Oliver Bonk (and other bubble players like Ty Murchison, Nikita Grebenkin, Carl Grundström, Simon Benoit, Hunter McDonald, and Helge Grans) are among those battling for limited roster spots as Flyers Training Camp opens.
Flyers main Training Camp began with on-ice sessions today at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, N.J. The team has a relatively set core after reaching the playoffs the prior season, leaving only a couple of open spots (depending on whether they carry 13–14 Forwards or 7–8 Defensemen).
Key context on the battles:
- Defense: Oliver Bonk (2023 first-rounder) is widely viewed as the top candidate who could force his way onto the roster with a strong camp. He is not waiver-exempt in a way that forces an immediate decision the same as some others, but the Flyers prefer not to have him sit as a healthy scratch long-term; a strong showing could push them toward eight defensemen. Other competitors include Simon Benoit (Who was acquired via trade and is physical, Ty Murchison (who impressed in rookie camp), Hunter McDonald, and Helge Grans. David Jiříček is viewed as more of a lock, especially since he is no longer waivers exempt.
- Forwards: Bubble players such as Nikita Grebenkin, Carl Grundström, Noel Acciari, and Zach Aston-Reese are competing for the final forward spots. Youngsters like Alex Bump (who had a strong showing in the recent rookie series vs. Rangers prospects), Alex Bump, Denver Barkey, and Porter Martone are more established or projected higher but still pushing for roles and ice time.
General Manager Danny Brière has emphasized internal competition not just for roster spots but also for special-teams roles and responsibilities, noting that no one should feel secure based on past performance. Camp is abbreviated, with a pre-season opener Monday (Sept. 21) vs. Washington in Hershey, so decisions will come relatively quickly.
Notes:
Barkey also might see time at Center in Camp, or in the pre-season tilts. The Flyers like his versatility, and he will see time on the Penalty Kill.
Grebenkin Is hurt, and will miss the start of camp. This can put him behind a bit
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