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| Flyers prospects will convene in Voorhees, New Jersey for the organization's annual development camp July 7-12th. Photo: Nina Weiss |
When you talk about the Flyers, most of the conversation is based around the future. That's why there was plenty of excitement in the air when the Flyers announced their 2016 Development Camp schedule and roster a week ago.
The camp, which will run from July 7 to 11, will be primarily instructed by John Riley (forwards), Kjell Samuelsson (defensemen) and Brady Robinson (goaltenders).
In past years, general manager Ron Hextall has stressed that this camp is not designed for evaluations. No jobs are on the line.
Hextall views this time of year as an opportunity to take stock of how the prospect pipeline has progressed while also giving new draft picks a glimpse of how the organization is run. An introduction, of sorts.
The Flyers also use this opportunity to build off current baselines for stamina, strength and agility as well as providing vital dietary and conditioning regimens for each individual prospect.
Some names, however, were noticeably absent. This year's first-round pick, German Rubstov, will not be able to attend camp because of contractual commitments to his KHL team. Fellow Russian Mikhail Vorovyov, a late-round pick last year, is also unable to attend.
Then there are guys like Anthony Stolarz, Taylor Leier and Shayne Gostisbehere. All three players have "graduated" from development camps after appearing in several over the past few summers.
The lone skater who will miss camp because of an injury is Philippe Myers, who was hurt in an apparent knee-to-knee hit in the Memorial Cup Final on May 29th. His success over the past year has been a major surprise for Flyers management. Myers is expected to make a full recovery and will be 100 percent for the start of the regular season though.
So who will be there? Glad you asked. A closer look at the entire camp roster after the jump.
Forwards
Wade Allison
Position: RW
Height/Weight: 6-2, 205
Acquired: Second round (52nd overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Tri-City (USHL)
Allison, who is committed to Western Michigan University for next season, is a big, strong power forward with a heavy right-handed shot. He skyrocketed up the draft boards after a slow start to the 2015-16 season, finishing with 25 goals and 47 points in 56 regular-season games. In the playoffs, Allison racked up nine goals and 16 points in just 11 tilts to earn MVP honors.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Position: RW
Height/Weight: 5-11, 187
Acquired: Second round (48th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Val d'Or (QMJHL)
The next step for Aube-Kubel is to prove he can produce at a higher level. Last season, the 20-year-old reeled off impressive streaks of 25 and 26 consecutive games with at least one point, blossoming into one of the top offensive forwards in the Q. He finished with career-highs in goals (38), assists (46) and points (84) in 61 appearances.
Cole Bardreau
Position: C
Height/Weight: 5-10, 193
Acquired: Free agent, 2015
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Bardreau was solid in his first full season as a professional, steadily improving with each passing game. He earned AHL Rookie of the Month honors in January after posting six goals and six assists in 11 contests.
Connor Bunnaman
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6-1, 207
Acquired: Fourth round (109th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Kitchener (OHL)
An honest, two-way player, Bunnaman recorded 16 goals and 22 assists in 68 games for Kitchener in 2015-16. He has the ability to play all three forward positions and has been lauded for his hard work ethic.
Samuel Dove-McFalls
Position: C/LW
Height/Weight: 6-2, 205
Acquired: Fourth round (98th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Saint John (QMJHL)
Dove-McFalls had to deal with some adversity last season. He missed quite a bit of valuable development time with a serious knee injury but returned to his reliable form late in the campaign and in the postseason. He's good in the faceoff circle, kills penalties and has the makings of steady shutdown pivot.
Radel Fazleev
Position: RW
Height/Weight: 5-11, 187
Acquired: Second round (48th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Val d'Or (QMJHL)
The next step for Aube-Kubel is to prove he can produce at a higher level. Last season, the 20-year-old reeled off impressive streaks of 25 and 26 consecutive games with at least one point, blossoming into one of the top offensive forwards in the Q. He finished with career-highs in goals (38), assists (46) and points (84) in 61 appearances.
Cole Bardreau
Position: C
Height/Weight: 5-10, 193
Acquired: Free agent, 2015
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Bardreau was solid in his first full season as a professional, steadily improving with each passing game. He earned AHL Rookie of the Month honors in January after posting six goals and six assists in 11 contests.
Connor Bunnaman
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6-1, 207
Acquired: Fourth round (109th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Kitchener (OHL)
An honest, two-way player, Bunnaman recorded 16 goals and 22 assists in 68 games for Kitchener in 2015-16. He has the ability to play all three forward positions and has been lauded for his hard work ethic.
Samuel Dove-McFalls
Position: C/LW
Height/Weight: 6-2, 205
Acquired: Fourth round (98th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Saint John (QMJHL)
Radel Fazleev
Position: C/LW
Height/Weight: 6-1, 192
Acquired: Sixth round (168th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Calgary (WHL)
Acquired: Sixth round (168th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Calgary (WHL)
One of the most exciting storylines for the Flyers last season was the rapid improvements Fazleev made to his all-around game. He showed the versatility to play all three forward positions and the ability to play on the top line or the checking line. The Russian finished with 71 points in 59 games and had a spectacular showing in the World Junior Championships.
Tyrell Goulbourne
Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6-0, 200
Acquired: Third round (72nd overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Acquired: Third round (72nd overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Goulbourne has shed the "goon" label. In his rookie campaign with the Phantoms, he showed he can play a disciplined game and contribute more than just a physical element and intimidation factor when he's on the ice. He chipped in 17 points and even saw time on the penalty kill.
David Kase
Position: C/RW
Height/Weight: 5-10, 159
Acquired: Fifth round (128th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Chomutov Pirati (Czech)
Position: C/RW
Height/Weight: 5-10, 159
Acquired: Fifth round (128th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Chomutov Pirati (Czech)
Don't let the numbers fool you. Kase received limited ice time in the Czech league last season while serving mostly in a bottom-six role. Hextall, however, gushed over the forward after the World Junior Championships, praising his leadership qualities and tenacious work ethic.
Travis Konecny
Position: C/RW
Height/Weight: 5-10, 176
Acquired: First round (24th overall), 2015 draft
Position: C/RW
Height/Weight: 5-10, 176
Acquired: First round (24th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Ottawa/Sarnia (OHL)
The most exciting player in the system among forwards, Konecny will be working on honing his play without the puck. We already know offense comes naturally to the electrifying first-rounder. He posted 30 goals and 71 assists between Ottawa and Sarnia last year and finished out the regular season with 56 points in his final 31 appearances. His time is coming.
Pascal Laberge
Position: C
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6-1, 162
Acquired: Second round (36th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Victoriaville (QMJHL)
Acquired: Second round (36th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Victoriaville (QMJHL)
Laberge, who has played both center and the wing at the junior level, will be a key fixture at development camp. He needs to fill out his frame and prepare for the faster-paced/puck-possession oriented style in the NHL. He is noted for owning a strong work ethic, so expect him to catch on quickly.
Tanner Laczynski
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6-1, 190
Acquired: Sixth round (169th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Chicago/Lincoln (USHL)
Committed to Ohio State University, Laczynski is at his best when the puck is on his stick. He compiled 24 goals and 39 assists between Chicago and Lincoln of the USHL last season.
Oskar Lindblom
Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6-1, 192
Acquired: Fifth round (138th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Brynas IF (SHL)
Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6-1, 192
Acquired: Fifth round (138th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Brynas IF (SHL)
Lindblom is a prospect to keep an eye on. He routinely received first and second-line minutes at even strength and second-unit power-play time with Brynas of the Swedish league last season. Considering he was a boy playing with grown men, he put up respectable numbers (25 points in 48 games) and was yet another Flyers standout in the World Junior Championships. The soon-to-be 20-year-old plans to play one more year overseas before he returns to North America.
Danick Martel
Position: LW
Height/Weight: 5-8, 166
Acquired: Free agent, 2015
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Position: LW
Height/Weight: 5-8, 166
Acquired: Free agent, 2015
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
One word to describe Martel would be "fearless." He doesn't let his small frame deter his competitive nature. The speedy forward, as a rookie, showed he can create plays at the AHL level, too. He chalked up 22 goals and 37 points in 67 games.
Anthony Salinitri
Position: C
Position: C
Height/Weight: 5-10, 168
Acquired: Sixth round (172nd overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Sarnia (OHL)
Acquired: Sixth round (172nd overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Sarnia (OHL)
Blessed with great speed and defensive smarts, Salinitri will look to take on bigger offensive responsibilities in 2016-17. Former Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher, who coaches Sarnia, seems to trust him, which is a big positive moving forward.
Carsen Twarynski
Position: LW
Height/Weight: 6-2, 198
Acquired: Third round (82nd overall), 2016 draft
Acquired: Third round (82nd overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Calgary (WHL)
Another hard-working, gritty two-way forward, Twarynski is a prospect who is expected to receive and uptick in ice time and production next season. With the departure of Fazleev, Calgary will need someone to replace his versatility. The Flyers are hoping it can be Twarynski, a 20-goal scorer and 45-point producer in 2015-16.
Mike Vecchione
Position: RW
Height/Weight: 5-10, 194
Acquired: Camp invitation
2015-16 Team: Union College (ECAC)
Acquired: Camp invitation
2015-16 Team: Union College (ECAC)
Vecchione, who is slated to enter his senior season at Union College, is the lone forward invitee to camp. He plays a responsible two-way game with and without the puck. Perhaps his greatest attribute is his strength, which helped him pile up 19 goals and 50 points in his sophomore year.
Defensemen
David Bernhardt
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-3, 191
Acquired: Seventh round (199th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Djurgardens (SuperElit)
A mobile, offensively-gifted blueliner, Bernhardt has impressed scouts with his raw athleticism. He needs to polish his game in the defensive zone but was undoubtedly a low-risk/high-reward selection this year who could wind up being a steal down the line.
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-3, 191
Acquired: Seventh round (199th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Djurgardens (SuperElit)
A mobile, offensively-gifted blueliner, Bernhardt has impressed scouts with his raw athleticism. He needs to polish his game in the defensive zone but was undoubtedly a low-risk/high-reward selection this year who could wind up being a steal down the line.
David Drake
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-4, 181
Acquired: Seventh round (192nd overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: University of Connecticut (H-East)
Before going down with an injury in January, Drake was receiving quality ice time as a sophomore at UConn. He finished the season with five points and 32 blocked shots in 25 games.
Acquired: Seventh round (192nd overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: University of Connecticut (H-East)
Before going down with an injury in January, Drake was receiving quality ice time as a sophomore at UConn. He finished the season with five points and 32 blocked shots in 25 games.
Mark Friedman
Position: D
Height/Weight: 5-10, 191
Acquired: Third round (86th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Bowling Green University (WCHA)
Friedman is an exciting player to watch. He owns great mobility and is a capable puck-mover from the back end. The impending junior had six goals and 17 assists for Bowling Green in 2015-16 and is beginning to look like an all-situations defenseman.
Friedman is an exciting player to watch. He owns great mobility and is a capable puck-mover from the back end. The impending junior had six goals and 17 assists for Bowling Green in 2015-16 and is beginning to look like an all-situations defenseman.
Robert Hagg
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-2, 201
Acquired: Second round (41st overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Height/Weight: 6-2, 201
Acquired: Second round (41st overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Hagg saw his share of highs and lows last season with the Phantoms. At times, he looked like a reliable two-way defenseman. But he also found himself scratched quite a few times for inconsistent play. The 21-year-old is still in the process of discovering what he can do as a pro in North America.
Linus Hogberg
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-0, 176
Acquired: Fifth round (139th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Vaxjo HC (SuperElit)
Height/Weight: 6-0, 176
Acquired: Fifth round (139th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Vaxjo HC (SuperElit)
Another offensive-minded defenseman from Sweden, Hogberg is a prospect who could develop into something special. He's quick, strong with the puck and incredibly athletic. As with Bernhardt, his defensive awareness needs to be better, however.
Garrett McFadden
Garrett McFadden
Position: D
Height/Weight: 5-10, 185
Acquired: Camp invitation
2015-16 Team: Guelph (OHL)
McFadden went undrafted after a strong offensive tour with Guelph in 2015-16. He recorded 11 goals and 40 points while serving as an alternate captain on the worst team in OHL. He turns 19 next month.
Acquired: Camp invitation
2015-16 Team: Guelph (OHL)
McFadden went undrafted after a strong offensive tour with Guelph in 2015-16. He recorded 11 goals and 40 points while serving as an alternate captain on the worst team in OHL. He turns 19 next month.
Brennan Menell
Position: D
Height/Weight: 5-10, 187
Acquired: Camp invitation
2015-16 Team: Vancouver (WHL)
Another invitee, Menell is a righthanded-shooting blueliner who posted seven goals and 43 assists in 69 points for a Vancouver team that missed the playoffs last season. He has a knack for making a strong first pass and possesses an accurate shot from the point.
Sam Morin
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-7, 227
Acquired: First round (11th overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
2015-16 Team: Lehigh Valley (AHL)
Morin came along nicely in his first year as a professional with the Phantoms last season. After a rough start, the towering defenseman improved steadily. He's learned to use his reach and long strides to eat up ice and to play an aggressive but effective game in all three zones.
Ivan Provorov
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-1, 201
Acquired: First round (seventh overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Brandon (WHL)
Acquired: First round (seventh overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Brandon (WHL)
Ah, yes. The darling of the defensive corps. Provorov has some room for improvement but is almost certainly NHL-ready. The young Russian posted 21 goals and 52 assists in 62 WHL games last season and chipped in 13 more points in the postseason for Brandon. He can play in all situations and will fight for a job with the Flyers in training camp.
Travis Sanheim
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-4, 199
Acquired: First round (17th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Calgary (WHL)
Travis Sanheim
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-4, 199
Acquired: First round (17th overall), 2014 draft
2015-16 Team: Calgary (WHL)
This is a big year for Sanheim, who is expected to join the Phantoms. He's filled out considerably, adding roughly 20 pounds of muscle without compromising his speed and quickness, two of his best assets. The first-round pick compiled 15 goals and 68 points in just 52 games for Calgary of the WHL last season and will now focus on translating his two-way success to the pro level.
Ondrej Vala
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-4, 216
Acquired: Camp invitation
2015-16 Team: Kamloops (WHL)
Acquired: Camp invitation
2015-16 Team: Kamloops (WHL)
The last of the invitees, Vala is a hulking defenseman who was bypassed by every team at the draft this summer. The 18-year-old had four goals and 17 assists for Kamloops of the WHL in 2015-16.
Reece Willcox
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-4, 205
Acquired: Fifth round (141st overall), 2012 draft
2015-16 Team: Cornell University (ECAC)
Position: D
Height/Weight: 6-4, 205
Acquired: Fifth round (141st overall), 2012 draft
2015-16 Team: Cornell University (ECAC)
Willcox just completed his senior year at Cornell University. He's a solid skater who can take care of things in his own end. He'll compete for regular playing time in the AHL this season.
Goaltenders
Goaltenders
Merrick Madsen
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-5, 190
Acquired: Sixth round (162nd overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: Harvard University (ECAC)
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-5, 190
Acquired: Sixth round (162nd overall), 2013 draft
2015-16 Team: Harvard University (ECAC)
Madsen is coming off a spectacular sophomore campaign at Harvard. He posted a 2.00 goals-against average, .931 save percentage and four shutouts in 29 games. His play was a pleasant surprise.
Alex Lyon
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-1, 201
Acquired: Free agent, 2016
2015-16 Team: Yale University (ECAC)
Acquired: Free agent, 2016
2015-16 Team: Yale University (ECAC)
The most sought-after collegiate goalie by a number of NHL clubs, Lyon recently inked an entry-level contract with the Flyers. He went 19-8-4 with a 1.64 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and five shutouts in 31 games last season and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist. He's expected to compete with Stolarz for playing time with the Phantoms in 2016-17.
Ivan Fedotov
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-6, 192
Acquired: Seventh round (188th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (MHL)
Acquired: Seventh round (188th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (MHL)
Fedotov, who will step onto North American ice for the first time in Voorhees, proved to be an excellent netminder at the Russian junior level. He'll join Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL for the 2016-17 season after transferring from Neftekhimik.
Carter Hart
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-0, 177
Height/Weight: 6-0, 177
Acquired: Second round (48th overall), 2016 draft
2015-16 Team: Everett (WHL)
2015-16 Team: Everett (WHL)
Hart, who was selected as the CHL's Goalie of the Year, was the first goaltender taken in the 2016 draft. He went 35-23-4 with a 2.14 goals-against average and .918 save percentage for Everett and is noted for paying great attention to detail. He'll turn 18 in August.
Felix Sandstrom
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-2, 192
Acquired: Third round (70th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Brynas IF (SHL)
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-2, 192
Acquired: Third round (70th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: Brynas IF (SHL)
Sandstrom, a teenage goalie who won the starting job with Brynas of the top Swedish league, turned some heads overseas. As with any young netminder, he had some ups and downs but was remarkably resilient. He finished with a .904 save percentage and 2.61 goals-against average in 25 games.
Matej Tomek
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-3, 192
Acquired: Third round (90th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: University of North Dakota (NCHC)
Position: G
Height/Weight: 6-3, 192
Acquired: Third round (90th overall), 2015 draft
2015-16 Team: University of North Dakota (NCHC)
Tomek's freshman campaign was a frustrating one. He suffered an injury in the preseason and missed the first month and change of the season. When he was ready to return, there was no room for him. Cameron Johnson and Matt Hrynkiw stole the spotlight and Tomek never appeared in a game.
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