Jordan Weal making the most of camp with Flyers
Jordan Weal doesn't expect to be centering Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds - the Flyers' top two goal scorers last season - for too much longer in training camp.
Jordan Weal doesn't expect to be centering Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds - the Flyers' top two goal scorers last season - for too much longer in training camp.
So he's enjoying it while it lasts.
"They're great players, both of them," Weal said. "They just do the little things out there on the walls. As a centerman, you can trust that they're going to make that play on the wall and get you the puck. That's all you want as a centerman - get that puck and get out of the zone and get in the other zone and play offense because that's the fun part."
The L.A. Connection line - all three players began their careers with the Kings - played well Sunday in an intrasquad scrimmage in Voorhees, but they won't be together in either split-squad exhibition Monday because the Flyers are sitting most of their veterans.
Weal will be playing in the exhibition in Brooklyn against the Islanders, while Schenn and Simmonds will be given the night off.
In the first three days of camp, Weal, 24, has been in the top-line spot usually occupied by star center Claude Giroux, who is with Team Canada in the World Cup and not yet in training camp. Giroux and the other six Flyers who played in the World Cup are expected to miss the first four exhibition games, so Weal figures to get a long look.
"I'll play wherever I'm needed," said Weal, who could move to a wing spot later in camp.
On paper, Weal figures to start the season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He is a long shot to earn a spot with the Flyers, but he doesn't see it that way.
"If I play my game and do what I can do, I'm going to be here. I know that," he said. "If I don't do the little things in my game that make me successful and I don't battle like I know I can, then I won't be here. It's probably as simple as that."
Acquired last January as part of the cost-cutting deal that sent Vinny Lecavalier and Luke Schenn to Los Angeles, Weal has put up impressive numbers in the AHL.
"He's a versatile player. He may play up the middle, he may play on the right wing, he may play at left wing," coach Dave Hakstol said. "His natural position through most of his career is up the middle, so we wanted to get him there with some consistency" early in camp.
Hakstol said he has liked Weal's work ethic and pace in practices. "That's always outstanding, and his level of execution is good. He's playing with a couple of good players and I think he's fit in well."
Weal and Simmonds assisted on Schenn's winning goal in Sunday's intrasquad scrimmage.
In Monday's split-squad exhibitions in New Jersey and Brooklyn, the Flyers will play primarily prospects like Weal. Goalie Steve Mason is among the numerous veterans who will not play.
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