Photo Courtesy of, NHLI via Getty Images
For the majority of young NHL prospects, the beginning to their NHL careers can be a difficult adjustment. In most situations there can be a learning curve for a player to figure out what works for them at the NHL level in comparison to lower levels of professional hockey.
In regards to Flyers prospect and 23rd overall, 1st round draft pick Tyson Foerster (2020 Draft) it doesn’t appear the young forward is experiencing the typical acclimation period most rookies do. Before being called up, Foerster was performing well in the AHL. The forward had put up 19 goals and 20 assists for 39 points in 57 games. Based on those statistics it’s clear Foerster is a talented player and has an NHL future. Though I’m not sure if anyone anticipated the start Foerster has had to his NHL career.
The talented winger has notched 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in his first 8 NHL games. Scoring at almost a point per game pace. For a player participating in his first 8 NHL games such results are not only encouraging but show the level of talent Foerster possesses. Points aren’t the whole story either. There’s specific details of Foerster’s play that have stood out in a positive manner through these 8 games in addition to the scoring. This can be established through the forward’s Corsi for percentage while on the ice in his first 8 games played.
Foerster is currently sporting a 53.2 % Corsi for percentage (Data courtesy of hockey-reference.com). Essentially, outlining the Flyers had the puck more often throughout the winger’s shifts. While usually having more shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots in comparison to shots against, blocked shots against, and missed shots against when the forward was on the ice per the statistics (For further context a player with a Corsi for percentage of 55 % or more is considered elite in respects to what the stat is measuring).
Details of The Game
One facet of Foerster’s play that is very polished for a young forward is the defensive side and small details of the game. What’s been very noticeable is Foerster’s positioning in most situations on the ice. Whether it’s an offensive or defensive scenario the winger is usually positioned correctly conducive to the situation on the ice and where a winger would need to be.
As a result, Foerster has already made more than a few big blocks in his short NHL career to date. Most notably, the forward had a block while taking on the Canes that prevented a goal and a block taking on the Panthers that led to an empty net goal. In total Foerster has already been credited with 10 blocks in only 8 games this season.
Another attribute to a rookie’s game that is something to keep an eye on is their performances during board battles. In relation to Forester, the forward is tenacious along the boards in all zones. There doesn’t seem to be any hesitation to battle and dig for pucks on the boards which furthers how polished Foerster’s game appears to be at 21 years old. Not to mention the fact he’s won board battles in the offensive zone that have led to the Flyers retaining puck possession and starting cycles.
When discussing small details of the game the most impressive skill Foerster possesses is his hockey sense and intelligence on the ice. First off, his positioning puts him in places to receive passes for shots on net. He has the ability to recognize open areas of the ice and position himself there for shot opportunities.
His hockey sense has been prevalent on the Power-Play as well. Foerster’s made numerous little one touch passes off the boards back to defenders, or down low to keep puck possession for the Flyers. Overall, the fact the young player is already trying these types of plays at this level further exhibits the skill present in the winger’s game.
Shot and Release
What makes Foerster very noticeable on the ice is the winger’s most valuable asset, his shot and release. Foerster not only gets the puck to the net quickly, but there is velocity and heaviness behind his wrister/one-timer. Specifically, you could see how hard and fast some of his shots were moving. While the forward was set up on the left hand side of the Power Play and let some one-timers go during the Flyers past few games.Â
Despite missing the net, it’s easy to see how shots of that magnitude would be difficult for a goalie to stop if they made it on net. Primarily due to how quickly the puck is moving. In terms of Power Play shooting at the NHL level the one-timer may be something Foerster focuses on this off-season and looks to improve even further.
The shot selection that’s been most successful for Foerster during this NHL stint has been his wrist shot. On both goals he’s scored using it he’s released the puck deceptively. Making the shot harder to stop for Andersen and Fleury.
His first NHL goal played out during a two on one rush. On that sequence Foerster sold that he could potentially pass the puck back to Frost which allowed him to open Andersen up on the eventual goal. The shot was placed just over his pad on the blocker side.
Putting the puck in that area of the net just over the goaltenders pad and beneath the blocker as he did shows the Hockey IQ and accuracy with his wrist shot. That’s a very tough stop for a goalie to make there especially during a two on one chance.
Foerster’s second NHL goal happened to be even more impressive than his first. It also came at a crucial point and tied the game immediately after the Wild took the lead. NHL Network’s Mike Rupp broke down the rookie’s shot release on this particular goal in a video I’ve attached below.
The way Foerster takes the open ice in front of him and skates right into the middle of the face-off circle while a defenseman is pressuring the puck shows his confidence. Coupling that with the wherewithal shown to change the angle of the shot near the face-off dot is what caused this shot to become a goal.
Changing the angle increased the chance of this shot turning into a goal due to the fact it opened up a clear lane for the puck to reach the far side of the net. This occurred through using the curl and drag move then release to change the angle of the shot. Accurately demonstrating the deceptiveness to Foerster’s wrist shot and the players overall intelligence on the ice.
The goals above only further the evidence Foerster has a legitimate plus shot at the NHL level and can beat goalies clean with it from some distance. One legitimate question to have once Foerster likely makes the jump to the NHL level next season, is how consistent the rookie will be production wise. Nonetheless, this stretch is certainly an encouraging sign to see for a young player just scratching the surface at the NHL level.
What’s Next?
Although, Foerster has impressed at the NHL level so far and looks to be cementing himself as a future contributor with the Flyers. The young winger has been loaned to the Flyers AHL affiliate the Lehigh Valley Phantoms as of this morning.
In regards to the forward’s overall development, this is the right move for Foerster. It allows the player to re-join the Phantoms team he had much success with this season and become a main catalyst for them during their upcoming playoff run. AHL playoff experience has proven to be a great development tool for prospects. Foerster playing in a playoff setting will only be a positive for the forward’s progression. That’s valuable experience in high stakes situations for a young player. It cannot be overstated how important going through those circumstances within the playoffs are for a prospect and their advancement.
The taste of NHL action has given the player some confidence especially when scoring 7 points in 8 games. On top of that, it has allowed Foerster to develop an understanding of what is needed in order for him to have success playing at the NHL level. These 8 NHL games were a learning experience to take into the off-season. Which can be referenced by the player when trying to outline what exactly needs to be worked on to ensure his game becomes even more effective in the NHL.
Ultimately, these past 8 games at the NHL level have shown Tyson Foerster may be one of those high end talent players the Flyers are desperately looking for. Considering his performance the winger will likely be receiving even more opportunities next season to prove that can be a reality.
Tyson is the real deal! Now call up Brink for the last 8 games!