And here we go, the Top 10 best 2 way forwards in Flyers history. Please note, this is best 2 way forwards, not best defensive forwards. In order to make this list, a player needs to be able to both put up significant offensive production while also excelling in the defensive part of the game. Being good at both facets of special teams is also a plus, and, of course, what they did in the playoffs counts a lot.
And here we go!!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Ross Lonsberry
Rick Macleish
Mel Bridgman
Brian Propp
Murray Craven
Simon Gagne
10. Rod Brind'amour
Brind'amour put up 601 points in 633 games as a Flyer and did a fine job defensively as well. He was also a top notch penalty killer.
9. Eric Lindros
Some folks don't think of the big guy as a great defensive forward, but here's the thing: It's pretty damned hard for the other team to score when the puck is in their zone and when Eric Lindros was on the ice, the puck was usually in the other team's zone. Lindros, especially in his prime, was a nearly unstoppable force whenever he was on the ice, and while +/- is a flawed stat, you don't go +188 in 486 games if you aren't controlling play while you're on the ice.
8. Claude Giroux
Giroux, much like Lindros, doesn't get enough credit for his defensive play, but he should. He is excellent on the pk, doesn't shirk in his backchecking and still has managed to average nearly a point per game in nearly 900 contests.
7. Keith Primeau
Primeau really hit his stride in Philly once Ken Hitchcock took over as the Flyers HC. From 2002-2004, Primeau was as good a shut down center as there was in the NHL yet he still put up solid offensive numbers. His play in all 3 zones during the 2004 playoff run was fantastic.
6. Ron Sutter
If Sutter had been a more consistent point producer, he'd be near the top of this list. Sutter excelled defensively and gave other teams top pivots fits. He was also a fantastic penalty killer and was runner up for the Selke trophy in 1986.
5. Mike Richards
Richards is one of the 3 best penalty killing forwards in team history (along with Bobby Clarke and Dave Poulin) and also excelled at matching up with the opponent's top center. He also put up 349 points in only 458 games as a Flyer and finished in the top 10 for the Selke trophy 4 times.
4. Bill Barber
Arnie was just as good defensively as he was offensively and that is saying a lot. Not too many players have ever put up 420 goals and 883 points in 903 games while also excelling defensively. Bill Barber is the best all around winger to ever wear the orange and black and it was pretty much a coin toss between him and the guy at #3 on this list
3. Sean Couturier
If Couturier keeps playing at the overall level he has for the last few seasons, he will finish his career at #2 on this list, but as of today, he's still 3rd. Couts is a beast defensively, drives possession and puts up 1st line offensive production at ES. IMO, he is neck and neck with Patrice Bergeron for best 2 way center in the NHL.
2. Dave Poulin
Poulin though never a true #1 center, often had to fill that role by default for the Flyers and he did an excellent job. He put up 394 points in 467 games and very little of that came on the pp. He was a true old school warrior and a tireless worker in all 3 zones. He is also the best penalty killing forward that I ever saw.
1. Bobby Clarke
Clarkie is not just the best 2 way forward in Flyers history, he's one of the top 3 or 4 in NHL history and his Selke trophy in 1983 was long overdue! Clarke was supremely talented offensively but he probably could have put up even more production except that he would never sacrifice good defensive play to chase stats. Clarke finished his career +507 in 1144 games and also scored 358 goals and 1210 points in those contests. Clarke was routinely matched against the NHLs best pivots and he routinely got the better of them. He was one of a kind.
And there you have it, as always please let me know what ya think and feel free to post your own list.