Kevin Kurz
@kevinkurznhl.bsky.social
Hockey writer at The Athletic based in Philadelphia 🔔 Witness to two reverse sweeps 🧹 Previous stops: Bay Area 2011-21 💻 NYC 2021-23 🗽
The Flyers are clinging to a playoff spot right now because they've avoided losing streaks. Just once have they had two straight regulation losses.
Tonight is huge after they were bad Monday. Buffalo is meh per usual and Flyers don't play again until Sunday (Colorado, yikes).
Tonight is huge after they were bad Monday. Buffalo is meh per usual and Flyers don't play again until Sunday (Colorado, yikes).
December 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The Flyers are clinging to a playoff spot right now because they've avoided losing streaks. Just once have they had two straight regulation losses.
Tonight is huge after they were bad Monday. Buffalo is meh per usual and Flyers don't play again until Sunday (Colorado, yikes).
Tonight is huge after they were bad Monday. Buffalo is meh per usual and Flyers don't play again until Sunday (Colorado, yikes).
Another small bit of news: Don't expect the Flyers to immediately recall Alex Bump. Assume that Nikita Grebenkin will get a chance now in the top nine (he's been waiting for that chance, frankly). Also probably means that they'll recall a more vet-type forward from the Phantoms.
December 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Another small bit of news: Don't expect the Flyers to immediately recall Alex Bump. Assume that Nikita Grebenkin will get a chance now in the top nine (he's been waiting for that chance, frankly). Also probably means that they'll recall a more vet-type forward from the Phantoms.
Tyson Foerster had an MRI today, per a league source. No word yet on the severity of his injury.
December 2, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Tyson Foerster had an MRI today, per a league source. No word yet on the severity of his injury.
It was not a good night for the Flyers last night, who got waxed by the Penguins and may have lost one of their most important players in the process.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Flyers outclassed by Penguins, and they may have lost a vital player in the loss
It was even a rough night for the Flyers’ steadiest player this season.
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
It was not a good night for the Flyers last night, who got waxed by the Penguins and may have lost one of their most important players in the process.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
If Tyson Foerster is out for a bit, I don't believe the Flyers are going to be in a rush to call up Alex Bump. The preference, I gather, is for him to stay down in the AHL at least a couple more weeks. We'll see
December 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
If Tyson Foerster is out for a bit, I don't believe the Flyers are going to be in a rush to call up Alex Bump. The preference, I gather, is for him to stay down in the AHL at least a couple more weeks. We'll see
The Flyers have won three in a row, all on the road. Perhaps the most encouraging sign is that all of the wins came in different ways -- usually the mark of a good team.
Which, maybe they are.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Which, maybe they are.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Surging Flyers showing signs that early-season success is no fluke
The way the Flyers persevered in their last three road games offers hope that their success may be sustainable for the long haul.
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
The Flyers have won three in a row, all on the road. Perhaps the most encouraging sign is that all of the wins came in different ways -- usually the mark of a good team.
Which, maybe they are.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Which, maybe they are.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Some of the takes I've seen lately -- No one is untouchable! Briere should have made a big trade by now! -- represent a fundamental misunderstanding of how this front office operates.
My column:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
My column:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Yes, the Flyers will have to make a big trade. No, it doesn’t mean everyone is available
Whether or not Quinn Hughes will be available, the Flyers will look at a big move — but only at a certain cost.
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Some of the takes I've seen lately -- No one is untouchable! Briere should have made a big trade by now! -- represent a fundamental misunderstanding of how this front office operates.
My column:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
My column:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
📈 Zegras, Vladar, Foerster thriving
📉 Seeler, Hathaway struggling; Couturier goes cold
💪🏼 Michkov still working his way back physically
😬 Depth still questionable
And more of what we learned through the first quarter of the Flyers' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
📉 Seeler, Hathaway struggling; Couturier goes cold
💪🏼 Michkov still working his way back physically
😬 Depth still questionable
And more of what we learned through the first quarter of the Flyers' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Flyers at the quarter point: Zegras’ offense, unsustainable resilience, Michkov’s journey
Plus Tyson Foerster's rising importance and scoring woes on the Flyers' fourth line.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:44 PM
📈 Zegras, Vladar, Foerster thriving
📉 Seeler, Hathaway struggling; Couturier goes cold
💪🏼 Michkov still working his way back physically
😬 Depth still questionable
And more of what we learned through the first quarter of the Flyers' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
📉 Seeler, Hathaway struggling; Couturier goes cold
💪🏼 Michkov still working his way back physically
😬 Depth still questionable
And more of what we learned through the first quarter of the Flyers' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
My broad look at the Flyers now that we're one quarter of the way through the regular season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Flyers at the quarter point: Zegras’ offense, unsustainable resilience, Michkov’s journey
Plus Tyson Foerster's rising importance and scoring woes on the Flyers' fourth line.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:11 PM
My broad look at the Flyers now that we're one quarter of the way through the regular season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Flyers have led games this season a total of 269:59. That's the second-lowest total in the NHL, ahead of only Nashville. They've trailed for 526:56.
Fairly remarkable their record is what it is. Impressive they keep erasing deficits, but that's not sustainable. Need more leads.
Fairly remarkable their record is what it is. Impressive they keep erasing deficits, but that's not sustainable. Need more leads.
November 24, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Flyers have led games this season a total of 269:59. That's the second-lowest total in the NHL, ahead of only Nashville. They've trailed for 526:56.
Fairly remarkable their record is what it is. Impressive they keep erasing deficits, but that's not sustainable. Need more leads.
Fairly remarkable their record is what it is. Impressive they keep erasing deficits, but that's not sustainable. Need more leads.
Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko traded in OHL: What it means for him
With @scottcwheeler:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
With @scottcwheeler:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko traded in OHL: What it means for him
Luchanko has had two brief NHL stints with the Flyers.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko traded in OHL: What it means for him
With @scottcwheeler:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
With @scottcwheeler:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
"It’s going to be a work in progress, and we’re going to have some good days and bad days.”
Saturday was a good day for the Flyers' offensive attack. It's going to be critical they maintain that during a hectic part of their schedule this coming week.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Saturday was a good day for the Flyers' offensive attack. It's going to be critical they maintain that during a hectic part of their schedule this coming week.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Flyers’ 3 goals in 26 seconds set franchise record, show signs of improving offense
Philadelphia scored a franchise-record three goals in just 26 seconds in the first period, the fifth-fastest mark in NHL history.
www.nytimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:15 PM
"It’s going to be a work in progress, and we’re going to have some good days and bad days.”
Saturday was a good day for the Flyers' offensive attack. It's going to be critical they maintain that during a hectic part of their schedule this coming week.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Saturday was a good day for the Flyers' offensive attack. It's going to be critical they maintain that during a hectic part of their schedule this coming week.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
It's been a process for the Flyers to figure out just what Rick Tocchet wants them to do offensively.
For one night at least, it looked like it's starting to click.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
For one night at least, it looked like it's starting to click.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Flyers score 3 goals in 26 seconds, showing signs of an improving offense
Philadelphia scored a franchise-record three goals in just 26 seconds in the first period, the fifth-fastest mark in NHL history.
www.nytimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:09 AM
It's been a process for the Flyers to figure out just what Rick Tocchet wants them to do offensively.
For one night at least, it looked like it's starting to click.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
For one night at least, it looked like it's starting to click.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
On Emil Andrae settling in, and showing Flyers he belongs with the big club after initial AHL reassignment left him "pissed."
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Emil Andrae showing Flyers he belongs with the big club, permanently
Andrae has become a mainstay in the Flyers’ lineup, and was promoted to the second defense pair with Jamie Drysdale on Thursday.
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:46 PM
On Emil Andrae settling in, and showing Flyers he belongs with the big club after initial AHL reassignment left him "pissed."
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Alex Bump and Aleksei Kolosov have been playing well with the Phantoms. It's led to speculation they could be recalled to the Flyers.
Is now the time?
(Spoiler alert: don't bet on it).
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is now the time?
(Spoiler alert: don't bet on it).
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is now the time for Flyers to recall prospects Alex Bump and Aleksei Kolosov?
After a slow start, Alex Bump leads the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 15 games.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Alex Bump and Aleksei Kolosov have been playing well with the Phantoms. It's led to speculation they could be recalled to the Flyers.
Is now the time?
(Spoiler alert: don't bet on it).
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is now the time?
(Spoiler alert: don't bet on it).
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
I know there's a lot out about there about maybe recalling Bump and/or Kolosov -- and my story on that will be up tomorrow morning -- but there's nothing imminent. Belief is Bump is benefitting from marinating with the Phantoms, and there is still faith in Ersson.
November 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I know there's a lot out about there about maybe recalling Bump and/or Kolosov -- and my story on that will be up tomorrow morning -- but there's nothing imminent. Belief is Bump is benefitting from marinating with the Phantoms, and there is still faith in Ersson.
Yesterday I texted three former players/analysts with a question: How long does it take an out of shape player to get up to speed?
The answers may help reveal why Matvei Michkov is still getting limited minutes in a team struggling for offense.
More:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
The answers may help reveal why Matvei Michkov is still getting limited minutes in a team struggling for offense.
More:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Why Flyers forward Matvei Michkov may still be getting limited minutes
Michkov looked to be turning a corner after a bump in minutes and scoring goals in three straight games — until his usage dipped again.
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Yesterday I texted three former players/analysts with a question: How long does it take an out of shape player to get up to speed?
The answers may help reveal why Matvei Michkov is still getting limited minutes in a team struggling for offense.
More:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
The answers may help reveal why Matvei Michkov is still getting limited minutes in a team struggling for offense.
More:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
"I think there’s a little bit of F-you (in his game)," Rick Tocchet said recently of Cam York.
Who that might be directed at people can draw their own conclusions. Regardless, York is thriving so far.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Who that might be directed at people can draw their own conclusions. Regardless, York is thriving so far.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Cam York thriving on Flyers’ blue line after last season’s disappointing campaign
After a difficult year last season, Cam York has arguably been the Flyers’ top defenseman this season.
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:28 PM
"I think there’s a little bit of F-you (in his game)," Rick Tocchet said recently of Cam York.
Who that might be directed at people can draw their own conclusions. Regardless, York is thriving so far.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Who that might be directed at people can draw their own conclusions. Regardless, York is thriving so far.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Our @theathleticnhl coverage since the Flyers' last game...
Michkov ready to break out?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On Couturier's comments (column):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Pelle Lindbergh (feature):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Extend Zegras now?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Michkov ready to break out?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On Couturier's comments (column):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Pelle Lindbergh (feature):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Extend Zegras now?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Flyers’ Matvei Michkov may be ready to break out after acknowledging poor offseason
Michkov acknowledged that he could have handled his first NHL offseason differently and didn’t show up to camp in good enough shape.
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Our @theathleticnhl coverage since the Flyers' last game...
Michkov ready to break out?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On Couturier's comments (column):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Pelle Lindbergh (feature):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Extend Zegras now?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Michkov ready to break out?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
On Couturier's comments (column):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Pelle Lindbergh (feature):
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Extend Zegras now?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
“I want to win, man. I want to win so bad."
Trevor Zegras on a potential contract extension/thoughts on the Flyers organization, and a little help from @domluszczyszyn on what he might be worth:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Trevor Zegras on a potential contract extension/thoughts on the Flyers organization, and a little help from @domluszczyszyn on what he might be worth:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Should the Philadelphia Flyers extend Trevor Zegras now?
The 24-year-old Zegras, who is a pending restricted free agent, has fit in with the Flyers on and off the ice.
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:38 PM
“I want to win, man. I want to win so bad."
Trevor Zegras on a potential contract extension/thoughts on the Flyers organization, and a little help from @domluszczyszyn on what he might be worth:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Trevor Zegras on a potential contract extension/thoughts on the Flyers organization, and a little help from @domluszczyszyn on what he might be worth:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Asked Trevor Zegras about a potential contract extension:
“I haven’t thought about it once. I feel like that’s just kind of a distraction. Playing some good hockey right now. That stuff will take care of itself in the long haul. But it’s not something I’m thinking about.”
“I haven’t thought about it once. I feel like that’s just kind of a distraction. Playing some good hockey right now. That stuff will take care of itself in the long haul. But it’s not something I’m thinking about.”
November 11, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Asked Trevor Zegras about a potential contract extension:
“I haven’t thought about it once. I feel like that’s just kind of a distraction. Playing some good hockey right now. That stuff will take care of itself in the long haul. But it’s not something I’m thinking about.”
“I haven’t thought about it once. I feel like that’s just kind of a distraction. Playing some good hockey right now. That stuff will take care of itself in the long haul. But it’s not something I’m thinking about.”
I've often told people that my career highlight is that I got to cover Joe Thornton for a decade. With him going into the Hall, wanted to quickly resurface this story from our NHL 99 series a few years back.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/400...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/400...
NHL99: Joe Thornton pushed teammates to the brink, but they loved him for it
Perhaps misunderstood outside the locker room, Joe Thornton remains beloved for his intensity and high standards.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:01 PM
I've often told people that my career highlight is that I got to cover Joe Thornton for a decade. With him going into the Hall, wanted to quickly resurface this story from our NHL 99 series a few years back.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/400...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/400...
After Matvei Michkov played his best game of the season Saturday, Sean Couturier still said the young winger has "got to find a way to contribute to helping the team win in other ways when you’re not scoring goals."
Appropriate, or out of line?
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Appropriate, or out of line?
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
There was nothing wrong with Sean Couturier’s assessment of Matvei Michkov
The captain's recent comments about the Flyers' young potential star require some context.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM
After Matvei Michkov played his best game of the season Saturday, Sean Couturier still said the young winger has "got to find a way to contribute to helping the team win in other ways when you’re not scoring goals."
Appropriate, or out of line?
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Appropriate, or out of line?
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Today marks 40 years since Pelle Lindbergh's fatal crash. Even now, his name still resonates with the Flyers, their fans, and those that knew him.
My feature with insight from Dave Poulin, Mark Howe, Jay Snider, Mike Keenan, Bob Clarke and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
My feature with insight from Dave Poulin, Mark Howe, Jay Snider, Mike Keenan, Bob Clarke and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Why Pelle Lindbergh still resonates with the Flyers, 40 years after his death
The team continues to honor Lindbergh, who died in a drunk-driving crash in 1985.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Today marks 40 years since Pelle Lindbergh's fatal crash. Even now, his name still resonates with the Flyers, their fans, and those that knew him.
My feature with insight from Dave Poulin, Mark Howe, Jay Snider, Mike Keenan, Bob Clarke and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
My feature with insight from Dave Poulin, Mark Howe, Jay Snider, Mike Keenan, Bob Clarke and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Matvei Michkov acknowledged today that he could have handled his first offseason better.
But judging from the way he's been going lately, he could be rounding into form. Finally.
More ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
But judging from the way he's been going lately, he could be rounding into form. Finally.
More ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Flyers’ Matvei Michkov may be ready to break out after acknowledging poor offseason
Michkov acknowledged that he could have handled his first NHL offseason differently and didn’t show up to camp in good enough shape.
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Matvei Michkov acknowledged today that he could have handled his first offseason better.
But judging from the way he's been going lately, he could be rounding into form. Finally.
More ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
But judging from the way he's been going lately, he could be rounding into form. Finally.
More ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...