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Can the 'other' Russian earn spot with Flyers?

    by Sam Carchidi
    Published 

While all eyes are on promising defenseman Ivan Provorov, there is another Russian at rookie camp who is also high on the Flyers' radar.

Roman Lyubimov, a 24-year-old forward who signed to a one-year, two-way entry-level contract in the summer, is hoping to make an impression and work his way into the club's plans.

The 6-foot-2, 207-pound Lyubimov spent the last six seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League; he had seven goals and 14 points last season for Moscow.

Lyubimov gives the Flyers some added depth and size. He was impressive in the World Championships last May, collecting four goals and four assists in 10 games, helping Russia win a bronze medal.

Lyubimov understands English, but is still learning to speak the language. Through interpreter Slava Kouznetsov (the Flyers' skating coach), Lyubimov said he was "planning to come here for more than one year" and that his wife and young daughter are going to move to the area from Russia. "I will put everything into it."

Known as a hard-working player and solid penalty-killer, Lyubimov said he models his game after Flyers center Sean Couturier. He can play wing or center, and he is hoping to make the Flyers as a third-or fourth-liner.

In Wednesday's rookie game against the Islanders' prospects in Long Island, Lyubimov could be on a line that includes fellow Russian Radel Fazleev, a promising 20-year-old center.

Lyubimov is expected to begin the year with the AHL's Phantoms. Then again, with Brayden Schenn suspended for the first three games, Lyubimov has a chance to start the season with the Orange and Black.

After Tuesday's session at the Skate Zone in Voorhees, Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said he isn't looking at Lyubimov as a high-scoring player,  but someone who has to be a "strong, two-way power forward. That's the mindset I'd like to see him develop and try to show in camp."

He also has to show if he can adjust to the smaller North American rinks. The quicker he adjusts, the sooner he figures to be play in the NHL.