Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
The major storyline from Flyers training camp in 2023 is there’s a “Spot a plenty” as John Tortorella has been describing to us for the past few days. “It’s the land of opportunity here,” Tortorella described yesterday. One of those key positional battles where there are plenty of spots or at the defensive position. No pairings are set, and mainly that is due to the youth that are pushing for spots. However, there could be a possibility that the top two pairings stick, and it was as follows:
Cam York-Rasmus Ristolainen
Marc Staal-Travis Sanheim
One of those key young players that are in a key positional battle at the defensive position is Emil Andrae. Andrae it’s been outstanding over the course of the past two days of camp, and that filtered here into the third day. His passing is exquisite in his decision making has ranked off the charts.
Tortorella smiled yesterday when asked about Andrae, “He’s coming along” Tortorella said.
Cam York appeared to have a good day at camp. He just looked energized and made the right decisions with his defensive partner Rasmus Ristolainen. He sniped a puck home through a screen on Carter Hart. I have mentioned that York hits the net nine times out of 10. His shot accuracy is one underrated part of his game.
This could be a potential top or second pairing, depending on how Tortorella views it. York and Ristolainen will continue to work as a pairing, possibly even on the first Pre-Season game against the New Jersey Devils on Monday night.
Finally, Tanner Laczynski looked more engaged today. He potted one goal and registered one assist in today’s scrimmage. He needs to continue this type of play, as he is battling for the fourth line Center role against Ryan Poehling. Another player that needs to have a big camp and looked more engaged today was Wade Allison. He was physical, and when he plays like that that means he’s confident.
Nic Deslauriers was all smiles after a few scrums today. Deslauriers relishes that, it takes pride in it. Who would want to drop the mitts with him at training camp? However, it does mean, as I alluded to yesterday, Tortorella is doing everything in his power to have as close to game action at camp. He hit everything that moved today.
Pictures and videos from today’s camp
Good turn out today at Flyers Training Camp, even with the Tropical Storm that’s going on
