Justin Giampietro
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Justin Giampietro
@justingiam.bsky.social
Philadelphia sports fan who does it for the love of the game | Contributor for @thehockeywriters.bsky.social
Flyers mailbag: Bump’s future, lots of prospect talk, and PP lines.

Thanks to all who helped out. My 1000th piece on THW’s main site - enjoy!

thehockeywriters.com/philadelphia...
Flyers Mailbag: Bump's Future, Prospect Talk, & More - The Hockey Writers Philadelphia Flyers Latest News, Analysis & More
In this Philadelphia Flyers mailbag, we'll explore Alex Bump's future, a few prospect storylines, and more.
thehockeywriters.com
September 7, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Every NHL team’s most underrated prospect entering 2025-26 - updated list:

thehockeywriters.com/every-nhl-te...
Every NHL Team's Most Underrated Prospect - The Hockey Writers NHL Prospects Latest News, Analysis & More
With the 2025-26 season coming, it is the time to break down your team's prospect pool, looking at strengths, weaknesses and hidden gems.
thehockeywriters.com
September 5, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The Eagles’ assortment of clutch, game-breaking talent has them on the verge of a dynasty.

phlsportsnation.com/2025/08/22/p...
Eagles' Assortment of Game-Breakers Has Them on Dynasty Watch - Philadelphia Sports Nation
The Philadelphia Eagles' assortment of clutch, game-breaking talent has them on the verge of a potential dynasty.
phlsportsnation.com
August 22, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Getting my crystal ball out for this one…🔮

Predicting the NHL’s top 50 players in 5 years, with almost every team represented:

thehockeywriters.com/predicting-n...
Predicting NHL's Top 50 Players in 5 Years - The Hockey Writers Top 10 Lists Latest News, Analysis & More
Though projecting the future is hard, here's what the NHL's top 50 players in five years' time might look like.
thehockeywriters.com
August 16, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The Flyers have been “murky middle” defined for the past 13 seasons.

But returning to that range, for one final time, might not be so bad.

Previewing this year’s draft class and the consequences of another tank campaign:

thehockeywriters.com/philadelphia...
Flyers Finishing in the Murky Middle in 2025–26 Wouldn't Be So Bad - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More
It's very possible the Philadelphia Flyers are a "murky middle" team in 2025–26. Here's why that might not be so bad.
thehockeywriters.com
August 12, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Some of the Flyers’ top prospect storylines for this season:

- Bump’s fight for a roster spot
- Martone for Hobey Baker?
- Amico’s rebound from injury
- 2023 draftees joining Lehigh Valley

Read:

thehockeywriters.com/philadelphia...
Flyers 2025–26 Prospect Storylines: Bump, Martone, & More - The Hockey Writers Philadelphia Flyers Latest News, Analysis & More
Philadelphia Flyers prospect storylines worth keeping an eye out for in 2025–26 include Alex Bump, Porter Martone, and more.
thehockeywriters.com
August 9, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Reposted by Justin Giampietro
The first month of NHL Free Agency wraps up today! Let's take a look at how our contract projection model on @evolving-hockey.com has done and what the market has been like so far. As in prior years, we're just going to evaluate players who signed a contract greater than league minimum.

A thread:
July 31, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Top 5 chess matches Vic Fangio faces this season, which could be crucial for the Eagles to defend their Super Bowl title:

phlsportsnation.com/2025/07/25/e...
Eagles' Vic Fangio's Top 5 Chess Matches for 2025 Season - Philadelphia Sports Nation
Which Vic Fangio chess matches should Philadelphia Eagles fans keep an eye out for in the 2025 NFL season?
phlsportsnation.com
July 25, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Matvei Michkov had an amazing rookie season.

If these 3 things go his way, and I expect they will, a legendary sophomore campaign awaits:

thehockeywriters.com/3-reasons-fl...
3 Reasons Flyers' Matvei Michkov Will Be NHL's Top Breakout Star in 2025-26 - The Hockey Writers Philadelphia Flyers Latest News, Analysis & More
Matvei Michkov had an impressive rookie season, but his upside is so much greater. He will be the league's top breakout star in 2025–26.
thehockeywriters.com
July 16, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The Trevor Zegras trade reminded me a lot of something Bill Zito would do.

To me, it’s something Brière should try to replicate as much as possible.

But focusing on Zegras, can he return to form? How does he benefit the Flyers?

thehockeywriters.com/philadelphia...
Flyers' Trevor Zegras Trade Copies Panthers' Cup-Winning Philosophy - The Hockey Writers Philadelphia Flyers Latest News, Analysis & More
The Philadelphia Flyers’ trade for Trevor Zegras matches the Florida Panthers’ Cup-winning philosophy: low-risk, high-reward moves.
thehockeywriters.com
June 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
If the Flyers do sign Maxim Shabanov:

He was 3rd in KHL scoring this year (67P/65GP). Kuzmenko didn’t touch that pace until his D+8 - Shabanov in his D+6

What to know: Super speedy, skilled

Some highlights from an April playoff game - 2 goals, 3 assists (#49 in white)
June 6, 2025 at 11:22 PM
When will the Eagles start to feel the pain of their big-money contracts?

What do they do that time comes?
phlsportsnation.com/2025/05/31/w...
When Will Eagles' Big Contracts Become a Problem? - Philadelphia Sports Nation
The Philadelphia Eagles are paying a lot of money to a lot of great players. When will that start to bite them?
phlsportsnation.com
May 31, 2025 at 12:07 PM
David Granberg prospect profile - 6’2”, 194-lbs. center/wing.

Two-year overager but had first taste of SHL. Good in bottom-six penalty-killing role.

Put up Pontus Holmberg numbers at this age. Could have similar upside.

Fun fact: he’s Mikael Renberg’s nephew.

thehockeywriters.com/david-granbe...
David Granberg – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More
David Granberg is a two-year overager for the 2025 NHL Draft. His size and two-way traits have been beneficial in the SHL.
thehockeywriters.com
May 29, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Nice Caleb Desnoyers clip form overtime of tonight’s game (London won)
May 25, 2025 at 2:17 AM
When it comes time for the “true” star quarterbacks and teams to “expose” Jalen Hurts… they don’t. He rises to the occasion:
phlsportsnation.com/2025/05/16/j...
Jalen Hurts Consistently Shines Against Star Quarterbacks - Philadelphia Sports Nation
The Philadelphia Eagles'Jalen Hurts has consistently performed well against the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
phlsportsnation.com
May 17, 2025 at 4:17 AM
The Flyers need centers. Definitely skill. They could also use more compete.

Addressing those needs in my inaugural two-round mock draft, including five selections and one big trade:
thehockeywriters.com/philadelphia...
Flyers Mock Draft 1.0: How to Spend Seven Top-50 Picks - The Hockey Writers Philadelphia Flyers Latest News, Analysis & More
The Hockey Writers' first edition of a Philadelphia Flyers two-round 2025 NHL Mock Draft, including a trade and five selections.
thehockeywriters.com
May 11, 2025 at 1:40 PM
‘22: Eagles were one of the NFL’s best teams on third down and in the red zone.

‘23: Defense regressed so severely that they were on of the worst.

‘24: They returned to form.

For success in 2025, they’ll need that to continue:
phlsportsnation.com/2025/05/09/e...
Eagles Need to Win in Red Zone & on Third Down to Succeed in 2025 - Philadelphia Sports Nation
In order to be successful in 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles must win in the red zone and on third down, like they did in 2022 and 2024.
phlsportsnation.com
May 10, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Viggo Nordlund prospect profile: high skill, motor, IQ - small winger but could be worth the time.

Fun player to watch! Haven’t graded that extensively but I think he’d make my top 50, or at least be close.
thehockeywriters.com/viggo-nordlu...
Viggo Nordlund – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More
Viggo Nordlund is a small winger out of Sweden with a high motor and skill set, eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.
thehockeywriters.com
May 9, 2025 at 6:54 PM
‘23: First-round loss to SEA.
‘24: Second-round loss to DAL.
‘25: First-round loss to DAL.

The Avalanche have arguably fallen out of West contention status, with the rise of VGK, EDM, WPG, and others.

What’s next?
thehockeywriters.com/where-do-the...
Where Do the Avalanche Go After Declining Each of the Past 3 Seasons? - The Hockey Writers Colorado Avalanche Latest News, Analysis & More
The Avalanche have been on a steady decline since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, despite once seeming like a potential dynasty. What now?
thehockeywriters.com
May 4, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Why Pat Ferschweiler is the Flyers’ ideal head coaching hire (and why Rick Tocchet is definitely not):

thehockeywriters.com/philadelphia...
Flyers' Head Coach Candidate Pat Ferschweiler Is Superior Option to Rick Tocchet - The Hockey Writers Flyers Management Latest News, Analysis & More
Pat Ferschweiler would be an excellent head coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, and much better than the alternative, Rick Tocchet.
thehockeywriters.com
May 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM
The Eagles are on top of the world. The Cowboys, not so much.

There’s a new little brother in the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry.

Does that open the door for the rising Commanders to become Philly’s No. 1 rival? Or is that impossible?

phlsportsnation.com/2025/05/02/p...
Eagles Rivalry Watch: Could Commanders Replace Cowboys? - Philadelphia Sports Nation
Could the Commanders take the Cowboys' place as the biggest rival of the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles?
phlsportsnation.com
May 2, 2025 at 1:42 PM
The Eagles got a 5th-round pick for a more expensive, lesser-term, and zero-upside Kenny Pickett this offseason.

He’s a backup—nothing more, nothing less.

Taking Shedeur Sanders with that 5th… why not?
- Will be cheap
- 4-year term
- Reasonable upside
April 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The Eagles are always heralded as “winners” this time of year—being a good organization is a big reason why.

phlsportsnation.com/2025/04/25/p...
Philadelphia Eagles’ Well-Oiled Machine Allows for Savvy Drafts - Philadelphia Sports Nation
The Philadelphia Eagles' well-oiled machine allows them to be "winners" of the NFL Draft every single time.
phlsportsnation.com
April 25, 2025 at 4:20 PM