In the world of Philadelphia Flyers history, there are legends and then there are those whose names might not be as easily remembered. Today, we delve into the depths of jersey numbers 51 to 60, where some of the more forgettable players reside.
One player who made a quick impact with the Flyers was none other than Ghost, Shayne Gostisbehere. Coming off a national championship win at Union College, Ghost burst onto the scene with a dazzling rookie season, racking up an impressive 46 points in just 64 games. His Calder Trophy-worthy performance quickly put him on the map. However, his time with the Flyers was short-lived as he eventually faced a decline and was traded away.
Another player who wore a forgettable number was Lindblom, who briefly donned the number 54 before switching to 23. Despite his limited time wearing 54, Lindblom showed promise on the ice before being sidelined with a rare form of bone cancer. His potential was evident in his 263 games with Philly, where he notched 97 points.
Gratton, who reached the 60-point mark in his first season with the Flyers, dazzled fans with his performance. However, his success was short-lived as he struggled in subsequent seasons and was eventually traded after just 26 games. A stark contrast to his initial success.
Even the greats have humble beginnings, as Giroux once wore the number 56 in his early days with the Flyers. While he went on to become a household name, his first two games in the NHL saw him sporting a less iconic number.
Moving down the list, Valtteri Filppula and Leier both had brief stints with the Flyers, with Leier’s time in Philadelphia being the most successful among those who wore number 58. Meanwhile, Friedman stood out as one of only two players to don the number 59 jersey for the Flyers. While he may not have left a lasting impact, his presence on the list is a testament to the lack of notable players who wore that particular number.
As we reflect on these forgettable jersey numbers in Flyers history, it serves as a reminder of the diverse range of players who have worn the orange and black. While some may fade into obscurity, their contributions to the team are not to be overlooked. And as we eagerly anticipate the next wave of players to don these numbers, we can only hope for more memorable performances in the future.
