Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Chuck Fletcher stated to the media earlier in a season that he didn’t want Morgan Frost to be a “Yo-Yo,” but that’s what appears is happening to him. Flyers Interim Head Coach Mike Yeo stated yesterday following practice that they had some tough decisions to make, and he did not know for sure if Frost would be in the lineup on Saturday, pending Derick Brassard’s return to the lineup.
If Brassard returns to the lineup on Saturday, then Frost more than likely would be sent back to Lehigh. Yeo stated that he did not want Frost on the fourth line because of the player he is supposed to be (Top 6 potential), which is true, but the Flyers could make room for Frost on the Wing within the top 9. This is why some fans rightfully question the developmental staff and front office for the Flyers, it’s decisions like this that could impair his development. There is nothing more for him to prove at the AHL level, rather it is time for him to sink or swim in the NHL and there is no better time to prove this than now in a lost season.
Brassard has not proven that he can stay healthy this year. Recently, he plays one game and gets re-injured following that game. With that, Frost was sent back to Lehigh following the All-Star break as Brassard returned to the lineup. Derick played one game and re-injured himself, thus forcing the Flyers to recall Frost after placing Brassard on injured reserve (IR). Now Brassard may play Saturday, thus forcing Frost to become a “Yo-Yo,” which is what Fletcher did not want originally to happen to Frost. My question is why would Fletcher allow this to happen in a lost season now, especially after Yeo praised Frost for his power play work following Tuesday night’s game against the St. Louis Blues?
One of the reasons Morgan Frost was sent back to Lehigh earlier in the season was to build confidence, “I think having him go down to Lehigh Valley and play, play a lot and play every situation for Lappy will benefit him,” Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher said. “Allow him to get his timing back and his confidence back. The next time you see him, he’ll be a vastly improved player.”
Being sent back at the All-Star break was puzzling
Frost was assertive with his decision making, and he was quite effective right before the All-Star break even though the production wasn’t there. His line of Max Willman and Gerry Mayhew were effective for the orange and black, and they formed one of the most consistent lines for a team that was struggling to win games before the break. He was oozing with confidence, physical, and more often than not making tape to tape passes.
His shot was highly accurate, to which that is exactly what Fletcher wanted to see at training camp, “I think we wanted to give Morgan every opportunity to show what he could do,” Fletcher said. “We played him with good player. We played him in important situations. I think the best thing for him long term is to play and play in an environment where he can get his confidence. It’s the best thing for him. It’s the best thing for us. We went into it in good faith and wanted to give him that opportunity.”
So why would the Flyers not recall Frost once the break ended? NHL Taxi Squads were no longer, so playing time is crucial for a young prospects development, according to Yeo, “We want to keep pushing them to find that next level,” Flyers interim head coach Mike Yeo said this past Tuesday. “It’s just part of the process.”
Yeo continued, “Their development is still first and foremost. The experience of being up here and playing with us I think has been invaluable for them and I think we’ve seen improvement in both of their games. But also it’s a different experience as far as playing a little bit of a lesser role at different times, getting a little bit less ice time.”
In hindsight, Yeo is absolutely correct about playing time in regards to a young prospect in Frost, but he has nothing more to prove at the AHL level. He produces and shows his confidence for the Phantoms. Frost needs adequate playing time in the NHL, as it may hinder his development to further grow his game, with actual linemates to further his development, to include playing with the man advantage.
The developmental staff and front office has let Frost down, it’s as simple as that. What has Brassard done to earn his spot back, as he plays in one game and then gets hurt. Brassard wouldn’t be showcasing for a trade as teams know what they are getting in the return of Brassard. He is a 15 year veteran in the NHL, teams know his tendencies by now.
Frost is a prospect that has top six abilities. Fletcher originally said he didn’t want Frost to be a yo-yo, and if he was recalled to the Flyers then Frost would be up for good. Well, well, well, he is being treated like a yo-yo now it appears, so much for that. Fletcher said playing time, and reps were a major factor in sending down Morgan Frost before the All-Star break:
“I just think there’s a lot of times we rush these kids and we don’t give them a chance to fully develop.” – Chuck Fletcher GM of the Flyers said at his presser over a week ago
Frost has been one of the best skaters for a depleted Phantoms team, who have been decimated by injuries. It’s not easy replacing Tyson Foerster, Linus Sandin, German Rubtsov at times, and Wade Allison on a nightly basis. His confidence is back, and confidence is key for everyone no matter what you do in life. After only playing in a handful of organized hockey games in a year and a half due to his prior injury. It was understandable for Frost to tighten his stick, or put a lot of pressure for him to succeed offensively. The lack of confidence appears to be a thing of the past for Frost.
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