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Sanheim getting closer to joining a defense that could be Flyers' identity

    by Sam Carchidi
    Published 

Travis Sanheim, one of the Flyers' top defensive prospects, is noticeably thicker than when the Orange and Black made him their first selection in the 2014 draft.

Back then, Sanheim was listed as 6-foot-3, 180 pounds. Today, he stands 6-4 and has bulked up to 201. And climbing.

When he was drafted 17th overall two years ago, Sanheim was a "skinny little guy, not real strong," Flyers general manager Ron Hextall said at the team's development camp the other day. "Then you saw him the first year after being drafted and notice he is stronger. He's stronger on the stick, defends getter, boxes guys out. It's amazing how quickly it happens."

This year, Sanheim will play his first full pro season — and could be paired with Moorestown's T.J. Brennan on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' AHL defense.

The Phantoms' D also figures to feature Sam Morin, Robert Hagg, and  Mark Alt.

"It's good to have competition," Sanheim said. "These guys are pushing me and it definitely motivates me."

Last season, Sanheim starred for Calgary in the Western Hockey League, collecting 15 goals and 68 points in 52 games. Late in the season, he played four games with the Phantoms, recording a goal and two assists.

The stint, he said, gave him confidence heading into this season.

This is a crucial development year for players like Sanheim, Morin, and Hagg, all of whom could be serious contenders for jobs with the Flyers in 2017-18.

When Sanheim was selected in 2014, TSN draft expert Craig Button compared him to a young Ryan McDonagh. The Flyers hope he is right. Button, the former Calgary Flames general manager, had Sanheim ranked as that draft's eighth-best player — and the Flyers got him at No. 17.

From here, the Flyers' top defensive prospects rank this way: 1. Ivan Provorov; 2. Sanheim; 3. Phil Myers; 4. Morin; 5. Hagg.

In a few years, four of those five could complement Shayne Gostisbehere, Michael Del Zotto and Radko Gudas, forming a formidable defense that should be the Flyers' strength.

And identity.