In Scrimmage, Flyers Prospect Alex Bump Bowls Them Over

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Alex Bump finished off a strong Development Camp with a pure shooter’s touch.

Bump, a 2022 fifth-round draft choice, scored the winning goal in a shootout as Team Lindros defeated Team Clarke, 5-4, in a scrimmage before a packed house at Flyers Training Center in Voorhees on Thursday night.

“I just got my opportunities and I put my opportunities away,” Bump said.

Bump also scored two goals in regulation as the scrimmage brought the Philadelphia Flyers’ summer camp to an end. The scrimmage included five-on-five play, four-on-four play, and three-on-three play.

Bump, 19, was the 133rd overall pick. He’s playing like a more highly touted prospect. He’s playing like a guy who might wear the orange and black someday.

“He just knows how to score,” Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr said after the scrimmage.

“I was talking to [special advisor] John LeClair earlier. There’s kids that can really shoot the puck. Most of these guys can really shoot the puck.

“But there’s guys that can just score and he just seems to have a knack of that.”

Bump’s play stood out. The scrimmage was studiously watched from above ice-level by general manager Daniel Briere and coach John Tortorella.

The Burnsville, Minn., native knew who was watching.

“For sure,” Bump said. “Just a little bit of nerves. Just play my game. I know I can play the sport well and I just try and play the game the best I can. I know they drafted me for a reason. Just try to play my game.”

Next Step

Bump’s game will be at the University of Vermont in the fall — the school where LeClair and fellow special advisor Patrick Sharp played.

“It’s a camp to get better and develop,” Bump said. “I wasn’t really trying to make a team. I’m trying to play the best hockey I can. When it’s my time to make it, I’ll for sure be ready I think.

“I’m just trying to get ready for my college season. That definitely gives me a little bit of confidence going in there. I’m trying to score some goals and make some plays.”

Briere said this camp is for development and learning, not necessarily making the roster.

“Exactly. That’s right on,” Bump said. “I’m really not trying to make it. I’m a young kid still. I probably got a couple more years here. When my time comes to make the team, I think I’ll be ready.”

Bump said he’s learning from the older players at camp. “They’ve got a little bit more experience than me. I can play it just as well as they can, I think. I’m still trying to do my thing.”

Bump is 6-foot, 200 pounds. He likes to play a physical game. “That’s a big thing up in the NHL,” Bump said. “Size is not a thing that not everyone has. So I try to use it to the best of my ability.”

Bump’s play stood out to Flahr, who has seen the forward’s growth from last year’s camp.

“He’s one player, though, that has made huge strides physically from a year ago,” Flahr said.

“Last year he was just kind of a naive high school kid that came in here. He did a year in the USHL and he’s put in his time wisely since the offseason.

“His testing, I know from talking to the strength guys, from last year to this year is one of the most drastically improved players. And you can see it. He’s just stronger on his skates. His skating still has to come a little bit but his top-end speed is fine.”

His scoring touch, too.

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