Predicting Bobby Brink’s Role with the Flyers in 2024-25 – Hockey Writers – Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers, in the midst of a rebuild, could have some changes as they enter the 2024 offseason. One potential beneficiary of this would be restricted free agent (RFA) Bobby Brink.

Brink, just 22 years old, had a good season with the Flyers in 2023-24 but his talent suggests he could contribute a bit going forward. He hasn’t always been given the best opportunities to succeed, so maybe an increase in product going forward is in his future. What is his role in the Orange and Black in 2024-25?

Where is Brink Slot?

When Brink was actually on the roster, he was often on the third line. He played some good minutes with Joel Farabee early in the season, playing very well in transition and having an offensive presence that way. However, he couldn’t find his way up the ranks even when he was playing well.

Related: Flyers 2023-24 Player Grades: Bobby Brink

Brink has been stuck behind Travis Konecny ​​and Cam Atkinson in right field, and Garnet Hathaway finally got him there as well. At the end of the season, it was a good night if he could get fourth line minutes. He was a healthy hair many times and was sent down to the American Hockey League (AHL) in late January before being recalled a few weeks later. It wasn’t really his fault—he just fell out of favor with head coach John Tortorella.

Brink, mainly because of his youth, will have a new chance in 2024-25. At the very least, it seems likely that Atkinson will not be with the Flyers next season due to his age (35) and struggles on the ice. He was bumped up to the fourth line and made a few healthy scratches late in the season, but for the most part, he was riding the ice time of the second line. If he is removed from that equation, it would allow Brink to shine.

Also, Travis Konecny ​​may be on his way out. At 27 years old with one season left on his contract, the rebuilding Flyers may look to trade him while he still can. In this case, even if Matvei Michkov’s hope was in the NHL next season, Brink will have a chance to make a difference. If he can produce, there is no good reason to limit his minutes as has happened this season. Without knowing what the Flyers’ offseason will entail, we can assume that he may adjust to a second-line role and less ice time on the team’s second power play unit.

Brink’s Projecting Production

With 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 57 games despite averaging just 13:48 of ice time, Brink finished the 2023-24 regular season at 57 percent with 60 points (P/60) among the foremost. When he got consistent ice time like the first quarter of the season, he was in a more respectable spot, posting a 71st percentile P/60 among the forwards. Seeing as this was his rookie campaign and he’s coming off a tearful book late in the 2022 season, he’s doing pretty well.

Brink played his best with Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost alongside him to an expected goal percentage (xGF%) of 54.4 in 119 minutes, so maybe that’s the way to get consistent goals. He came out the wrong way defensively, so that will be something to watch out for as well. Overall, assuming he can play around 70 games and get more ice time, he should at least average 35-40 points. Although next season will be his only 23-year-old campaign, the top six players must be as productive at the end of the day.

Brink’s 2024-25 season will be crucial

Regardless of what Brink ends up doing, he’ll want to have a big 2024-25 campaign—he might aim for 50 or 60 points over a full 82-game slate. The RFA probably won’t be looking to sign him to a long-term deal—he might think he’s worth more than what the Flyers will offer for that type of contract. With more to prove, a bridge deal seems a near-certain outcome.

Without having a long-term contract, Brink will obviously want to get one down the line. If he doesn’t make the Flyers happy in 2024-25, he could be expendable. The Orange and Black have plenty of wings on the roster and in their prospect pools, and will likely only add to it in the upcoming draft and free agent classes. At this point, it’s hard to see a world where Brink is the Flyers’ second-string right wing throughout the rebuild unless he can take a few steps in the right direction.

Brink showed some promise for the Flyers, but he didn’t have a great game by any means. For the Philadelphia team with the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup, it will do its best to improve in all areas; mediocrity is not acceptable. If he wants to play a big role in the future instead of being blocked by the bottom six players then he will have to show that. This all starts with a promising campaign next season.

There shouldn’t be too many expectations for Brink next season, but it would be nice to see him surprise some people and take a step toward being a legitimate top-six threat. He appears to be the top scorer in this division, but he still has plenty of time to prove his worth. If he gets a chance to do so, he can shine.