In the first full season with new management and a new coaching staff at the helm which now welcomes the possibility of youth being inserted into their lineups. Certain players in the Flyers system got their much needed chance to prove themselves. Some thrived given their opportunities like young wingers Joel Farabee, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. Defenseman Mark Friedman stepped up, as well, during a time of need this season, when the Flyers blue line was depleted. At the same time, some floundered when given a chance.
One of those players was Carsen Twarynski. The 22-year-old, 6’2,” 198 pound, left-winger showed a lot of promise out of camp, even making the opening night roster. Most expected big things from him this season with the way he was able to battle in camp. However, when push came to shove, even though Carsen seemed to give 110% on the ice for the Flyers (never seeming to take a shift off), he couldn’t find a way to put the puck in the net. In 15 games played (GP) for the Flyers this year, Twarynski netted just one goal (G). Once being sent back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms the teams American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Carsen did not do much better. Posting just seven goals, and five assists (A), for 12 points (P) in 31GP. With his great size, strength, and just pure hustle there should be no reason Twarynski shouldn’t rebound from this year, and come back next season ready to compete for a spot on the Flyers roster once again.
Another player that did not play up to par this year was Center Connor Bunnaman at just 21-years–old, this 6’1,” 207 pounder looked great out of camp. Seeming to be a lock to get some playing time for the Flyers after a year in the AHL. Once his number was called though Bunnaman was only able to amass just one goal, and one assist in 21 games played for the Flyers this season. Connor found himself making the trip back and forth to Lehigh Valley a couple of times this season. When there, “Bunny” (as his teammates call him) netted just six goals, and three assists for 9 points in 29 appearances. Not setting the league on fire, Connor was actually worse defensively in the AHL managing to be a -21 on the season. Bunnaman should get an additional shot at some point next season with the big club. I don’t think it will be out of camp though, as Nolan Patrick will hopefully be returning. Moreover, there is a strong possibility the Flyers try to re-sign Center Derek Grant, not to mention the expected emergence of fellow prospect Morgan Frost. Connor will have to battle out of camp, and when injuries occur Bunnaman will need to be ready.
Now with the mention of (20-year-old) Center Morgan Frost the teams “sure thing prospect” if you will. Morgan seemed to light up the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) the past couple years accruing over one hundred points in each of those seasons. Frost did struggle with making the jump from Junior’s straight to the NHL this season though, as expected. In 20 games played for the Flyers this season, Morgan totaled just two goals, five assist for a total of seven points. A far cry compared to his work back for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Like Bunnaman, Frost found himself traveling from Philly to Lehigh Valley multiple times this season. Unlike “Bunny” though, Frost seemed to blossom once in a Phantoms uniform. Tallying 13 goals, and 16 assist for 29 points in 41 games played. A place where he relished playing often times on the teams 1st line. With a year of pro hockey now under his belt Frost should now know what to expect. What will help him in his journey is his (not too frequently mentioned) strong defensive play. What will and currently is hurting him is his size. In Junior’s his pure talent hid it, so it wasn’t a problem but in a league like the NHL where everyone is bigger, stronger, and as fast as he is. Morgan will now have to work that much harder to overcome his stature, in order to prove that he is deserving of a spot wearing the Orange and Black next year.
Lastly, a player that didn’t make it to the NHL this season but who was expected to make a big splash in the AHL was Winger Isaac Ratcliffe. A gigantic presence on the ice as he stands at 6’6″ and weighs 201 pounds. This 21-year-old also struggled making the jump from the OHL to the Pro level. Coming off a season where he netted an impressive 50 goals for the Guelph storm, Isaac accumulated a total of just six goals, and nine assists for 15 points in 53 AHL games this season. Having all the intangibles of height, strength, toughness, and goal scoring ability you best believe the team will do everything in its powers to right this not so gentle giant. You nor the Flyers should give up on any of these young prospects because they ALL will rebound from their sub-par years this season, and come back the next ready to battle it out in camp for a shot to play full time in Philadelphia next season. The Flyers farm system is the deepest I’ve ever seen it, and these tough camp battles will soon become the norm. Only pushing prospects to strive to be better than the guy that just went in front of them in drills. A problem the Flyers are oh so lucky to have.
