Flyers Make More Cuts; Who Will Survive Final Roster Trims?

The Philadelphia Flyers got down to 25 healthy players in training camp Wednesday, and Thursday’s preseason finale against the visiting New York Islanders will help finalize the opening-night roster.

The team sent six players to the AHL’s Phantoms on Wednesday, including defensemen Adam Ginning, and Ronnie Attard, along with winger Samu Tuomalaa. All three had strong training camps, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they all joined the Flyers at some point during the season.

In addition center Tanner Laczynski, goalie Cal Petersen, and defenseman Victor Mete cleared waivers and were loaned to Lehigh Valley.

The Philadelphia Flyers will probably carry 23 plyers. Of the 25 remaining players who are healthy, there are 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies. Final rosters must be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday.

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Philly is expected to put goaltender Felix Sandstrom on waivers with the hope he clears and is sent to the Phantoms. Carter Hart, who will face the Islanders on Thursday, is the No. 1 goalie, and Sam Ersson won the backup spot.

The Flyers could keep three goalies, but that seems unlikely.

Assuming Sandstrom is cut, one other player — likely the loser of the right-wing competition between Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink — could be trimmed to get the roster to 23.

By demoting Attard and Ginning, it appears rookie Emil Andrae, 21, and Egor Zamula, 23, have earned defensive spots on the team. Andrae started slowly in the preseason but got better as camp progressed.

Tortorella said the 21-year-old Andrae is “one of those guys who’s going to play a role with us along the way.”

The coach said he wants young players to get time on defense. That’s good news for Andrae and Zamula.

Breakaways

Hart will play the entire game Thursday, per Tortorella, who said veterans Marc Staal, Nick Seeler and Sean Walker will be among the defensemen in the lineup. … Forward J.R. Avon, 20, is rehabbing from an injured left knee, suffered shortly before training camp. He had 29 goals and 60 points in 59 OHL games last season.