Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers Recall Jacob Gaucher; Couturier Status in Question
The Philadelphia Flyers have recalled forward Jacob Gaucher from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL). This move follows Sean Couturier’s exit from Thursday night’s game with an injury.
No official update has been provided on Couturier’s status. However, Gaucher’s recall is a clear indication that he is not expected to play on Saturday, and possibly not even on Sunday.
Gaucher had a decent training camp and preseason with the Flyers. While he did not make a case to be named to the opening night roster, Gaucher did make a good case to be the first call-up when the team needed a forward.
With Couturier likely out for the next game or so with an undisclosed injury, Gaucher made sense as the recall. He can play center or wing in the NHL. Also, the Flyers don’t have to worry about stunting his development by keeping him in the press box. I am sure that played a role in why it’s Gaucher, and not Karsen Dorwart.
In eight games with the Phantoms this season, Gaucher has a goal and an assist for two points.
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Emil Andrae Back to LHV
To make room for Gaucher on the 23-man roster, the Flyers have loaned defenseman Emil Andrae back to the Phantoms.
Yes, it makes sense. Andrae is still waiver-exempt, so use it while you can. I do get it. Not to mention, once Couturier returns, or if he is placed on IR, Andrae will likely come right back up.
However, Andrae has been by far the best defenseman on the third pair all season, let alone on the left side. He has been light-years better than Adam Ginning and Egor Zamula. Despite that, it’s Andrae who is losing the opportunity.
In his two games in the NHL this season, Andrae has undoubtedly shown he belongs in the NHL.
Now, we will have to wait a little while longer to see Andrae back in action for the Flyers.
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I think Ginning has played a solid defensive role for the Flyers. Sometimes I think folks get too concerned about “puck moving” defensemen. IMO we have enough of them on the roster with Cam York and Jamie Drysdale. Ginning has some size and uses it well.
The pack mentality is crucial to protect players from cheap shots during the season. When an opponent knows you don’t have that , they take advantage. Just look at the Phillies. They don’t stick up for each other at all. A few years ago Harper gets hit in the face and Nola throws his first pitch right down the middle. That was end of any chance at a Championship.
Go Flyers !!
They have to stop the yo-yo thing with Andrae. And Gaucher called up with 1 goal in 8 AHL games? Are they down on Grebenkin?
The normal response, I have seen, to those type questions…..we want to give the guy- young prospect – more playing minutes in LHV for development instead of sitting here in Philly.
The problem with that is too many of our draft picks (although Grebenkin wasn’t a draft pick of ours) end up playing in Lehigh Valley until we realize they were a bad pick and trade them (Lycksell, Tuomaala, etc…).
I hear ya Gaucher has 2 pts in 8 games in LH not exactly lighting it up.
But Grebenkin plays on the wing AFAIK he’s not a center.
Hopefully Couturier is back for tomorrow night’s game the Flyers need him in the lineup