Flyers trying to set training camp roster
Holmgren said he is "probably unlikely" to call junior prospects - like 1st rounder Scott Laughton or Nick Cousins - down from the OHL, though he hasn't decided for sure.
Flyers trying to set training camp roster
On the night in which the NHL’s 113-day lockout ultimately ended, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren traveled to upstate New York to catch the Phantoms in Adirondack.
After the game, Holmgren gave good friend and Phantoms coach Terry Murray - a veteran NHL coach of 1,012 games - a heads up as to the players he might be interested in if the lockout were settled.
A deal was brokered between the NHL and NHLPA within hours of that conversation.
For Holmgren, a shortened season means an abbreviated, week-long training camp. The roster won’t feature upwards of 50 players battling for jobs, as has been a September staple of the past. Instead, with a significant number of jobs already filled, it will be slim.
Holmgren said he is “probably unlikely” to call junior prospects - like 1st rounder Scott Laughton or Nick Cousins - down from the OHL, though he hasn’t decided for sure.
“We still haven’t settled on who is going to come in from the Phantoms, other than the obvious guys,” Holmgren said on Monday. “There are some guys who played well down there that could perhaps get looks here in a short training camp that we’re going to have. Then, we’ll see.
“Ice time is always up for grabs. That’s a good thing, competition.”
The obvious guys? Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, Zac Rinaldo, Brandon Manning, Harry Zolnierczyk and Eric Wellwood have all seen NHL action. Erik Gustafsson (ankle) and Marc-Andre Bourdon (concussion) are both hurt, which is a blow to the Flyers’ defense since they were both candidates for the opening night lineup.
Still, Holmgren made it sound like there were a few players who may not be obvious choices that will still get a chance.
Since the Flyers need help on defense for the time being, my guess is that list would include Oliver Lauridsen, the big Danish d-man. Danny Syvret is also a possibility - and he has 59 NHL games under his belt.
Up front, I think players like Rob Bordson and Tye McGinn have impressed the heck out of the Flyers’ brass with their play this season and could deserve a look. Jason Akeson is an interesting name, since he was originally demoted to the ECHL, but he’s rebounded to post 13 points in just 19 games, the Phantoms’ third-best points-per-game (.68) mark.
Center Ben Holmstrom is out for the year after a gruesome knee injury.
Even with the Phantoms in the middle of their season, Holmgren seemingly wouldn’t hesitate to take as many players as needed to battle in training camp. It isn’t much of a balancing act.
“It’s about the Flyers,” Holmgren said. “I think Terry Murray and his staff down there, they understand that. When I saw Terry after the game, I kind of identified some players that he might lose if this thing gets done. The team that’s probably going to suffer the most is (ECHL) Trenton. There’s some players in Trenton that have been playing, they’ll get shuffled up to Glens Falls and fill some spots.”
Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said the training camp roster would include whatever it takes to “make sure we’re ready to win the first game of the year.”
For the latest updates, follow Frank Seravalli on Twitter: @DNFlyers
Here we go,Homer gutted the offense,didn't have much of a defense,and Bryzo.(Oh Brother)Maybe Homer will resign, Russ Farwell is available,and last but not least,Maybe I'll win the "Powerball"lottery. !!!!— quigly46- Subtracting a 42 year old Jagr and an inconsistent JVR = gutting the offense? B Schenn was hurt most of last season and Couturier and Read spent alot of time with limited ice on the fourth line. Offense is fine. — Sidewinder7
- I read there will be buyouts. Byebye Bryz!— wlgj
- In the summer, after this abbreviated season, there will be two buyouts allowed, not now.
The only way Bryz is bought out (this summer) is if he plays like last seasons terrible times... If he rebounds and plays consistently, like he did in March before breaking his foot, he will not be bought out. Live with it.— wgagne12 - I read there will be buyouts. Byebye Bryz!— wlgj
- First find/trade for a solid blueliner that will play half the game. The defense is very questionable which doesn't help a psycho goalie.— farley
- Schenn had one of the worst plus/minus stats in the AHL. Can't wait for him to bring his irresponsible brand of hockey back to the big leagues. Bryzgalov could be the only thing that gets this team into the playoffs.— Hexy4GM
- wow your dumb- Quigly46— fman727
- Bryz will let in 4 goals the first game. The buyout talk will start and get in his head. Its all downhill from there.— dmn
- not to change the subject but what an opportunity this is for bryz. i think he got a bad wrap so far, adjusting to philly and being hurt in the playoffs...things might click for him this year. he could be the guy to carry the d. i don't see many teams beating the flyers if he gets hot like last march. probably do or die for him with the new buyout clause though.— bluefish
- "i think he got a bad wrap so far"
perhaps it was this fish wrap posing as a newspaper?
— ekw555 - The problem with "adjusting to Philly" is that when he went back to Russia, he had similar issues and started going off on the media there. — Sidewinder7
- no defense, better hope Mezz is ready, offence not issue we will score goals we just dont want to have to score 5 a night to win!— bigtom blew3
- How about some players capable of winning the Cup after some 37 years.....nah,that ain't happening!— STEPHEN1988
- Hey,it's Hockey, stop complaining! Just sayin'...— DJ
- Get out of Trenton, Glens Falls is much better, and healthier!
