Under The Radar Prospects Who Could Make The Philadelphia Flyers
Its September 2nd. You know what that means. Rookie camp starts in just 7 days. With training camp starting in just 12 days. However, the Flyers are entering camp with a couple holes and question marks.
Coming into camp, the Flyers top 6 forwards and top 2 defensemen are really the only things set in stone. Giroux, Couturier, Konecny, van Riemsdyk, Patrick, and Voracek will be the Flyers top 2 lines. While, Provorov and Gostisbehere will be the Flyers top defense pairing.
Now, there are other Flyers that are set in stone making the roster too. However, there roles on the team can change. Those 8 guys listed above are set in those positions already. But, is there anybody who could be a surprise in camp? Anybody who could win a job in camp?
Here is a look a some potential under the radar prospects who have a chance at making the Flyers…..
Carsen Twarynski – LW – 6′ 2″ 198lbs
Carsen Twarynski is a former 3rd round draft pick by the Flyers in 2016. Since being drafted, Carsen has spent most of his time in the WHL. After two average seasons post draft, Twarynski had a break-out year last season with Kelowna. Carsen scored 45 goals and added 27 assists, both were career highs for Twarynski. This lead to the Flyers to sign Twarynski to his entry-level contract. In doing so, he reported to the Phantoms to finish the year. In his time with the Phantoms, Carsen scored a goal and added an assist in 5 games.
Twarynski is an interesting candidate to make the Flyers. He has an above average shot and is good in all three zones. Carsen also is good on the power-play and is an excellent penalty killer. Being a bigger body, 6′ 2″, Twarynski uses his size to win battles along the boards and get into shooting lanes. If Carsen Twarynski can impress enough in camp, he would be a solid addition to the bottom 6 and help the Flyers below average penalty kill.
Mikhail Vorobyov – C – 6′ 2″ 194lbs
Mikhail Vorobyov is a former 4th round draft pick by the Flyers in 2015. After being drafted, Vorobyov stayed in Russia and earned his way to a roster spot in the KHL as a teenager. Vorobyov had his come out moment at the World Junior Championships. Mikhail lead the tournament in assists with 10 assists in 6 games. This performance and the proceeding conclusion to the end of his KHL season, the Flyers signed Vorobyov to his entry-level contract. This lead to Vorobyov spending the season last year with the Phantoms. In 58 games, Vorobyov scored 9 goals and added 20 assists in his first year with the Phantoms.
Vorobyov is in a great position to make the Flyers. At the moment, the 3rd line center spot is vacant and will be one of the key camp battles for the Flyers. He will be in competition with current NHLer Jordan Weal and prospect Morgan Frost just to name a few. But, the one thing that seperates Vorobyov from his competition is his size. Coming in at 6’2″, Vorobyov uses his size and physicality to defend the puck well and push opposing players to the walls with ease, which is an under-rated part of his game. Vorobyov got an extended look last season in camp. Many believe it was for an extra body. However, in that time, he did nothing wrong and impressed a ton of people.
Philippe Myers – D – 6′ 5″ 209lbs
Philippe Myers is an un-drafted free agent signing by GM Ron Hextall. After having a stellar post-season and going un-drafted in the 2015 draft, Myers was brought in on a rookie camp invitation. However, when he left Philadelphia after rookie camp, he did so as a Philadelphia Flyer. Hextall was impressed enough to give the defenseman, who only had 12 points in 106 career QJMHL game, a contract and boy did he make the right decision.
Myers broke onto the national scene the next season with a performance worry of a top 5 draft pick. Helping anchoring his team to a QJMHL finals appearance. Since then, Myers has done nothing but get better and impress more and more, including last season as a first year pro. His season started slow, but Myers and partner, Travis Sanheim, showed why they will make a great pairing one day in the playoffs for the Phantoms.
Myers is in a win-win situation going into camp. He knows there is not a current opening on the roster for him this season. However, that will not stop him from making the Flyers move someone to open up a spot for him. If Myers doesn’t make the Flyers, he will play a full season on the Phantoms top unit, more than likely paired with TJ Brennan. Another year of experience in more of a leadership role will not hurt Myers at all. However, the one thing Myers does have going for him is his right handed shot. Something the Flyers need desperately being a left handed shot heavy defense core.
Carter Hart – G – 6′ 2″ 182lbs
Yes, how is Hart in this category? Well, Carter Hart needs no introduction for what he has did already in his career. Hart has set records on top of records and won awards on top of awards. But, the goalie position in the NHL is something you should not rush. Just ask Steve Mason or Zach Fucale. Both guys, in different situations, were rushed into situations that hindered there careers. That is something the Flyers do not want to do with Hart.
If you read my article on the Flyers Goalie Roulette, the best scenario for Carter Hart is Alex Lyon makes the Flyers. The explanation is in the article, but the short version is because if Lyon is with the Phantoms, he will get the majority of the playing time to stay fit and ready for a call-up if the Flyers need him. This would minimize Harts time in net.
But, I know your thinking, WHY DID YOU PUT CARTER HART IN THIS LIST?
Well, just think about it. If the kid out-performs everybody in camp, you have to give him a shot right? Yes, that may seem like the most logical decision. But, I always air on side of caution. And, with history like the names listed above, Hart is someone you want to make sure is ready. Look at the great young elite goalies in the league now. Matt Murray, full season in AHL – then mid-year call-up. Braden Holtby, 2 full seasons in AHL – then mid-year call-up.
RUSHING CARTER HART IS SOMETHING THE FLYERS WILL NOT DO.