Young Players Improving Is The Key To This Flyers Season

Photo Courtesy of Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press

With half the 2022-2023 NHL season essentially being over at this point, it’s been an up and down ride so far this season for the Philadelphia Flyers. The team did not enter the season with much expectations. Majority of media pundits projected the Flyers to likely finish in the bottom 10 of the NHL. Despite that, a season with scarce optimism has presented an important opportunity for the Flyers and the development of their younger players. 

Such a season puts the Flyers in a position where they can afford to play their younger players and give them a lot of ice time while doing so. Getting players like Morgan Frost, Owen Tippett, Noah Cates, Cam York, and Egor Zamula ice time during important in game scenarios needs to be the main focal point as the season continues to move ahead.

Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella has already stated that the team is in a rebuilding phase this season and potentially beyond. While also mentioning that it’s important the team starts developing their younger players and provides them opportunities to grow into significant roles. Doing so affords the chance for these younger players to begin becoming contributors at the NHL level.

Although, certain younger players on the Flyers such as Morgan Frost and Owen Tippett were very streaky to begin the season. The last 15-20 games a new consistency has begun to emerge for the pair. It shows that for most players there is a learning curve and an adjustment period at the NHL level. In relation to figuring out how to establish their game and what can work for them. This is all a facet of player development and the fact that this is not a linear process.

Morgan Frost 

When looking at Morgan Frost specifically. The young forward went through a period where he didn’t register many points in a lengthy stretch of games. John Tortorella even scratched Frost for a hometown game against the Maple Leafs earlier this season. However, Frost overcame such obstacles once being put into more conducive situations to find success and perform. The forward has shown his offensive instincts, playmaking ability and the potential within his game. It’s translated to production as in the past 16 games he has 14 points. 

The above only points to the thought that for certain young players it isn’t always an easy thing to figure out the NHL level. It takes time for young players in most cases to become a consistent factor game in and game out. It’s quite clear that Frost being given more ice time, more opportunities in terms of offensive zone starts, and playing with some skilled wingers in JVR and Tippett has unlocked Frost’s confidence. In turn resulting in more consistency.

Cam York 

A similar thing has occurred with young defensemen Cam York. The first round selection was sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms after an underwhelming Training Camp. Tortorella stated going to the AHL would likely be a benefit for the player. Due to the fact he would be able to play a ton of minutes in all situations. It’s apparent the coaching staff wanted York to be more assertive with his style of play as when doing so it can very positively impact a game.

Ultimately, sending York to the AHL to begin the season seems as though it was indeed the right move. Ever since being called up the defender has 8 points in 12 games. While displaying a new found offensive aggressiveness within his game that we did not see during training camp. As a result, this also points to the idea of player development being a process. It appears as though going through said tribulations have only benefited York and his game.

Owen Tippett

In regards to Owen Tippett the forward  has shown he is taking a step forward concerning his on ice performances this season. Tippett’s shown his plus shot and powerful skating ability when creating scoring chances in several games. Some further consistency is needed but that seems to be coming around for the young forward. He’s posted 10 points in his last 11 games and has found chemistry with Morgan Frost and James Van Riemsdyk. 

The next steps for Tippett will be using his shot more frequently, driving to the net, and looking to create opportunities below the hashmarks more often. His skillset screams that of a volume shooting power forward, especially with his size and skating ability. Using those skills to drive the net more often will turn Tippett into a more complete and effective player. One thing that also should be mentioned is his willingness to get back in the play defensively. He’s shown several instances of backchecking quite effectively and breaking up some plays entering the Flyers zone with his speed and tenacity. Which further cements Tippett has fully bought into John Tortorella’s systems and style of play.

Noah Cates

Lastly, Noah Cates is also a young forward in the process of figuring out his game at the NHL level. Cates has already shown his skills defensively with the play in his own end. His hockey IQ in terms of how he positions himself on the ice, along with his stick positioning make him an effective player on the defensive side of the puck and down low in his own zone. 

Henceforth, explaining why John Tortorella has begun using Cates as a center even though the forward is a natural winger. For Cates his defensive game at center has been very impressive for a young player, thrust into the role for the 1st time at the NHL level. The next focus for Cates will be trying to develop his offensive game at center and improving on his faceoff ability.

This may be a tall task for the player due to the defensive responsibility being placed on him. Though in these last handful of games we’ve seen some more offensive plays being made by Cates, which is certainly an encouraging sign. Once again illustrating that player development is a process and Cates is currently working his way though that. The ice time and usage he’s getting is helping as Tortorella is virtually deploying him as a first line center at this point. Affording him various opportunities to grow his game even further.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it’s evident the Flyers and their coaching staff are focused on the development of some of their young players this season. This is quite clear based on the opportunities being given to them in relation to their ice time and usage. Especially in their most recent run of the last 20 games or so. It will be interesting to see how these players continue to progress throughout the remainder of the season. As well as, if further on ice responsibilities are given to specific players to see how they can handle them at the NHL level. 

One thing the Flyers need to ensure occurs is the further development of Egor Zamula. The young defensemen from my perspective would benefit from an extended look at the NHL level. Where the reigns are taken off him a bit. Likely we may see Zamula get called up closer to the trade deadline and remain with the Flyers for the final duration of the season. This would presumably occur once veterans such as Braun and Seeler are potentially moved at the Trade Deadline.

Considering the predicament the Flyers are currently in they need to take advantage. Their focus should be trying to put as many young players in positions to succeed and progress their games, as possible. In the long run doing so will only benefit the organization as a whole.