One of the most intriguing subplots in Rick Tocchet’s inaugural Flyers Training Camp, especially with the blue line squeezed by injuries (Rasmus Ristolainen out until November with triceps surgery) and a preference for balanced handedness pairings. With seven defensemen typically carried on the opening roster, the top four spots are locked down by Travis Sanheim, Cam York, Nick Seeler, and Jamie Drysdale. That leaves 2-3 spots for a crowded group of depth candidates, including the four you mentioned: right-shot veterans Noah Juulsen (28) and Adam Ginning (25), left-shot holdover Egor Zamula (25), and lefty free-agent signee Dennis Gilbert (28).
As of September 30, 2025—right after the Flyers’ 3-2 preseason shootout win over the Bruins—the battle is tightening, with Juulsen and Ginning emerging as early frontrunners for the third pairing.
Quick Profiles and Camp Standout
- Front-Runners: Juulsen and Ginning appear best positioned for the third pairing, leveraging their size (both over 200 lbs) and right/left balance—Juulsen as the only available right-shot option beyond Drysdale. They were the de facto top pair in the Flyers’ 3-2 shootout win over the Bruins on September 29, looking “serviceable” but not inspiring confidence in high-leverage situations.
- Bubble Risks: Zamula’s poor showing against Boston has amplified concerns; his days in Philly could be numbered if he doesn’t rebound in the final two Pre-Season games (vs. Devils on Oct. 2 and Rangers on Oct. 4). Gilbert’s experience makes him a safe veteran call-up, but he’s not flashing enough to displace others.
- Tocchet’s Angle: The coach prioritizes pairs with opposite shots and physical defenders who can “destroy” in their zone. Juulsen’s prior chemistry with Tocchet from Vancouver helps, but all four need to prove reliability—Tocchet noted no one has “stepped ahead” yet.
With the roster deadline looming (likely early October), expect one or two cuts after this weekend’s games. If Zamula falters further, the Flyers might lean on Juulsen-Ginning to stabilize the bottom pairing..This battle underscores the Flyers’ ongoing defensive rebuild: plenty of size and grit, but puck management remains the differentiator. For the latest, keep an eye on the final preseason tilts—these four’s fates will be clearer soon.
Unfortunately, it appears Emil Andrae will start the season off with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, as he practiced yesterday with what appears to be the Phantoms group.
Helge Grans also cleared waivers yesterday, and will start the season off in Lehigh.
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