Flyers send top prospects down to junior teams

The ax came quicker than expected for some of the Flyers' top prospects Wednesday, most notably four former first-round draft selections: right winger Travis Konecny, and defensemen Ivan Provorov, Sam Morin and Travis Sanheim.

Konecny, Provorov and Sanheim were returned to their respective junior teams, and the 6-foot-7, 227-pound Morin one of the Flyers' final cuts in last year's camp - was sent to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

The four former first-round picks were all expected to be sent down, but not until later in camp.

General manager Ron Hextall has stressed having patience developing the team's young players, and he is practicing what he has preached.

On Wednesday, Hextall declined commenting until Thursday.

All told, the Flyers reduced their roster by 23 players, down to 35. They will carry 22 or 23 players when the season opens Oct. 8 in Tampa.

Provorov, Sanheim and Konecny cannot play in the AHL because of their young ages. Provorov was returned to WHL Brandon, Konecny went back to OHL Ottawa, and Sanheim returned to WHL Calgary. The Flyers also sent Radel Fazleev to Calgary.

The speedy Konecny, 18, has been extremely impressive and it wouldn't be surprising if he earned a roster spot next year.

Provorov (seventh overall) and Konecny (24th) were chosen in the first round of the June draft. Sanheim was selected in the first round (17th overall) in 2014. Morin, who played in just one preseason game this year, was drafted 11th overall in 2013.

Konecny had a goal and an assist in two preseason games - both wins - and created energy with his quickness and creativity Provorov had an assist and three hits in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the New York Rangers. Provorov played in both wins, while Sanheim was used in just one game

In addition to Morin, the following 18 players were sent to the Phantoms: Brandon Alderson, Mark Alt, Cole Bardreau, Tyrell Goulbourne, Connor Knapp, Maxim Lamarche, Taylor Leier, Nick Luukko, Danick Martel, Derek Mathers, Martin Ouellette, Pavel Padakin, Michael Parks, Jesper Pettersson, Logan Pyett, Jay Rosehill, Anthony Stolarz, and Petr Straka.

The Flyers, who host the Islanders at 6 p.m. Friday, are 2-1 in the preseason and are 5 for 11 on the power-play. They are 5 for 8 in their two wins. . ... Goalie Steve Mason on Evgeny(CQ) Medvedev, who has arguably been the Flyers' best defenseman in camp: "His English is a lot better than my Russian."

- Sam Carchidi