Let The Kids Play: Time for the Flyers to call up more prospects
As the games tick down throughout the 2021 NHL season, the Philadelphia Flyers’ chances of making the playoffs aren’t looking great. At the deadline, the Flyers were dealers as they traded away defenseman Erik Gustafsson and longtime winger Michael Raffl. The trade of Raffl allowed an opportunity for the Flyers to call up Wade Allison from the Phantoms.
With the Flyers not having much to play for besides a better draft pick, the team might as well call up some of their future prospects to give them some minutes at the NHL level. The following four guys are currently playing for the Phantoms and deserve to get a look with the orange and black this season.
Zayde Wisdom
At just 18 years young, Wisdom is doing a lot more than many people did at his age. The Flyers selected Wisdom in the 4th round of the 2020 NHL draft, and he has made an immediate impact for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In 19 games with the Phantoms, Zayde has 11 points (7 G, 4 A) this season. He already looks to become one of the biggest steals of the 2020 draft with his offensive impact, grittiness, and ability to elevate any line he’s on.
At only 18, it would be tough to expect him to make an impact for the Flyers, but getting some minutes at the NHL level this early in his career could give him a significant confidence boost and help aid his development.
Tyson Foerster
At just 19 years young, Foerster is adjusting to the AHL level really well, just like Wisdom. The Flyers 1st round selection of the 2020 draft has 11 points (6 G, 5 A) in 13 games with the Phantoms.
Foerster is known for his shooting and could be really dangerous at the NHL level already with the guidance of Laughton, Hayes, or Giroux leading the charge at the center. The Flyers don’t have a significant need at winger this season, but it would still be nice to give him a look along with the rest of the wingers listed.
Isaac Ratcliffe
Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2017 draft, Isaac Ratcliffe is currently playing in his second season with the Phantoms. Since Ratcliffe has been drafted, there has been a lot of anticipation on what he could do in the pros as he’s tall in stature and never showed a fear to throw his weight around when he wants to.
Only recording 4 points (0 G, 4 A), Ratcliffe has been on a bit of a points drought for the Phantoms. Still, he’s been playing well and contributing in other ways besides that don’t register on the stat sheet. It’s been almost 4 years since Ratcliffe was drafted, so it’s time to see what the 6’6 winger can do in the orange and black.
Wyatte Wylie
After playing 5 seasons with the Everett Silvertips, the 2018 5th round pick of the Flyers made his debut for the Phantoms this season. At the time of writing, Wylie currently has a respectable 5 points (1 G, 4 A) for the Phantoms. He has looked to hold his own at the AHL this season, especially for his first season in the league.
In his last season with the Silvertips, he posted a ridiculous number of 64 points (14 G, 50 A) in 62 games, so he obviously has a lot of raw talent. The Flyers have had a revolving door at defense this season, so it’s worth a shot to see what Wylie can contribute at the NHL level at 21 years young.
Featured image – Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categorized:Uncategorized