Flyers’ Head Coach Rick Tocchet has been open to Denver Barkey playing Center early on in Flyers Training Camp.
On Day 1 of camp (Sept. 17, 2026), Denver Barkey Centered a line with Zach Aston-Reese and Matvei Michkov (while also taking some wing shifts). I noted he made sharp plays from the middle, including quick up-ice feeds to his wingers. Day two was more of the same.
This builds on earlier comments. In early September, Tocchet told The Athletic he liked what he saw from Barkey at Center in last year’s playoffs (especially against Carolina) and said: “Do I think he can be a centerman? Yeah, I do… Now we have a guy that can play center; it does add to the options that I have.” He described the center spots as a puzzle with multiple options.
Barkey (listed around 5’10”, 171 lbs) has junior experience at center with the London Knights and held his own when Tocchet moved him there mid-series in the 2026 playoffs. He’s versatile and high-IQ, which Tocchet and the organization value, though size and faceoff/battle work remain ongoing questions for a bigger NHL role in the middle. Camp is still early, so this is more about evaluating options than locking in a permanent position.
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