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VOORHEES, N.J. — The Flyers are entering the critical phase of evaluation and decision making.
They conclude the preseason on Thursday by hosting the Devils at 7 p.m. ET (NBCSP). This game won’t act as a dress rehearsal for the Flyers, as New Jersey’s main roster is already in Prague, Czechia, for the 2024 NHL Global Series. Consequently, John Tortorella will only field a few veterans and a lineup dominated by inexperienced players from the Phantoms.
Instead of a morning skate on Thursday, the Flyers will engage in practice as an NHL team to review their systems. This marks the beginning of their preparations for the regular-season opener next Friday against the Canucks in Vancouver, British Columbia.
On Wednesday, the Flyers held a session on one rink with a group of 24 players from the main roster, while 10 other players practiced on the adjacent rink.
“We’ve accomplished a lot,” Tortorella remarked. “I’m very pleased with the camp. Now it’s time to finalize our teams.”
The Flyers must submit their season-opening roster by Monday at 5 p.m. ET, which can consist of a maximum of 23 players. Before they take the ice for their seventh and final exhibition game, let’s delve into three observations from the sixth non-game day of camp.
Here’s what we noted on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5 of camp, alongside Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4, Game 5, and Game 6 of the preseason.
Line dance
Tyson Foerster did not participate in practice on Wednesday after blocking a shot during the Flyers’ 4-1 preseason defeat against the Bruins on Tuesday night. Although Foerster managed to finish the game, Tortorella noted that the 22-year-old winger experienced some swelling on Wednesday, prompting the team to keep him off the ice.
In Foerster’s absence, the Flyers had a total of 14 forwards in their main roster group, including Jett Luchanko. As the preseason games intensify, the 2024 first-round center has understandably slowed down, and it seems unlikely he will receive a nine-game audition. Nonetheless, Tortorella has been clearly impressed by how diligently the 18-year-old has pushed through four preseason games, two rookie games, and extensive skating throughout camp.
“One player who has stood out with his pace and hasn’t seemed too affected is Luchanko,” he mentioned. “He continues to skate strongly. I checked in with him today regarding how his legs felt, and he told me they feel pretty good. Maybe that’s just youth, but he has handled everything remarkably well.”
We’ve seen various line combinations throughout camp and the preseason, although Tortorella did not implement any specific pairings on Wednesday.
“I’m still evaluating the center positions and remain uncertain about the lines, particularly regarding who will occupy those key offensive roles,” the Flyers’ head coach stated. “We’ll continue to observe how the players perform.”
As for the final cuts, Olle Lycksell appears to be the frontrunner among the forward contenders vying for a roster spot. The Flyers might retain up to 14 forwards, which allows for two extras.
Including Foerster, here are the 15 forwards currently in the main roster group:
Bobby Brink, No. 10
Travis Konecny“`html
Rodrigo Abols, No. 18
Cooper Marody, No. 20 (injured, not on ice)
Oscar Eklind, No. 43
Denver Barkey, No. 52 (on-ice rehab in practice)
Samu Tuomaala, No. 56 (on-ice rehab in practice)
Anthony Richard, No. 90
‘I’m a little disappointed …’
Emil Andrae secured the eighth defenseman position within the main roster group on Wednesday, a clear acknowledgment of his impressive performance during camp and preseason. Following the Flyers’ fifth exhibition game, it became apparent that he had surpassed Adam Ginning in the competition.
“The No. 8 position is completely open,” Tortorella remarked. “I initially thought Ginning would be the one we had reserved for that spot; however, he has had a poor camp. Andrae has gone about his work quietly and has demonstrated a solid camp, which is why he practiced with us today. I’ve told several of those defensemen, ‘What are you waiting for?’ because that position is up for grabs.”
Tortorella prefers not to take eight defensemen on the Flyers’ season-opening four-game road trip. The second additional defenseman would be a young player who they do not want to have sitting around for too long. Consequently, Andrae is currently the frontrunner to be called up from AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley whenever a chance arises on the Flyers’ defense.
“I’m somewhat disappointed that certain players haven’t stepped up to seize the opportunity and made the decision easier for us,” Tortorella stated. “We’ll continue evaluating over the next week or so and see where our discussions lead us.”
On Wednesday, the Flyers’ defensive pairs within the main roster group were as follows:
Cam York-Travis Sanheim
Nick Seeler-Jamie Drysdale
Egor Zamula-Rasmus Ristolainen
Emil Andrae-Erik Johnson
Remaining in camp but absent from the main roster group are defensemen Ginning, Hunter McDonald, Helge Grans, and Oliver Bonk.
A relief for the Flyers came with Seeler’s presence at practice. The previous night in Boston, Seeler was hampered after taking a puck to the knee while attempting to break up a play with a full-out slide. He only took one shift in the third period before being sidelined.
“It was an innocuous play, but it struck that peroneal nerve,” Seeler explained. “My leg went numb, and I couldn’t feel my foot or leg. … I stood up thinking, ‘What just happened? I can’t feel my leg.’
Steeling himself against some residual numbness, Seeler reported that everything was fine on Wednesday and anticipates a full recovery soon.
Ersson’s new path
Tortorella expressed on Tuesday his concerns regarding the Flyers’ goaltending situation this season. The organization remains optimistic about Samuel Ersson, although he is coming off his rookie year and stepping into his first season as the No. 1 goaltender. His backup, Ivan Fedotov, is a rookie who will turn 28 in November and has only one NHL start to his credit.
Ersson may have eased his head coach’s worries somewhat during the preseason. The nearly 25-year-old goaltender will not
He is extremely confident in his preparation. He is determined to give himself the best opportunity to perform at his highest level.
On Wednesday, Alexei Kolosov was the sole goalie participating in the ten-player group on the neighboring rink. Cal Petersen has been placed on waivers, as reported by PuckPedia.com. Should he clear, he is expected to join the Phantoms. There is a possibility that Petersen may be one of the two goalies to take the ice for Thursday’s preseason finale.
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Philadelphia Flyers Prepare for Season Final Evaluations Amidst Key Roster Decisions
Overview of the Season
The Philadelphia Flyers are gearing up for the final evaluations of the season as they navigate crucial roster decisions that could shape the team’s future. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Flyers face an intriguing off-season filled with potential shifts in player dynamics, strategy adjustments, and the pursuit of a more competitive edge in the NHL.
Current Roster Analysis
The Flyers’ roster is a blend of seasoned players and emerging prospects. Here’s a breakdown of key players to watch as the team approaches the season’s conclusion:
- Carter Hart (G) – The young goaltender has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains key.
- Travis Konecny (RW) - A standout performer, Konecny is crucial for offensive production.
- Sean Couturier (C) - Returning from injury, his impact on the ice will be closely evaluated.
- Cam Atkinson (RW) – His experience and scoring ability are vital for the Flyers’ playoff aspirations.
Key Roster Decisions Ahead
As the Flyers assess their roster, several critical decisions lie ahead:
1. Free Agency Considerations
With several players approaching free agency, the Flyers must carefully evaluate their options. Key players whose contracts expire include:
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| James van Riemsdyk | LW | UFA |
| Justin Braun | D | UFA |
| Martin Jones | G | UFA |
2. Trade Potential
The Flyers might explore trade opportunities to bolster their roster. Potential trade candidates could include:
- Kevin Hayes – His contract could be leveraged to acquire younger assets.
- Rasmus Ristolainen – A trade could free up cap space for critical signings.
3. Prospect Call-Ups
With the AHL season nearing its conclusion, the Flyers may consider recalling promising talent from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Prospects to watch include:
- Tyson Foerster – A forward with a scoring touch and playmaking ability.
- Cameron York – A defenseman showing significant upside and potential.
Coaching and Strategic Adjustments
The Flyers’ coaching staff will also be under scrutiny as evaluations are conducted. Key areas of focus include:
- Power Play Efficiency – Improving the team’s special teams play is essential for success.
- Defensive Structure – Addressing defensive lapses that have cost the team in critical games.
Fan Engagement and Community Support
The Philadelphia Flyers have developed a robust fan engagement program, enhancing the overall fan experience and creating a strong community bond. Their strategy includes:
- Social Media Interactions – Active engagement on platforms like Twitter and Instagram keeps fans connected.
- Community Events – Hosting events that foster a deeper connection with local supporters.
As noted in a recent analysis, the Flyers’ fan engagement program is one of the most well-thought-out strategies in professional sports, contributing significantly to their brand loyalty [[1](https://www.zdnet.com/article/philadelphia-flyers-rock-when-it-comes-to-customer-experience-that-is/)].
Benefits of Strategic Roster Decisions
Making informed roster decisions can lead to several benefits for the Philadelphia Flyers:
- Enhanced Team Performance – Strategic trades and signings can improve overall team dynamics.
- Long-term Cap Flexibility – Managing contracts wisely can create room for future acquisitions.
- Increased Fan Engagement – A competitive roster attracts more fans and boosts attendance.
Conclusion
The upcoming evaluations and decisions will be pivotal for the Philadelphia Flyers as they look to build a competitive team for the next season. By addressing key aspects such as roster composition, coaching strategies, and fan engagement, the Flyers aim to strengthen their position within the NHL. With the right moves, they could enhance their prospects not just for the upcoming season but for many years to come.
