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Prospects Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier working to make Flyers' roster

Centers Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier are taking different approaches as they try to earn spots on the Flyers roster.

Sean Couturier said he has been trying to bulk up to give himself a better chance to make the team. (David Maialetti/Staff Photographer)
Sean Couturier said he has been trying to bulk up to give himself a better chance to make the team. (David Maialetti/Staff Photographer)Read more

Centers Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier are taking different approaches as they try to earn spots on the Flyers roster.

Couturier is trying to gain weight on his slender frame, while Schenn is more particular about what he eats and is attempting to hone his body.

Cheesesteaks are off limits, Schenn said with a smile.

"I actually tried one in the summer, so I guess I'm good to go for now,'" he said after the Flyers prospects camp opened in Voorhees on Monday.

Most of the fans' eyes were on Schenn and Couturier, two heralded young players.

Schenn has a much sturdier and compact frame than the 6-foot-4 Couturier. Couturier is listed at 191 pounds by the Flyers, but he said he is actually 200.

Couturier, 18, said he has been trying to bulk up to give himself a better chance to make the team.

Schenn, 20, worked out this summer with former NHL player/fitness guru Gary Roberts, who helped Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos blossom into a star. Schenn has been on a strict diet and a rigorous workout schedule.

"I feel quicker, and we'll see when the games come," Schenn said. "That's when it counts. I felt pretty good out there. I'd say the best I've ever felt."

Acquired in the deal that sent Mike Richards to Los Angeles, Schenn said he feels "more confident and comfortable" than he did at any training camp with the Kings.

"I guess the third time around" is easier, he said. "Hopefully, I get a good opportunity, and I just have to make the most of it."

Schenn, generously listed at 6-1 (he appears shorter) and 191 pounds, said he needs to improve his defense to make an impact.  "I guess that's one of the reasons - in L.A.'s opinion anyways - as to why I didn't stick up there," he said. "So for me, I just have to focus on the defensive end. Just try to play a well-rounded game."

Because of his experience, he is given a much better chance to start the season with the Flyers than the ultra-promising Couturier, the No. 8 overall pick (acquired in the Jeff Carter trade) this summer.

The Flyers veteran camp opens Saturday. Twenty-nine prospects were at Monday's camp. The Flyers will play Washington's rookies Thursday at the Wells Fargo Center.

Couturier will either earn a roster spot with the Flyers or be sent back to juniors. He also could be shifted to wing, a position in which he has some experience in juniors.

Breakaways. Coach Peter Laviolette praised Zac Rinaldo, a scrappy left winger who is vying for a roster spot. . . . Forward Adam Mair, who had a total of four points in 65 games with the Devils last season, is expected to be among the camp invitees on Saturday. . . . Jaromir Jagr and Jakub Voracek attended a memorial service in Russia for the Lokomotiv players Saturday, and they are slated to report Thursday.