With Oasis reuniting, selling out every concert they played so far in Britain, the Gallagher brothers started their North American leg of their reunion tour at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium on Aug. 24-25. And the highly-anticipated reunion tour is hitting near Philadelphia Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at MetLife Stadium. After years of saying it was impossible, Liam and Noel are back together, proving anything is possible. So, with the group back on this side of the pond, what better time to find an Oasis song that seems to best fit each of this current crop of Flyers players.
Nick Seeler — “Wonderwall” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
With his knack for making himself quite sore from blocking shots with anything and everything, it’s a wonder Seeler isn’t more banged up each year. The defenseman at times looked to be the one who was going to save Ivan Fedotov, Aleksei Kolosov or Sam Ersson from an even more horrid save percentage. And come October, the Flyers will expect nothing less than the rugged Seeler doing the same thing he’s done most of his career, regardless of the score or the opponent.
Matvei Michkov — “Supersonic” (from the album Definitely Maybe)
There’s no maybe when it comes to Michkov’s potential. A great rookie season and a thorn in his side this off-season to prove doubters he’s legit should only bring result in more points for himself and the Flyers. As the lyrics in the song go, Michkov needs to be himself, not be put into a position where his game is changed substantially and he loses that mojo. And it’s good bet his autograph will be worth a lot down the road, whether it’s on a water bottle or on his own hockey cards.
Oasis performed in Russia previously, but in Moscow, which is roughly a 16-hour car ride from Michkov’s hometown of Perm (roughly 900 miles east of Moscow).
Aleksei Kolosov — “Slide Away” (from the album Definitely Maybe)
Following a terrible season that saw him split a small amount of time between the Flyers and Lehigh Valley, it’s possible that Kolosov simply slides back off overseas to play in the KHL with the Flyers retaining his rights. Unlike the lyric in the song penned by Noel Gallagher, it’s doubtful anyone tied to the Flyers will wonder where Kolosov is a few months from now. At least that’s the hope.
Travis Konecny — “Rock N Roll Star” (from the album Definitely Maybe)
The first year of a new eight-year contract begins this season, but last year Konecny lived up to the hype and billing. Although the goal total left something to be desired after starting to spectacularly, Konecny had a career-high 76 points. Here’s hoping the new contract is talked about more for its value and Konecny’s production than for the cap hit going down the road. It almost guaranteed that at his home debut he won’t be as sloshed as Liam Gallagher was during this 1996 Oasis gig in Philadelphia.
Trevor Zegras — “Hello” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
A new team, a new city, and a new start for Zegras means he’ll be introducing himself to a lot of people in the coming months. He could also be introducing the Flyers to a far better power play this season then in recent years. That’s not saying a hell of a lot. But it’s a start. The addition should make the center position a bit more pleasing to the eye in 2025-26. And if Zegras breaks out, then the Flyers probably just solved a portion of their center ice issue moving forward. Zegras might be a newbie in Philadelphia now, but he should be saying it’s good to be back in 2026-27.
Jamie Drysdale — “Roll With It” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
His first full season with the Flyers had some ups and downs. Generally Jamie Drysdale adapted and adjusted to the demands. It wasn’t smooth sailing by any stretch, but at least he didn’t find himself too often in Tortorella’s doghouse. Drysdale’s biggest accomplishment was simply getting through all 82 games without major injury. With his buddy Cam York here for a while, and Zegras now joining the fold, the future could look a bit brighter for the still rather young blueliner. (Note: Not your typical Oasis performance of “Roll With It” below.)
Cam York — “Don’t Look Back In Anger” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
His life was going to be made a living hell according to the former coach. He endured the benching, the demotion to Lehigh Valley when he started his career, and being the blueliner who found himself perhaps in the doghouse of John Tortorella most. Cam York though has nearly 26 million reasons to smile. In addition to his new five-year contract with the Flyers, York will also be coached by somebody other than John Tortorella the remainder of his career (we think). It’s time for York to turn over a new leaf and start a prosperous chapter as a Philadelphia Flyer.
Tyson Foerster — “Be Here Now” (from the album Be Here Now)
Foerster isn’t going to have a long-term injury issue with the problem he reportedly developed while playing for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships. He should be good to go when the season begins. What’s clear is that Foerster, who struggled but got to the 25-goal mark last year, should be looking at a 30-goal season or thereabouts if he remains healthy and the lineup (which is seems to have done) adds some more high-end talent. The two-year extension also helps as any negotiation distrations are over. With any luck, Foerster has a better year this season and is easily cracking the 30-goal mark. If he keeps that up he’ll be here now and for a while to come.
Egor Zamula — “I Hope, I Think, I Know” (from the album Be Here Now)
“They’re trying hard to put me in my place/And that is why I’ve gotta keep running,” the opening lines of this deep cut go. And Egor Zamula is probably fighting for his life at training camp. Although Rasmus Ristolainen looks to be out of the picture for some time due to injury, the additions of Noah Juulsen and Dennis Gilbert on the blueline should make it a bit more uncomfortable for Egor Zamula to keep his spot, whether it’s as the sixth or possibly seventh defenseman. Zamula looks to be on borrowed time if those in the pipeline like Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald continue to develop. While he might have translated for Matvei Michkov a little while last year, no language barrier hides the fact Zamula is on shaky ground.
Travis Sanheim — “Going Nowhere” (from the album Be Here Now)
Had Torey Krug had a change of heart, then Sanheim is wearing a Blues uniform now. Or some other jersey in another city. Turns out that didn’t happen. And Sanheim has earned every bit of his contract thus far. So, it’s probably safe to say he’s staying put. “I’m gonna be a millionaire,” a lyric from this deeper Oasis cut goes. Sanheim has accomplished that mission.
Sam Ersson — “Stand By Me” (from the album Be Here Now)
We think the Flyers are going to give Ersson another chance, as he’s the best of the bunch not named Dan Vladar but named Ivan Fedotov and Aleksei Kolosov. Ersson hasn’t really done a lot to earn the trust of the Flyers’ front office. But with a new coach in Rick Tocchet coming in, maybe there will be a trust Ersson never truly felt or had with John Tortorella. Time will tell.
Nic Deslauriers — “Fade Away” (from the album Definitely Maybe)
From being a regular a few seasons ago to almost an afterthought last year, Nic Deslauriers will probably find himself lucky to get even 15 games of action this season. With another year on his body that has taken more than its fair share of punishment, Deslauriers might be the fourteenth forward on the depth chart given the Flyers looking for a bit more youth to enter the lineup. Unless Philadelphia run into a string of injuries that deplete the roster, it’s highly unlikely Deslauriers sees a lot of action in 2025-26.
Sean Couturier — “Acquiesce” (from the album The Masterplan)
To avoid an anchor of a contract and cap hit, even with a rising cap ceiling, Sean Couturier needs the Flyers to believe in him or have the confidence the same way he needs to see the team heading in the right direction. Clearly, Couturier witnessed first hand what Claude Giroux was given in his prime: very little pieces and no real sense of aiming for contention or a Cup. With more years in his rearview mirror than ahead of him, the captain needs to continue to make people believe the Flyers will get value for the majority of his lengthy contract.
Rasmus Ristolainen — “Rockin’ Chair” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
He still has some gas in the tank, at least he thinks so. But the clock on his NHL career could be ticking for Rasmus Ristolainen. After undergoing two surgeries for the same ailment, there are more questions going into this coming seasons than answers. With two years left on his five-year contract, the goal could be to just simply get him healthy enough to showcase him to a contending team at the trade deadline, shedding that salary or possibly retaining a portion for 2026-27. Ristolainen could return and play as well as he did at times last year. However it’s possible Ristolainen could end up like Ryan Ellis, on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) the last two years of his deal.
Rick Tocchet — “Headshrinker” (from the album The Masterplan)
The new head coach will come with a different set of expectations and demands, although some consider him as hard as the Flyers former non-interim coach. Rick Tocchet might have to shrink some egos early on, which may or may not rub some the wrong way. Regardless of what transpires, Tocchet’s reputation rarely involves sugar-coating problems. How this roster which continues to get a little younger each year responds will be the key.
Dan Vladar — “Who Feels Love?” (from the album Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants)
After signing a two-year contract on July 1, the answer (or partial answer) to some of the Flyers’ prayers might lay in Dan Vladar. Vladar should be the backup but is going to enter camp gunning for the top spot, making Ersson’s life uncomfortable. A new veteran (although he’s not quite 30) backup is something the Flyers coveted last season. This year, if Vladar can hold his own or perhaps surpise people with consistent quality starts, then he’ll be feeling a lot of love throughout the season.
Bobby Brink — “Little By Little” (from the album Heathen Chemistry)
Slow and steady sometimes wins the race. Bobby Brink didn’t set the NHL ablaze in his first full season. But he improved in a lot of different aspects of the game, particularly away from the puck and definitely concerning his compete level. Despite his size, he won more puck battles in the corners than he lost, and helped Tyson Foerster and Noah Cates become the team’s most consistent line all season. With any luck, and barring injuries, Brink could see himself increasing his goal total to maybe 15 to 20 goals while a 50-point season isn’t out of the question. He’s getting better, even if he’s not an overnight sensation.
Owen Tippett — “(Probably) All In The Mind” (from the album Heathen Chemistry)
Tippett didn’t have the season a lot anticipated last year. He didn’t score enough. And he didn’t shoot enough. This coming year Flyers fans are hoping that whatever mind games he had going on are in the past and he can simply concentrate on finding the back of the net more often than in 2024-25. Nobody is expecting 50 goals from him, but if he was nearing 35 to 40 this year few would be complaining. Another subpar season and suddenly that contract looks not untradeable but a bit more daunting to unload.
Ivan Fedotov — “The Importance Of Being Idle” (from the album Don’t Believe The Truth)
With Ersson and Vladar almost guaranteed (barring injuries or one of them joining the priesthood) to be the Flyers tandem, Ivan Fedotov finds himself in a different spot heading into training camp. He can impress the pants off everyone but more than likely will find himself down in Lehigh Valley. Or the third goaltender for the Flyers who may not see any action for weeks (or months) on end. The song lyric opens with, “I sold my soul for the second time/’Cause the man don’t pay me.” Knowing that he’ll be earning millions again this season is probably fine by Fedotov regardless of where he’s at or how little he plays.
Emil Andrae — “Part Of The Queue” (from the album Don’t Believe The Truth)
The title says it all. Andrae finds himself behind the likes of Sanheim, York, Drysdale and possibly Zamula. Toss in the additions of Dennis Gilbert and Noah Juulsen in free agency and that’s more of a log jam for Andrae to crack the lineup. As if that wasn’t enough, Hunter McDonald and Oliver Bonk are closer to getting to the big club than they were last season. It could be a numbers game that Andrae finds himself in. He’s in line for a shot, but whether that shot ever comes along remains to be seen. With Ristolainen’s injury probably keeping him out of the lineup for some time, Andrae has one less hill to climb. But he’s got his work cut out for him.
Jett Luchanko — “Champagne Supernova” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
We’re not saying Luchanko is a superstar. But next to Michkov (and now possibly the latest early first-round pick on 2025), the forward looks to be eager to make the big club. If he doesn’t right off the bat it shouldn’t come as a huge disappointment. Just a bump in the road. Luchanko has speed to burn, and looks to be defensively-minded, the likes of which draws comparisions to an early Couturier. If Couturier had speed. He doesn’t have the super-human talent of a McDavid, but Luchanko has a bucketful of assets that could come in handy for himself and the Flyers. It could make for an enjoyable and lengthy run for both.
Garnet Hathaway — “Soldier On” (from the album Dig Out Your Soul)
Hathaway will be expected to get under the skin of opponents, be a genuine pain in the neck and also ensure none of the more talented Flyers get knocked around. Hathaway had a concussion in 2024-25 but thankfully has come through the other side looking fine. He’ll be banged up and bruised most of the year probably (not as much as Seeler) but one can hope that he’ll deliver another good to decent year playing in the bottom six or on the fourth line. He may also play himself into trade discussions later in the year if he’s putting up good numbers and contenders come calling.
Noah Cates — “Step Out” (b-side from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
With a new contract in his hands (and his bank account), Flyers center Noah Cates hopes to take the next step in his career with a strong season. Easily centering the most consistent Flyers line all season, Cates took pride in playing well on both ends of the rink. And also helping out Bobby Brink and Tyson Foerster to solid seasons. Cates should be one of those Flyers who should thrive under a new coach. One can only hope.
Christian Dvorak — “Some Might Say” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
The naysayers will be plentiful should Dvorak turn out to be a bit of a dud as the fourth-line center. Especially at the cost of $5.4 million. But again folks, it is one measly year. Short of Briere buying him out in the next few weeks, the move isn’t foolish. Not by a long shot. Dvorak could surprise people. And he’s been coached by Tocchet before. It’s a good addition. One that should help the bottom six get a little bit more offensive oomph. He’s been consistent throughout his career, having averaged roughly 30 to 35 points in each of his seven full seasons in the NHL.
Karsen Dorwart — “Can Y’See It Now? (I Can See It Now!)” (from the album Don’t Believe The Truth (Japan edition))
Dorwart played in five games for the Flyers in 2024-25. It’s not clear if he’ll be in the mix for this coming year with Philadelphia. Or will be getting another year under his belt in Lehigh Valley with the Phantoms. There’s definitely an upside and potential that Dorwart has. The question is when Flyers fans will get to see it. With any luck he’ll be on the big stage sooner than later, and able to show his talents as Philadelphia turns towards being a contender.
Noah Juulsen — “Hey Now!” (from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?)
Another new add to the roster. Juulsen played under Tocchet in Vancouver and brings with him size and depth as a third pairing blueliner. He won’t move the needle much offensively. He should stabilize the back end a bit more than it was last year. It’ll also help those in the pipeline from having trials by fire if the Flyers run into a rash of injuries on defense.
Dennis Gilbert — “Shakermaker” (from the album Definitely Maybe)
Much like Juulsen, Gilbert is another big, imposing defenseman who will help the Flyers in what will be an arduous, ridiculously crunched schedule from October through to April. We’ll see what happens for the newcomer on his one-year deal.
Porter Martone — “The Masterplan” (from the album The Masterplan)
The b-side to “Wonderwall,” “The Masterplan” might be the most appropriate song to attach to Porter Martone. Yes, we know he’s going the NCAA route and won’t be in a Flyers uniform for some time. But should he pan out and be ready for the NHL in a few years time, this addition will be a huge factor in the Flyers heading towards longer (and we hope successful) playoff runs year in and year out. A lot of ducks have to still be lined up to see the results. Yet having Martone as an ace up Danny Briere’s sleeve is almost as tantalizing as the ace that fell in his lap back in the 2023 draft.
We hope the Flyers have a good season, and we hope that they can make the playoffs. If they do it’ll be cause for cigarettes and alcohol for some people…..