The Flyers’ 2025 Training Camp officially opens today at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, N.J., marking the dawn of the Rick Tocchet era as the new Head Coach.
With a 57-man roster (33 forwards, 17 defensemen, and 7 goaltenders) divided into three teams for practices, the focus is on evaluation, integration of new talent, and building toward the preseason opener on September 21 against the New York Islanders. General Manager Danny Briere has emphasized a patient rebuild amid a five-year playoff drought, but camp will reveal if young players can accelerate the timeline. Below are the top storylines to watch.
The Rick Tocchet Effect and New Coaching Dynamics
Tocchet, hired after a successful stint with Vancouver, brings a structured, high-tempo style that could transform the Flyers’ identity. This is his first camp, and early practices (open to the public) will test how quickly veterans buy in and prospects adapt. Briere has reiterated a “brick-by-brick” approach, avoiding a “playoffs or bust” mentality for 2025-26.
Expect emphasis on improving the Power Play, which ranked 30th last season.
Rasmus Ristolainen’s Absence and Defensive Depth Battle Defenseman
Rasmus Ristolainen will miss camp and the early season recovering from offseason triceps tendon surgery—his second such procedure. This opens a top-four spot and intensifies competition among the back end, with half the defense (including Emil Andrae, Helge Grans, and Adam Ginning, Noah Juulsem, and Ethan Samson) vying for minutes. The Power-Play quarterback role is particularly contested, as Tocchet seeks a dynamic option to fix last year’s woes (Andrae, Grand, Samson, and York) will vie for a spot in that realm.
Prospect Push: Alex Bump, Jett Luchanko, and Others Fighting for Roster Spots Youth infusion is a hallmark of the rebuild, and several rookies could crack opening night:
- Alex Bump (2024 first-rounder): The speedy winger impressed in rookie camp on a line with Jack Nesbitt and Samu Tuomaala. He’s gunning for a bottom-six role, potentially displacing veterans like Rodrigo Abols or Nicolas Deslauriers.
- Jett Luchanko: Cleared from a summer groin injury, the 18-year-old center joins the big club after missing development camp. He’s “day-by-day” but could push for a third-line audition.
- Nikita Grebenkin: Known for his size, skill, and physical play, he’s a promising middle-six winger prospect with a fan-favorite personality, highlighted by quotes like “backcheck, forecheck, paycheck.
- Denver Barkey: Known for his high motor, playmaking, and ability to elevate in big moments—despite his smaller frame—Barkey is projected as a potential middle-six NHL forward who excels in transition and on the Penalty Kill.
Goaltending Clarity
Samuel Ersson is the incumbent starter (Dan Vladar as backup), the tandem looks stable but unproven. The big question is Aleksei Kolosov. Kolosov, the Belarusian prospect who once dominated in the KH, will he challenge for AHL time with Lehigh Valley or stick in Philly?
Injury Watch: Tyson Foerster, Oliver Bonk, and Health Updates
- Tyson Foerster: Non-contact status due to an undisclosed issue; his 20-goal potential is vital for middle-six scoring.
- Oliver Bonk: Also non-contact after summer tweaks, but his physical gains (noted in rookie camp) make him a blueline prospect to monitor.
- Broader health: No major red flags, asides from Ristolainen, Foerster, Bonk, and Ryan Ellis. Pre-Season health will shape the Oct. 9 opener vs. Florida.
Fans can stream scrimmages and Pre-Season games on PhiladelphiaFlyers.com, with NBC Sports Philadelphia covering select matchups. Expect heated battles, but these storylines could define the season.
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