Hockey is almost back, and it is alive and well at the moment before training camp is set to begin on January 3, 2021. Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher and Head Coach Alain Vigneault indicated that physicals will begin on January 3, and the on-ice portion will begin on January 4.
Unfortunately with the good there is some sad news to report. Vigneault indicated yesterday that with a shortened camp it is unlikely for a budding young prospect to enter the lineup on an everyday basis, as there is not enough time to evaluate each prospect appropriately. He is absolutely right because with the new rules training camp begins on January 3 and concludes on January 13. Moreover, there will be no exhibition games, which means each NHL team will head straight to the Regular Season.
This is a shame for some Flyers prospects who were trying to make the 23 man roster such as Mark Friedman, Yegor Zamula, Linus Sandin, Tanner Laczynski, Connor Bunnaman, Carsen Twarynski, Morgan Frost, and Wade Allison.
“Throughout this year, we’re going to need that organizational depth. A lot of guys might not initially be in the lineup, but at some point we’re going to need them. When you get the opportunity, it’s your job to make it very hard for me and my coaches to take you out of the lineup, so I expect some good internal competition at all positions.”– Alain Vigneault
My Thoughts:
Morgan Frost could still make the team outright, especially if Nolan Patrick is not conditioned enough for a Regular Season game. Practices are much different from game action, so there are no guarantees that Patrick plays right away to start the season. With that being said, Frost got a look last season with a few call-ups, so there is familiarity there with Vigneault. Hopefully, Frost added some pounds this offseason, which would be critical for him making the team.
“What I have been hearing lately for quite some time is that he is in a good place and that he is feeling better. Just put yourself in his shoes, the anxiety and the stress of all of this, coming back. I want this to be as smooth and as easy for him. It’s not something that has been easy for him to go through. There is no doubt in my mind that he wants to be with this team. There is a young man that’s played hockey all his life and I’m sure loves the game, so he wants to get back at it. But first, he’s got to be healthy. Hopefully, we get some good news come medicals. Right now, all I’m hearing are good things about him skating, working out and feeling good about himself. We’re keeping our fingers crossed he passes physicals.”
A healthy Nolan Patrick is great, and would be beneficial for the team. However, it shall not be assumed he can play right away. I do believe Patrick will play at some point, but with the shortened camp, and no exhibition games. Father time is not on his side with this one, and Frost could definitely be inserted into the lineup if need be until Patrick is ready to go. As indicated above, Vigneault indicated the depth of this team will be tested throughout the course of the shortened season.
Click here to shop at our store for Flyers Nitty Gritty
In the event some of these prospects do not make the club outright. Have no fear Flyers fans, each NHL team is allocated four to six taxi squad players, who are able to travel and practice with the team. There is one condition, however, there has to be at least one goaltender on the taxi squad in the event there are not three goalies on the 23 man roster. Each NHL team must have three goalies on either on their 23 man roster or taxi squad roster throughout the entire season.
So in the end it is not the end all for these young prospects who are chomping at the bit to impress the Flyers top brass, and make the team outright. In the end it’s only a matter of time before these prospects are littered throughout the entire lineup as the flat-cap continues to hurt most NHL teams. That is one main reason to have a successful farm system. Fortunately, former General Manager Ron Hextall left Fletcher with a great farm system, and Fletcher is taking full advantage of that especially in a weird season that will ensue this coming season.
Thank you Ron Hextall for putting 90% of this team together, plus for so many outstanding prospects in the Flyer’s fold. You were fired just as your plan to be competitive through the draft began to reap benefits. This is your team, not Chuck Fletcher’s. Gregg Lorenz, Bucks County