What We Learned From Flyers 2021 Training Camp
Due to the crazy 2021 NHL schedule, we have been given because of the Covid pandemic, the Philadelphia Flyers are wrapping up their training camp and getting ready for their first game on January 13th against the rival Penguins.
There have been a bunch of really interesting stories that have come out of this training camp. Good or bad, these were the top stories:
Kevin Hayes has Picked up Right Where He Left Off in 2020
I hate to say “I told you so” but: I TOLD YOU SO! Without question the NHL’s best UFA signing last off-season, Kevin Hayes has picked up right where he left off a season ago. He’s had an absolutely fantastic camp, even scoring a pair of goals during an inter-squad game.
There’s a reason he was one of the alternate assistant captains last season. His 6’5” body is full of leadership qualities and it comes through in his game. He’s been centering a line with Giroux and Farabee and the trio was really… REALLY good. I really like that as a line, insulating young Farabee with 2 great leaders like Giroux and Hayes. It allows the youngster to develop and learn from the best.
The Nolan Patrick Vengeance Tour Begins January 13th, 2021
In my humble opinion, no one has had a better training camp than Nolan Patrick. He’s been absolutely P.H.E.N.O.M.E.N.A.L!
Patrick is back and is back with a vengeance. He’s been out there making plays, scoring goals, being physical, and just plain outright killing it out there. Mostly playing on a line centering Jake Voracek and JVR, he has both those veterans playing well. There’s obvious chemistry between the three, and I think Alain Vigneault starts the season with that trio as the Flyers third line, which has the makings of the very best third line in the entire NHL.
Patrick has a chip on his shoulder and wants to go out there and prove to everyone that he was worthy of that second overall selection the Flyers used on him not too long ago.
The Flyers May Just Have the Deepest Group of Forwards in the NHL
It’s no secret that the Flyers are really deep at the forward position. They have three lines who you can argue can be a first-line in the NHL.
As it stands right now this is the opening night line of forwards:
- Lindblom-Couturier-Konecny
- Giroux-Hayes-Farabee
- JVR-Patrick-Voracek
- Raffl-Laughton-Aube-Kubel
Honestly, that is the envy of 99% of NHL teams. Well, balanced scoring, incredibly conscientious defensively and without question the best faceoff team in the NHL, led by Selke winner Sean Couturier. The Flyers had to get down to the maximum allowable roster spots, and on Monday they waived seven players for the purposes of sending them down to Lehigh or if unclaimed, put them on the taxi squad. Those players are Chris Bigras, Andy Andreoff, Tyler Wotherspoon, Alex Lyon, Nate Prosser, Derrick Pouliot, and Sam Morin.
Morin, many might remember is a former first-round pick of the Flyers, but his career has been derailed by multiple serious injuries. Coach Alain Vigneault changed him from a defenseman to a forward before training camp began. I must tell you that it raised a few eyebrows when he did. But the hulking 6’8” Morin didn’t look out of place. He played very well, imposing his physique and you can tell there is a ton of skill to mold there.
The Flyers are crossing their figures that no one claims him. If he slides through without getting claimed, I expect Morin to be on their taxi squad. I believe that former first-round pick Morgan Frost will be the 13th forward on this team.
The Opening Day Roster
The opening day roster has been decided (although not official at the time of this writing). The twelve forwards mentioned above and Morgan Frost most likely as their 13th forward. The defense will be Provorov, Sanheim, Myers, Braun, Gostisbehere, Hagg, Gustafsson, and Mark Friedman.
Since Friedman wasn’t waived, he has obviously made the team. No surprise in nets as Hart and Elliot will be the goaltending tandem. In a condensed and shortened 56-game schedule teams need to stay as healthy as possible, and need to have as much talent to step in at any moment as possible. I think Flyers taxi squad will include Morin (if unclaimed), Sandin, Bunnaman, Zamula, and Twarynski, and another that may surprise us.
So Flyers fans…ARE YOU READY??!!!
Featured Image: BroadStreetBuzz.com
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