Photo Credit: NHL.com
At only 21-years-old, Tyson Foerster is starting to show maturity at such a young age on the ice. Tyson is a strong playmaker and has a shoot first mentality. Foerster was signed by the Philadelphia Flyers following the 2020 NHL Draft, as he was a first round selection, #23 overall. He made his NHL Debut last night, and showed he can “Hang” with the big boys. ‘
Furthermore, even so much so, Foerster’s skating was shown on the big stage and it appeared he can play with the big boys. He kept up the pace well, and did not hinder his line of Scott Laughton and Noah Cates with his long strides, rather it was one of the more consistent lines of the night for the Flyers. They kept the pressure on the Carolina Hurricanes, and Foerster almost netted his first NHL goal off a rebound chance. Foerster also skated well on a 2-on-1 opportunity later in the game, and once again he skated well.
The thing that remained constant in Foerster’s NHL Debut was no one would have known that Tyson Foerster had skating issues on draft day after last night’s performance against the Hurricanes. Yes, it’s only one game, obviously a small sample size, but he did well for a player that was criticized for having skating issues. This made some worry if he can play at the NHL level, or “Hang with the big boys.”
“I thought he was one of the better players with the puck. Against a tough team like this, it’s encouraging. I think he was one of the better players offensively.” – John Tortorella said following the 1-0 loss to the Hurricanes on 3-9-23
After participating in Developmental Camp, and he continued to progress through Rookie Camp. One thing became clear. He is showing physical maturity, as a looks a bit leaner but stronger (Muscle wise), “This summer was a big summer for me,” Foerster said. “I lost some fat and I feel great coming in, I feel a lot faster than I was last year. I’m ready to go for camp.”
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He is tied as the leading point producer for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with 38 points (18g,20a), and second on the team in goals with 18, “Just play my game, you’re going to get your shots, this is a hard-working team so bring your energy,” the Flyers coaching staff told Foerster before his NHL Debut last night.
Tyson feeds players extremely well and is always looking for where his target is. Foerster can bring qualities to the ice that the Flyers are lacking, but he needed time with the Phantoms to not slow down his development. He took advantage of playing in the AHL with uncertainty surrounding the OHL two years ago. Tyson also gained valuable professional experience, and tutelage from some veteran players like Cal O’Reilly and Garrett Wilson, whom he speaks of very highly.
The Barrie Colts product in Foerster shoots right and mans the left side of power plays, and can easily understand what play is going to happen in the offensive zone. He is a double threat when it comes to odd man rushes, and he can move and pass the puck efficiently and score goals during these situations. Moreover, he even has tallied two shootout goals for the Phantoms, and just has a knack for the net, “We have received really good reports on him from Lehigh. He will be thrown into the fire down here in Carolina,” Tortorella said before the game last night.
He has many good qualities to his style of play that covers many of the area the Flyers are currently in lack of and he is 100%, “I think I’m in great health right now. My shoulder is a lot better,” Foerster said at developmental camp. For this young man the sky is the limit. How will he perform or where he will perform is anyone’s guess right now, but he skated well last night.
The sky is the limit for this young man, and he looked like a solid NHL’er in his NHL Debut tonight, while donning the number 52. He was recalled on an emergency basis, so it will be interesting. The Flyers will still have their four recalls left, with Tony DeAngelo being suspended for two games. Let’s see what happens, or how long he stays.
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