In the 50+ year history of the Philadelphia Flyers organization, there have been only two forwards to play 900 or more games: Bobby Clarke with 1,144 and Bill Barber with 903. As Flyers fans, we think of these two names as untouchable. They are Hall of Famers; enshrined forever in their greatness. However, there could be another name joining them this year: Claude Giroux. If he is healthy, and plays in at least 80 games, he will hit that 900 mark, and if he plays the entire season, will be only one game short of Bill Barber. That’s an incredible achievement in the context of this franchise’s best players, though at this point, it isn’t surprising that Giroux’s name will be among Barber and Clarke. Giroux’s played 11 seasons with this team, and in all honesty, is already a franchise great. This led me to think…who else on the team right now is close to any major milestones in their career? Here are five Flyers who are awfully close:
Claude Giroux
Not only could Giroux hit the 900 game mark, but he most likely will register his 800th point in the NHL. This will put him 49 points behind Brian Propp, who occupies the 3rd position for all time Flyer points. Additionally, 28 more goals for Giroux would see him pass Simon Gagne and move into 9th all time for the franchise.
Jake Voracek
The Czech forward could pass a number of notable Flyers in total points this year. Voracek sits on 505 points as a Flyer, and if he scores a mere 36 points or more this season, he will pass Rick Tocchet, Reggie Leach, Gary Dornhoefer, and Simon Gagne.
Sean Couturier
Couturier will almost certainly play his 600th game in the NHL this year, meaning he would have played more than Mark Howe and Pelle Eklund.
Scott Laughton
For a player who a short few years ago was in the doghouse, it’s remarkable what Laughton has been able to do since becoming a mainstay in the Flyers’ bottom six. He finds himself 28 games away from 300 in his Flyers career, which is honestly more than I thought he had played in to this point. Still hard to believe he is only 25!
Ivan Provorov
He is another Flyer close to 300 games. Though, Provorov also only needs three more points for 100 in his career. He’ll almost certainly reach both milestones regardless of his contract situation, however now it’s just a question of signing it…
