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 🗽
"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...
Owen Tippett didn't score on Tuesday, but he was very noticeable, with 6 shots and 11 attempts.
Tocchet: “He’s been a fun guy to coach. I want to help him get to the next level."
The Flyers need him, especially with Tyson Foerster still out.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Tocchet: “He’s been a fun guy to coach. I want to help him get to the next level."
The Flyers need him, especially with Tyson Foerster still out.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Evaluating Owen Tippett’s streaky start to the Flyers’ season: ‘Just a matter of time’
The 26-year-old is struggling to find consistency, but he may have turned the corner after an excellent game against Montreal.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Owen Tippett didn't score on Tuesday, but he was very noticeable, with 6 shots and 11 attempts.
Tocchet: “He’s been a fun guy to coach. I want to help him get to the next level."
The Flyers need him, especially with Tyson Foerster still out.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Tocchet: “He’s been a fun guy to coach. I want to help him get to the next level."
The Flyers need him, especially with Tyson Foerster still out.
⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Sam Ersson saw much more of the practice net today than Kolosov. He could return as soon as Saturday afternoon's home game with Ottawa.
November 5, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Sam Ersson saw much more of the practice net today than Kolosov. He could return as soon as Saturday afternoon's home game with Ottawa.
On the Flyers taking a major offensive step last night in Montreal, including Travis Sanheim's particularly insightful theory on why it's taken them a little while to do so.
My story from Montreal ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
My story from Montreal ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Flyers offense shows signs of life in Montreal, unsurprisingly led by Trevor Zegras
The Philadelphia Flyers have had a difficult time learning new coach Rick Tocchet’s offense. On Tuesday, it all clicked.
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:25 PM
On the Flyers taking a major offensive step last night in Montreal, including Travis Sanheim's particularly insightful theory on why it's taken them a little while to do so.
My story from Montreal ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
My story from Montreal ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Will Jett Luchanko be moved from Guelph? Is his spot on the World Junior team safe?
Quick story on what I'm hearing about the Flyers' 2024 first round pick:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Quick story on what I'm hearing about the Flyers' 2024 first round pick:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
What’s next for Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko? A trade? World Juniors?
The Flyers have little, if any, say in the immediate future of a player for whom they still have high hopes.
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Will Jett Luchanko be moved from Guelph? Is his spot on the World Junior team safe?
Quick story on what I'm hearing about the Flyers' 2024 first round pick:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Quick story on what I'm hearing about the Flyers' 2024 first round pick:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Jett Luchanko was reassigned to Guelph on Monday.
What I'm hearing that could come next for the Flyers prospect:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
What I'm hearing that could come next for the Flyers prospect:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
What’s next for Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko? A trade? World Juniors?
The Flyers have little, if any, say in the immediate future of a player for whom that they still have high hopes.
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Jett Luchanko was reassigned to Guelph on Monday.
What I'm hearing that could come next for the Flyers prospect:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
What I'm hearing that could come next for the Flyers prospect:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
“Step by step, we’re getting there.”
On Jamie Drysdale's improved play, and a confidence level that the new coaching staff has helped him to achieve:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
On Jamie Drysdale's improved play, and a confidence level that the new coaching staff has helped him to achieve:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
A confident Jamie Drysdale may be on the cusp of reaching the next level for Flyers
Drysdale's path to becoming one of the league’s more effective play-driving defensemen this season starts with his confidence.
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:45 PM
“Step by step, we’re getting there.”
On Jamie Drysdale's improved play, and a confidence level that the new coaching staff has helped him to achieve:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
On Jamie Drysdale's improved play, and a confidence level that the new coaching staff has helped him to achieve:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
"He does get feisty like that sometimes."
On Trevor Zegras, those late-game shenanigans with the Penguins, and his potential to become a true Flyers fan favorite:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
On Trevor Zegras, those late-game shenanigans with the Penguins, and his potential to become a true Flyers fan favorite:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
After shenanigans vs. Penguins, Trevor Zegras may be becoming a Flyers fan favorite
In training camp, coach Rick Tocchet pushed Zegras about his reputation for "doing stuff for clicks on social media."
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM
"He does get feisty like that sometimes."
On Trevor Zegras, those late-game shenanigans with the Penguins, and his potential to become a true Flyers fan favorite:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
On Trevor Zegras, those late-game shenanigans with the Penguins, and his potential to become a true Flyers fan favorite:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Is the Flyers' goaltending this season...actually good?
On Dan Vladar's hot start, and Sam Ersson attempting to keep up with him ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
On Dan Vladar's hot start, and Sam Ersson attempting to keep up with him ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Flyers’ early results show Philadelphia may have addressed its biggest problem
So far, Dan Vladar looks like a revelation in the Flyers' net, and his play might help Samuel Ersson, too.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Is the Flyers' goaltending this season...actually good?
On Dan Vladar's hot start, and Sam Ersson attempting to keep up with him ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
On Dan Vladar's hot start, and Sam Ersson attempting to keep up with him ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
"In games that can be tight, a guy like him can make those big plays for us, which he did.”
Daniel Briere's low-risk bet on Trevor Zegras is looking good, so far:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Daniel Briere's low-risk bet on Trevor Zegras is looking good, so far:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Trevor Zegras offering hope that Flyers’ low-risk bet on him could pay off
Zegras scored two goals and three points in the Flyers' 4-3 shootout win over the Islanders on Saturday.
www.nytimes.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:31 PM
"In games that can be tight, a guy like him can make those big plays for us, which he did.”
Daniel Briere's low-risk bet on Trevor Zegras is looking good, so far:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Daniel Briere's low-risk bet on Trevor Zegras is looking good, so far:
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Trevor Zegras is now tied for the Flyers' team lead in scoring with eight points (2g, 6a) in 8 games. He's offering plenty of hope that the Flyers’ low-risk bet on him could pay off.
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Trevor Zegras offering hope that Flyers’ low-risk bet on him could pay off
Zegras scored two goals and three points in the Flyers' 4-3 shootout win over the Islanders on Saturday.
www.nytimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Trevor Zegras is now tied for the Flyers' team lead in scoring with eight points (2g, 6a) in 8 games. He's offering plenty of hope that the Flyers’ low-risk bet on him could pay off.
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Sam Ersson "probably" in net tomorrow against the Islanders, per Tocchet
October 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Sam Ersson "probably" in net tomorrow against the Islanders, per Tocchet
Matvei Michkov had a couple scoring chances last night, but his early season scoring slump continues.
Here's everything I've heard about Michkov, including why the Flyers aren't panicking about his play -- yet.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here's everything I've heard about Michkov, including why the Flyers aren't panicking about his play -- yet.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
The Flyers aren’t panicking about Matvei Michkov’s slow start. Here’s why
Michkov has two points in seven games this season, but the Flyers aren’t concerned about that.
www.nytimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Matvei Michkov had a couple scoring chances last night, but his early season scoring slump continues.
Here's everything I've heard about Michkov, including why the Flyers aren't panicking about his play -- yet.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here's everything I've heard about Michkov, including why the Flyers aren't panicking about his play -- yet.
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Per a team source, both Rasmus Ristolainen (triceps surgery) and Oliver Bonk (upper body) are about 5-6 weeks away from playing -- as long as there are no setbacks. Bonk, of course, would likely begin with the Phantoms.
October 23, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Per a team source, both Rasmus Ristolainen (triceps surgery) and Oliver Bonk (upper body) are about 5-6 weeks away from playing -- as long as there are no setbacks. Bonk, of course, would likely begin with the Phantoms.
Konecny on fighting/jawing with Lindgren last night:
“I saw him kept going at (Owen Tippett) and he’s our hottest guy. It was just one of those things where I was just like, 'What are you doing?' Then, he tried to jump me.”
Is there a history between you two?
“There is now.”
“I saw him kept going at (Owen Tippett) and he’s our hottest guy. It was just one of those things where I was just like, 'What are you doing?' Then, he tried to jump me.”
Is there a history between you two?
“There is now.”
October 21, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Konecny on fighting/jawing with Lindgren last night:
“I saw him kept going at (Owen Tippett) and he’s our hottest guy. It was just one of those things where I was just like, 'What are you doing?' Then, he tried to jump me.”
Is there a history between you two?
“There is now.”
“I saw him kept going at (Owen Tippett) and he’s our hottest guy. It was just one of those things where I was just like, 'What are you doing?' Then, he tried to jump me.”
Is there a history between you two?
“There is now.”
The Flyers had 5 prospects -- including Porter Martone -- in the big MSU-Boston U. games over the weekend.
What did they see? Riley Armstrong and friend of the show/fellow Radnor High grad @ColbyCohen36, who called the game for ESPN, offer some insight:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
What did they see? Riley Armstrong and friend of the show/fellow Radnor High grad @ColbyCohen36, who called the game for ESPN, offer some insight:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
What I’m hearing about Porter Martone, Aleksei Kolosov and other Flyers prospects
Officials had a lot to say about players in Philadelphia's 2025 draft class.
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:44 PM
The Flyers had 5 prospects -- including Porter Martone -- in the big MSU-Boston U. games over the weekend.
What did they see? Riley Armstrong and friend of the show/fellow Radnor High grad @ColbyCohen36, who called the game for ESPN, offer some insight:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
What did they see? Riley Armstrong and friend of the show/fellow Radnor High grad @ColbyCohen36, who called the game for ESPN, offer some insight:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
Noah Cates scored the OT GWG last night, but his line was again the Flyers' best in their win over the Wild even before overtime.
What makes that line so effective? Panthers coach Paul Maurice offered the best explanation I've heard earlier this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
What makes that line so effective? Panthers coach Paul Maurice offered the best explanation I've heard earlier this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Noah Cates and his line continue to set the pace for Flyers
Sometimes there are lines in hockey that just work, and it’s an exercise in futility to pinpoint why.
www.nytimes.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Noah Cates scored the OT GWG last night, but his line was again the Flyers' best in their win over the Wild even before overtime.
What makes that line so effective? Panthers coach Paul Maurice offered the best explanation I've heard earlier this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
What makes that line so effective? Panthers coach Paul Maurice offered the best explanation I've heard earlier this week:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
So we don't get the Jett Luchanko vs. Zeev Buium game tonight.
Here's my piece anyway ICYMI on what Luchanko has to do -- and how challenging that might be -- to stick on the Flyers this season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Here's my piece anyway ICYMI on what Luchanko has to do -- and how challenging that might be -- to stick on the Flyers this season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Flyers’ Jett Luchanko not yet doing enough to stick for the season
The Flyers will need to decide soon if they will keep the 19-year-old rookie on the roster.
www.nytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
So we don't get the Jett Luchanko vs. Zeev Buium game tonight.
Here's my piece anyway ICYMI on what Luchanko has to do -- and how challenging that might be -- to stick on the Flyers this season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Here's my piece anyway ICYMI on what Luchanko has to do -- and how challenging that might be -- to stick on the Flyers this season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...