The Flyers are back somewhat, at Developmental Camp anyways. It’s been nice covering some shoot first mentality players like Wade allison, Samu Tuomaala, Tyson Foerster. Today is the last day of camp and it concludes with a 3-on-3 tournament that is closed to the public. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.
The Flyers have a problem with the cap sort of speak. If there is an extended home stand they may only carry 20 players on the roster, as they can just call players up the turnpike from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. With that being said Samuel Morin figures to be the 7th defenseman. There is no doubt in my mind there is a reason for that as the Flyers are well aware of players like Ryan Reaves and Tom Wilson in their division. The Flyers more than likely will start Morin those games against tougher, rugged opponents like Reaves and Wilson.
Lets see how this plays out first. Rasmus Ristolainen hasn’t played one game in a Flyers jersey. Travis Sanheim needs a good bounce back year after a so-so 2020-21 campaign.
On the surface it appears Sanheim’s next contract will be in upwards of 5+. However, let’s see how he plays for the next two years. He may be a good trade chip at the deadline or in the offseason, as well. Chuck Fletcher has many avenues he could do. After this offseason Sanheim said it best, “Chuck’s done his job, now it’s up to us (The players).”
Who knows, maybe Ristolainen gets dealt at the trade deadline if he isn’t panning out here in Philadelphia. All I’m saying is, let’s be patient and not overthink things right now before the season starts.
Forwards– 13
Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Cam Atkinson, JvR, Kevin Hayes, Travis Konecny, Joel Farabee, Derick Brassard, Scott Laughton, Wade Allison, Oskar Lindblom, Nate Thompson, NAK
Defense- 6
Ivan Provorov, Ryan Ellis, Travis Sanheim, Rasmus Ristolainen, Keith Yandle, Justin Braun
Goalies- 2
Carter Hart, Martin Jones
Wade Allison is my pick for Flyers breakout player of the year. He’s just skating so well, and I like his edge cuts this year with skating. Allison has always had one heck of a shot, but his release is so much more accurate and crisper. It’s fun covering a shoot first mentality player like Allison.
Claude Giroux will retire as a Flyer. Chuck Fletcher appeared to want to lock up Giroux after the season if one saw Fletcher’s press conference live following Sean Couturier being re-signed.
This year is a big year for the Flyers. If the Flyers miss the playoffs I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s because of Giroux, rather it appears that he is taking a step back in his role of carrying this team. The Flyers aren’t self just built on Giroux anymore, so I would think this is a direct reflection of the team as a whole if they miss the playoffs.
The signing of Derick Brassard almost insures that Morgan Frost will start the season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Here was a good quote from Frost at Developmental Camp this week, and this may be one reason Fletcher scooped up Brassard:
Derick Brassard was a good signing by Chuck Fletcher, especially after this comment by Morgan Frost:
“I’m fully confident. I think I just have a little bit more rehab to go to make sure that it’s fully 100% for the future.” – Morgan Frost
He is too important to rush. Frost is one of the Flyers top prospects in the system. What’s important for him is to get stronger mentally and confident. That would help his game immensely, and that is what the Flyers appear to be focused on.
Frost has only played in two organized hockey games in a year and a half. He should not be rushed, patience is required. I personally believe Frost will be up with the orange and black within the first five to seven games of the season.
To start the season, I think Oskar Lindblom will start on the fourth line. It’s hard to bump him above Joel Farabee or JvR to start the season. Both of these players were at the tops of the Flyers list in goals last season, so I think that will carry some weight to start the season at least.
Jamey,… for those of us who are Banned From Twitter & only have Facebook,.. can we Direct Message you our Questions? – “FLYERROB”