It’s that time of year again, when Metro gets to play Santa Claus for the Flyers.
After their recent 10-game winning streak and first wild-card spot position in the standings, many players are definitely on the “nice list”. They will receive gifts that range from normal to absurd to unrealistic. But in the spirit of the holidays, let’s have some fun. Claude Giroux — A free honeymoon
The recently-engaged captain gets a trip to gorgeous Fiji.
Radko Gudas — Get-out-of-jail free card
The bruising defenseman can turn this in to the league office the next time he receives a suspension.
Ivan Provorov — Voted in as a Rookie-of-the-Year finalist
Anointed the team’s No. 1 defenseman, the 19-year-old could become the second straight Flyers D-man to earn the distinct honor.
Roman Lyubimov — Rosetta Stone app
Since it looks like he’s here to stay, the crafty Russian can use some assistance to learn English.
Michael Raffl — A foam jersey
Always on the receiving end of some brutal — and borderline dirty — hits, a little extra cushion won’t hurt.
Michael Del Zotto — A new contract
With defensemen Mark Streit and Nick Shultz free agents this summer, the Flyers will need his veteran presence going forward. Also a free agent, Del Zotto, 26, is developing into an excellent two-way player. Wayne Simmonds — SEPTA trains to the Wells Fargo Center named after him
As one of the league’s top goal scorers (tied for third with 16 and tied for first with eight on the power play through Tuesday) the “Wayne-Train” is chugging along at full speed this season. Brandon Manning and Nick Cousins — Visit from the Ghost of Christmas Present
Cousins must take advantage of the opportunity to prove he is part of the future — just like Manning has successfully done this year.
Chris Vandevelde — LectroFan White Noise Machine
The new proud father of a baby girl, born early last month, will love this.
Travis Konecny — Visit from the Ghost of Christmas Future
The 19-year-old rookie, who is having a solid year, gets a look at his full potential.
Brayden Schenn — A promise not to bring up hockey at Christmas dinner
Brother Luke is on the Coyotes, who are tied for the fewest wins in the league.
Mark Streit — Another glass from the Fountain of Youth
The 39-year-old defenseman is on pace to crack 40 points.
Shayne Gostisbehere and Michal Neuvirth — Visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past
Both players can use a reminder of why they were so sensational last year.
Steve Mason — A few days away from the rink
The goalie has started 16 of the last 18 games and can use a much-needed — and earned — break.
Sean Couturier — Good health
The second-line center has missed the last 14 games with an MCL sprain in his left knee, and did not play in most of last year’s playoff series against the Caps due to an injury.
Dale Weiss — An Elf on the Shelf doll
Someone has to get one.
Andrew MacDonald — Professionalism Award
After spending most of last season with the Phantoms, the defenseman handled the demotion with class and is reaping the rewards this year as one of the team’s top D-men.
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare — Unsung Hero Award
As one of their best penalty killers and shutdown forwards, he doesn’t get enough credit.
Jake Voracek — First half MVP
He has returned to his 2014-15 form after a subpar year last year and should get rewarded with an All-Star nod.