Flyers Activate Promising RW Bobby Brink, Send to Phantoms

The Philadelphia Flyers activated right winger Bobby Brink and loaned him to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Tuesday.

Brink, 21, has been practicing and skating with the Phantoms since November, and he could make his AHL debut this weekend. He has been sidelined because of hip surgery in July.

The 5-foot-8, 166-pound Brink was injured during an offseason workout, and he had surgery performed by by Dr. Christopher Larson in Minnesota. Brink tore the labrum in his left hip.

A year ago, while playing at the University of Denver, Brink led all NCAA scorers with 57 points (14-43) in 41 games. He had a 10-game stint with the Philadelphia Flyers at the end of the season, collecting four assists.

Brink was chosen in the second round (No. 34 overall) in the 2019 draft. He and defenseman Cam York, now with the Flyers, were on the USA team that won the World Juniors in 2021 in Edmonton.

The Minnesota native had six points (2-4) in seven World Junior games that season.

He was a Hobey Baker finalist for NCAA champion Denver last season. The award is given to the nation’s top collegiate player. Cole Caufield won the honor last year.

During the 2019 draft, GM Chuck Fletcher traded up 11 spots to get Brink at No. 34 overall. Craig Button, TSN draft expert, rated him 20th that year.

In effect, Fletcher twice bypassed on Caufield –– who was chosen by Montreal and is now thriving — and instead got York and Brink. Caufield has 21 goals in 37 games with the Canadiens this season.

In another move Tuesday, the Flyers sent winger Olle Lycksell back to the Phantoms. Lycksell, 23, has 18 points (5-13) in 19 games with Lehigh Valley.

The Phantoms play Friday at Rochester, then visit Toronto on Saturday.

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