Opportunity is Knocking to Make Flyers’ Roster

A rebuilding hockey club means opportunity for young hockey players. Especially the guys wearing Philadelphia Flyers uniforms this week.

Tuesday is the final day of Rookie Camp; Training Camp with the veterans begins Thursday. Management has all but decreed there will be some young players on the opening night roster.

That spells opportunity. Opportunity that doesn’t exist among all 32 NHL teams.

Veteran, more talented teams tend to have fewer chances for young players. Some veteran teams might have a single opening for a prospect. In Philadelphia, two forward and two defensive slots might be available. Maybe more. 

That’s going to lead to a seriously competitive training camp. Veterans trying to secure their jobs; hungry prospects who have trained the entire offseason for this moment. Some of those prospects have stood out at Rookie Camp. Now, we’ll see how they do against the established veterans, which is their test.

“It’s all big camp [training camp], to be honest with you, for the guys that are on the cusp,” Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr said

“You look at the number of guys we have here, veterans. Guys that you probably have penciled in to the American League maybe.

“There’s some guys here coming to make the team … Torts [coach John Tortorella] wants people to compete. If someone gets beat out and has to go on waivers, or whatever, then so be it. That’s just the reality.

“I do think the mindset for young player: There’s an opportunity here to get better and obviously get an opportunity.

“Obviously with Coots [Sean Couturier] back and [Cam] Atkinson back healthy, there’s a couple of spots that are solidified. As far as the bottom part of our lineup, there’s a couple of spots to be fought for.”

Could be an interesting training camp and preseason.

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Coming at 10 a.m.: Defenseman Adam Ginning could be one of those prospects who makes the Flyers’ roster next month.

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Buffalo Hockey Now: Sabres top prospect Matthew Savoie injured in Prospect Challenge.

Carolina Hockey Now: Hurricanes sweep Southeast Rookie Showcase.

Chicago Hockey Now: Blackhawks set preseason schedule — when fans will see Connor Bedard in action against NHL players.

Colorado Hockey Now: Avalanche go undefeated in rookie tournament.

Detroit Hockey Now: Where Red Wings’ prospects stand after rookie tournament.

Montreal Hockey Now: Taking a look at some top Canadiens’ rookies.

New Jersey Hockey Now: One question for each Devil this season.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: Isles coach sets objectives for training camp.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby calls for better consistency from Penguins this season.

San Jose Hockey Now: Sharks release training camp roster.

Vegas Hockey Now: Key training camp battles for Golden Knights.

Washington Hockey Now: Alexander Suzdalev could see opportunity with Hershey Bears.