Philadelphia Flyers Opinion: Schenn Will Have Breakout Year

When the Philadelphia Flyers acquired Brayden Schenn from the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of 2011, expectations for the youngster were very high. Since becoming a member of the orange and black, many have argued that Schenn has not been living up to his potential and has underperformed. Although his development may be taking longer than the Flyers and their fans would have liked, it is possible that the 2015-2016 season is when Brayden Schenn finally takes his talents to the next level and has a breakout year.

Believe it or not but Brayden Schenn has improved every year he has played in the NHL. One may forget that he was not given many opportunities to play while he was a member of the Kings. In his two seasons with Los Angeles, Schenn only laced up his skates for nine games. He did not get a real opportunity to show his ability until he became a member of the Flyers in 2011.

In his first year with Philadelphia, Schenn saw action in 54 games. In those 54 games, he scored 12 goals and added 6 assists. Although he played fewer games in the 2012-2013 season (47), Schenn was still able to increase his point total by eight. The 2013-2014 regular season was the first time Brayden Schenn played all 82 games in his young career. That season, number-ten recorded 20 goals and 21 assists. Brayden Schenn’s number of goals decreased by two this season; but he was still able to increase his point total to 47.

In the past two seasons, Brayden Schenn has developed the ability to come up big in high-pressure situations. This past year alone, he was able to score 7 times on the power play and provide his team with 6 game-winning goals. The ability to play well under pressure will make Schenn a valuable member of this franchise for years to come.

One can argue that Schenn still makes way too many bonehead mistakes for somebody who has played in the NHL for six seasons. Although there is validity to this argument, we must remember that Schenn is still only 23-years-old, and his NHL experience is really only four seasons.

Brayden Schenn will be 24 at the start of the 2015-2016 regular season. I would like to think that this is the year that Brayden Schenn finally wows the members of Flyers Nation. He has progressed steadily throughout his young career; but now it is time for his numbers to take a huge leap. He can no longer use youth or inexperience as an excuse, and must now live up to the hype he brought with him back in 2011.

It is my prediction that Schenn will record 65 points for the Philadelphia Flyers next season. I choose this number because it should be obtainable, as long as he stays healthy, and Brayden needs to have the kind of season that really wows Flyers management. If Schenn fails to acquire at least 60 points, Ron Hextall may lose patience and try to deal him away for a player more promising.