The Philadelphia Flyers have a storied history, and in this ongoing series, we take a deep dive into the best players to ever wear each jersey number for the organization. Today, we explore numbers 71 through 80, a range not typically associated with star players, but filled with young talent and a hall of famer.
Starting off, we have a player who only appeared in four games for the Flyers, Desnoyers, but still managed to make his mark by being the only player to wear number 73. Although he didn’t record any points during his short stint, his unique distinction earns him a spot on this list.
Moving on to Tippett, a rising star for the Flyers who had a breakout season last year. With his impressive speed and powerful shot, Tippett put up career-high numbers with 53 points in 78 games. His performance has solidified his importance to the team’s future success.
Gill is another player who stands out as the lone Flyer to wear a specific number, in this case, number 74. Despite only playing six games with the team, Gill’s unique distinction lands him on this list.
VandeVelde, the only player to wear number 76 for the Flyers, had a more substantial impact during his time with the team. Over four seasons, he played in 250 games and tallied 45 points, proving himself as a valuable bottom-six forward.
The battle for the best player to wear number 77 was a tough one between Coffey and Adam Oates, both hall of famers who spent time with the Flyers towards the end of their careers. In the end, Coffey’s longer tenure and impact during the team’s Stanley Cup run in ’97 secured his place on this list.
Bellemare, who debuted with the Flyers before being selected by Vegas in the expansion draft, was a reliable presence in the bottom-six forward role. While some fans believe he could have been a bigger producer if given more opportunities, Bellemare’s consistent play earns him recognition on this list.
As we continue to explore the best players by jersey numbers for the Philadelphia Flyers, it’s clear that each number holds a unique story and significance in the team’s history. Stay tuned for the next installment in this series as we uncover more hidden gems and legendary players who have donned the orange and black.
