With Lehigh’s season over, Here are three Phantoms Forwards that could make the jump to the Flyers in the Fall

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. We can shoot, and has shown he can “Hang” with the big boys.

One thing Tyson Foerster is known for is his quick release. He has a highly accurate wrist shot, but he could place the puck wherever he likes, “He’s got a great release. He’s a lot like Tipper where they can change the angle. He’s got a really good shot,” said Scott Laughton following a victory against the Minnesota Wild.

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 keeps up the pace well, and did not hinder his line of Brendan Lemieux and Morgan Frost, rather it was one of the more consistent lines for the Flyers. They kept the pressure on the Minnesota Wild, and Foerster netted his second NHL goal off a snipe as shown above.

No one would have known that Tyson Foerster had skating issues on draft day after his first handful of games at the NHL level. Yes, obviously it’s a small sample size, but he has done 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.”

“He gives everybody – he’s played really well. And not just the things that show up as far as the goals, but the other things too. Those are the things that I need to concentrate on as he continues to grow as a player.” – John Tortorella said following the Minnesota game.

Foerster has a lot to be proud of. He had a great playoffs with scoring two goals and registering one assist in three games played. Now he heads into the offseason with a mindset of making the Flyers out right out of camp. There is little reason why he would not be able to do such, barring any setbacks or injuries.

Elliot Desnoyers

Once seen as a project pick for the Flyers after being traded from the Moncton Wildcats. Desnoyers brings a combination of high-end skating and hockey sense that makes him a dangerous player without the puck. He plays a good two-way game, and is rarely out of position. Desnoyers blocks shots, gets into the passing lanes, provides high energy, and simply plays the game the right way.

All of this above was evident in his NHL Debut against the New Jersey Devils earlier in the year. He may have not have achieved the outcome he wanted in his debut getting blown out 7-0, however, he was very impressive. In the first period he threaded a beautiful pass to Scott Laughton who missed a tap in goal, which would have been Desnoyers’ first NHL point. In addition, he managed to block three shots, registered six hits, and played 14:53 in that game.

For the Phantoms, he scored the most goals by a rookie with 23. He now owns the rookie record for goals scored, even with seeing time with the big club.

“Just being here is awesome, the coaching staff is great. I’ve learned a lot already.” – Elliot Desnoyers said following his NHL Debut

Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella sounded off on Desnoyers following his NHL Debut, “I thought he was terrific.”

“The Destroyer” Desnoyers provided a leadership role with a rebuilding Halifax Mooseheads club in his first season, and he increased his production last season en route to a career year. The good news for Desnoyers was he was utilized in every situation to include the top Power Play Unit. Unfortunately, the Flyers have needed help with a successful Power Play Unit for the past few seasons, so maybe Desnoyers can provide something to this unit if he were given the chance when his time arises in the NHL.

The young 21-year-old in Elliot Desnoyers had the potential for big point totals this year. As a fifth-round pick, Desnoyers kept his game simple, and this approach lead to a breakout season with 42 goals and 46 assists for the Mooseheads in his final season with them. He’s playmaker with a high-end shot. Flyers’ Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr is high on the young man:

“Elliot Desnoyers had a productive year in Halifax and played a strong, two-way game with lots of passion. As he matures physically and gets stronger, his game should continue to grow.”– Brent Flahr said earlier last year

Desnoyers actually provided speed due to his smartness of the game with registering one goal in three games played. He has a legit shot of making the big club out right out of camp due to his versatility of playing on the Wing or Center.

Olle Lycksell

The 21-year-old in Lycksell was a sixth round pick of the Flyers back in 2017. Under the guidelines, Lycksell would have become a free agent on June 1st if the Flyers did not sign him.  Lycksell spent last season with Farjestad BK of the SHL after playing for Linkoping in the SHL. He tallied nine goals, and 12 assists this past season, while his playing time actually dipped slightly from 13:52 per game down to 13:10.

He needs to get bigger and stronger, but he can score from anywhere. Lycksell has an arsenal of highlight reel moves, and he has a shoot first mentality. He is a solid addition, and he reminds me of Oskar Lindblom. At the end of the day, Lycksell has a top six upside if he can get bigger and stronger.

Lycksell surprised me to be honest off with registering two goals and two assists. I really didn’t expect much with his first playoffs in North America. He was able to keep up with pressure, and was very speedy for the Phantoms.

One thing I noticed from Lycksell was he dictated the play on the ice. That’s major, especially with his first taste of the playoffs at the professional level in North America. You look determined, and his vision of the ice was impeccable

The Flyers are pretty well versed at the forward position with the Phantoms. Are there any superstars? No, but they have some good young players with the likes of Foerster, Desnoyers, and Lycksell. I think two of these aforementioned players make the Flyers out right out of camp in the Fall.