - 3rd
Current Lineup Score... 75.2
Division Rank 3rd
Financial Power Flexibility Score... 5.0
Division Rank 8th
Quality Draft Capital... 8.0
Division Rank 4th (tied)
Anthony boasts some real veteran firepower, especially up front, on his roster. Ovie and Duchene are still beasts that just won't quit. Sorokin didn't have a spectacular year, but he's still a stud. And the backend is led by the pairing of Seider and Werenski. Tony has strong players at every position, but probably lacks the depth that Larry and Joe boast at the top of the division. There are also a few teams within striking distance of Philly, so if he wants to secure a good playoff spot, he might have at least a few minor moves he should consider doing. He doesn't have a lot of cap space and is certainly in the red financially, so don't expect him to be a major player in the UFA season. He does have all his picks, so that will be the route he's gotta go to move this team into the upper echelon.
Biggest Strength: A fantastic group of D-men, and one of the fewer stud goaltenders in the league
New York Rangers
Division Projected Order of Finish - 4th
Current Lineup Score... 74.0
Division Rank 4th
Financial Power Flexibility Score... 8.3
Division Rank 6th
Quality Draft Capital... 8.0
Division Rank 4th (tied)
I love PJ's roster. He has stars like Kuch and Makar... he still boasts plenty of depth... and has a nice mix of young and old. He needs to shore up his goaltending position, as Samuel Ersson isn't going to cut it, but he has a great top 6 up front, and a solid top 4 D-core. PJ does not have a ton of cap, but because he is a frugal spender, he has a large bankroll to tap into if needed. He doesn't make a ton of moves, but often makes a splash when he does. He's got a couple of solid young RFAs also, so don't rule out a sign-and-trade scenario to bring in more assets later this month. This division is a dogfight, so if PJ can't improve in goal, he's gotta take this group of skaters from the tier of the very good to the tier of the very great.
Biggest Strength: Both star power and depth, both up front and on D