With the 2025–2026 NHL season fast approaching, Flyers CEO Dan Hilferty and President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones addressed the state of the franchise and set expectations for the year ahead.
The biggest headline came from Jones, who revealed that top prospect Matvei Michkov has made it clear he wants to be a star in the NHL. For a fanbase looking for reasons to believe in the rebuild, hearing that level of ambition from the Flyers’ future centerpiece—and echoed by leadership—adds another layer of optimism.
Hilferty, meanwhile, struck a balance between his dual roles as an executive and lifelong fan as he admitted that the fan in him wants the team to make the playoffs. Though he acknowledged that realistically the team may not be ready to take that step just yet. Still, the message from both Hilferty and Jones was consistent: the organization’s long-term vision is not simply to sneak into the postseason but to build a sustainable Stanley Cup contender.
That long view led naturally to one of the most pressing questions surrounding the Flyers—goaltending. When asked about Carter Hart, both Hilferty and Jones offered a firm “no comment,” signaling that a reunion with the former franchise netminder is not in the team’s immediate plans. Instead, Jones expressed confidence in Sam Ersson, who carried the load admirably last season after Hart’s departure.
Beyond goaltending, Jones confirmed that forward Tyson Foerster, who emerged as a key piece of the lineup last year, is expected to be fully healthy and ready for training camp. His continued development will be an important storyline as the Flyers aim to take another step forward.
The organization will begin putting its young talent on display this week at rookie camp, which opens Thursday. The full schedule is as follows:
Flyers Rookie Camp Schedule
Thursday, September 11 – Practice, 11:00 a.m.
Friday, September 12 – Morning Skate (at FTC), 10:15 a.m. | Game vs. NYR, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 13 – Non-Game Players Skate (at PPL Center), 9:00 a.m. | Game vs. NYR, 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 14 – No on-ice activities
Monday, September 15 – Practice, 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 16 – Practice, 11:00 a.m.
