Flyers Re-Sign RFA's Bardreau, Lyon & Stolarz

Photos courtesy of Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Phantoms' AHL Roster Nearly Complete

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

The Philadelphia Flyers didn't wait out the weekend to announce they have re-signed their last three restricted free agents - goaltenders Alex Lyon and Anthony Stolarz and forward Cole Bardreau.

Both Lyon and Stolarz received one-year contracts, while Bardreau was extended for two years.

All three are expected to be key contributors on the Flyers' AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley this fall.

Full Breakdown of Lehigh Valley Phantoms 2017-18 Schedule

Phantoms hockey is right around the corner! Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Phantoms begin 2017-18 season on home ice at PPL Center

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

It's finally here! The American Hockey League released its regular season schedule for the 2017-18 season this afternoon.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms open the regular season at home against the Hershey Bears on Saturday, October 7th at 7:05 p.m. ET in their fourth season in downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania.

A full breakdown with everything you need to know about the Phantoms' 2017-18 regular season schedule after the jump.

EDIT: The Phantoms also announced their preseason schedule:

Friday, September 29th: Charlotte vs. Lehigh Valley - 7:05 p.m. ET

Saturday, September 30th: Charlotte vs. Lehigh Valley - 7:05 p.m. ET 

Phantoms' 2017-18 Home Opener Revealed

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Lehigh Valley to Host Hershey in Home Opener

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

The American Hockey League (AHL) will release its schedule for the 2017-18 season later this week, but teams around the league announced the opponent for their home opener Monday afternoon.

After a thrilling back-and-forth first round playoffs series between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Hershey Bears went the distance last spring, it's only fitting that the Phantoms will begin the home portion of their schedule hosting the Bears on Saturday, October 7th at 7:05 p.m. ET at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, Pa.

While unconfirmed until the league releases the full schedule for all teams, it's believed that the Phantoms' home opener will also mark their season opener on October 7th.

Phantoms Sign Conner, Four Others To AHL Deals

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Conner Returns to Lehigh Valley

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms have made official the signing of Chris Conner to an AHL contract for two years, along with one-year AHL contracts for goaltender John Muse, defenseman Frank Hora and forwards Derek Hulak and Matt Willows.

The biggest news here is that Conner will be back with the Phantoms. The 33-year old forward is showing no signs of slowing down - finishing his third straight 50-point AHL season with the Phantoms last year with 22 goals and 34 assists in 70 games.

Conner's game-winning overtime goal in Game Three of the Phantoms' first round series against Hershey kept the team's season alive, and the Phantoms took the Bears to a winner-take-all Game Five after trailing the best-of-five series two games to none. His experience is a welcomed addition back among the Phantoms forward core this fall.

Knight Eyes Return to the NHL

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Knight signs two-year contract to return to Flyers organization

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

Corban Knight couldn't obtain an NHL contract last summer and settled on an AHL deal with Lehigh Valley last September, but this time around Knight is back on the NHL radar - signing a two-year, two-way contract with the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday to remain in the organization.

"Yeah, it's nice. Obviously it's a lot different than last summer. Last summer was pretty hard - just kind of waiting and not really knowing what was going to happen so it's nice to get this done," Knight explained via phone Saturday afternoon. "I'm really excited to be back in the organization. It was a great organization to be a part of last year, and I'm really pumped to be coming back in the fall."

Back on an NHL deal, Knight has his sights set on making the Flyers roster out of training camp - seeing an open spot or two up for grabs with a role that matches his identity to a tee.

"That was one of the things that was so enticing about coming back - being back on an NHL deal and obviously there's going to be a spot or two available right out of camp," Knight said, adding, "Just having the ability to come into camp and know you're fighting for a spot it adds a little bit of motivation and excitement. That was really exciting for me to get back on an NHL deal and to try to earn my spot with the Flyers."

AHL Free Agency Recap - Atlantic Division

Casey Bailey just really wanted to be in the picture with AHL All-Stars from the three Pennsylvania teams. Hey, he's a Penn State hockey product at least. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey.

Atlantic Division Rebuilds From Within On Day One

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

It was an extremely busy day for AHL-level free agents as the first day of free agency begins to wind down on Canada Day.  I was hoping to post all the moves each team made in one post, but due to the sheer volume of signings today I'm going to post the teams by division starting with the Atlantic Division.

Surprisingly, there wasn't a ton of action in the Atlantic Division on Day 1 like there has been in previous years. The top teams from last year in the division - the Pennsylvania three of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Lehigh Valley and Hershey - re-loaded for the upcoming season by mostly re-signing some of their own free agents and one or two outside pieces.

New to the Atlantic Division this season, the Charlotte Checkers and their NHL affiliate Carolina were one of the more active teams - adding some solid AHL-level free agents to bolster Charlotte's roster for the upcoming season.

You can track your favorite AHL team, favorite current or former players & more with our extensive AHL free agency coverage. Follow @InsideAHLHockey and @TonyAndrock on Twitter for all the latest AHL news.

• For a look at all the AHL-level free agents, our massive AHL Big Board has almost 400 names on it - including our Top 20 goaltenders, Top 40 defensemen and Top 50 forwards. I'll be updating the lists throughout free agency signing season.

• To see how your favorite AHL team is shaping up for 2017-18, or to see where former players from last year's squad have signed on with for the upcoming season there's no better way than with our team lists, separated by division. Please note the team lists will be updated to reflect July 1st's signings on Sunday:

• Atlantic Division Team Lists
• North Division Team Lists
• Central Division Team Lists
• Pacific Division Team Lists

• An overview of the Philadelphia Flyers organization with a focus on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' team needs in free agency.

After the jump, a look around the Atlantic Division to see the new signings for the upcoming season.

EDIT: This will serve as a rolling update for signings at the AHL-level for the Atlantic Division all summer long.

Philadelphia Flyers / Lehigh Valley Phantoms Free Agent Outlook

Free Agency opens today and gives teams their first chance to build to their roster for the 2017-18 season. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

An overview of the Flyers organizational depth 

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

As free agency begins, an overview of signed players in the Flyers organization seems like a good place to start.

After the jump, the projected NHL roster as it currently stands along with some on the bubble players and a look at a preliminary AHL roster for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Also included is the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' team needs in free agency.

Flyers/Phantoms

Here's a look at who the Flyers have signed through the 2017-18 season and beyond, followed by signed players on the bubble between NHL and AHL roster and who's signed and penciled in on the AHL roster in Lehigh Valley.

PROJECTED NHL ROSTER - FLYERS

FORWARDS (11): Claude Giroux ($8.275 million AAV through 2021-22), Jakub Voracek ($8.25 million AAV through 2023-24), Brayden Schenn ($5.125 million through 2019-20), Valtteri Filppula ($5 million AAV through 2017-18), Sean Couturier ($4.33 million AAV through 2021-22), Wayne Simmonds ($3.975 million through 2018-19), Matt Read ($3.625 million through 2017-18), Dale Weise ($2.35 million through 2019-20), Michael Raffl ($2.35 million through 2018-19), Jordan Weal ($1.75 million through 2018-19) and Travis Konecny ($894,167 through 2018-19)

Forwards salary: $45,502,500

NHL-LEVEL FREE AGENT FORWARDS (3): Roman Lyubimov (RFA), Chris VandeVelde (UFA) and Michael Vecchione (RFA)

DEFENSEMEN (5): Andrew MacDonald ($5 million AAV through 2019-20), Shayne Gostisbehere ($4.5 million AAV through 2022-23), Radko Gudas ($3.35 million AAV through 2019-20), Brandon Manning ($975,000 AAV through 2017-18) and Ivan Provorov ($894,167 AAV through 2018-19)

Defensemen Salary: $14,719,167

NHL-LEVEL FREE AGENT DEFENSEMEN (2): Michael Del Zotto (UFA) and Nick Schultz (UFA)

GOALTENDERS (1): Michael Neuvirth ($2.5 million AAV through 2019-20)

Goaltenders Salary: $2,500,000

NHL-LEVEL FREE AGENT GOALTENDERS (1): Steve Mason (UFA)

PROJECTED ON THE BUBBLE - NHL/AHL

FORWARDS (4): Scott Laughton (RFA), Taylor Leier (RFA), Oskar Lindblom ($925,000 AAV through 2019-20) and Colin McDonald ($637,500 AAV through 2017-18)

DEFENSEMEN (4): Robert Hagg ($894,167 AAV through 2017-18), Sam Morin ($863,333 AAV through 2017-18), Philippe Myers ($678,333 AAV through 2019-20) and Travis Sanheim ($863,333 AAV through 2018-19)

GOALTENDERS (0): None

PROJECTED AHL ROSTER - PHANTOMS

FORWARDS (8): Nicolas Aube-Kubel (signed through 2018-19), Cole Bardreau (NHL RFA), Greg Carey (signed through 2018-19), Radel Fazleev (signed through 2018-19), Tyrell Goulbourne (signed through 2017-18), Danick Martel (signed through 2017-18) , Steven Swavely (AHL contract) and Mikhail Vorobyov (signed through 2019-20)

AHL-LEVEL FORWARD FREE AGENTS (5): Chris Conner (NHL UFA), Boyd Gordon (NHL UFA), Corban Knight (AHL), Derek Mathers (AHL) and Chris McCarthy (AHL)

DEFENSEMEN (5): Mark Alt (signed through 2017-18), T,J. Brennan (signed through 2017-18), Mark Friedman (signed through 2019-20), Will O'Neill (signed through 2017-18) and Reece Willcox (signed through 2017-18)

AHL-LEVEL DEFENSEMEN FREE AGENTS (1): Max Lamarche(AHL)

GOALTENDERS (0): Alex Lyon (NHL RFA) and Anthony Stolarz (NHL RFA)

AHL-LEVEL GOALIE FREE AGENTS (2):Mark Dekanich (AHL) and Martin Ouellette (AHL)

Preliminary Projected AHL Lineup

Taylor Leier - Mike Vecchione - xxxxxxx

Greg Carey - Mikhail Vorobyov - Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Danick Martel - Cole Bardreau - xxxxxxx

Tyrell Goulbourne - Steven Swavely (AHL) - Radel Fazleev

T.J. Brennan - Reece Willcox

Will O'Neill - Mark Alt

Sam Morin/Robert Hagg - Travis Sanheim/Phil Myers

Anthony Stolarz - Alex Lyon

Phantoms' Team Needs

The Philadelphia Flyers under GM Ron Hextall have placed a stressed importance on building a contending team with their AHL affiliate since the team relocated to the Lehigh Valley in 2014-15.

Last season, the Flyers signed defensemen T.J. Brennan and Will O'Neill - two of the top scoring defenders in the AHL the previous season - and high-scoring forwards Greg Carey and Andy Miele to bolster the team's weapons up front.

This year, the Phantoms appear set in net with Anthony Stolarz and Alex Lyon - though the Phantoms will need to add a goaltender or two on an AHL contract for depth purposes. Is Martin Ouellette willing to return for another season knowing he's going to be the #3 goalie at the AHL level and stowed away in Reading?

Defensively, I don't see the Flyers adding anymore big AHL names in free agency. With veterans Mark Alt, T.J. Brennan and Will O'Neill all under contract and penciled in on the AHL blue line, the prospects that don't make the NHL roster - some of Robert Hagg, Sam Morin, Phil Myers and Travis Sanheim - as well as rookie Mark Friedman and second year pro Reece Willcox will fill out the rest of the depth chart. Like with the goalies, some AHL-only contracts to add to depth at the position are expected i.e. a Max Lamarche-type signing.

Where the Phantoms are currently thin appears to be up front at the forward position.

Jordan Weal has re-signed with the Flyers but has graduated to the NHL full-time.

Scott Laughton will need to clear waivers to be assigned to Lehigh Valley, and he'll certainly be given an opportunity to make the NHL roster out of training camp.

Chris Conner is an unrestricted free agent, and there hasn't been any information about whether the Flyers are interested in retaining his services.

Corban Knight and Mark Zengerle, though on AHL-only contracts last season, were a big part of the forward core's depth. Knight is a free agent, and Zengerle signed overseas in Sweden last month.

Last night, the Flyers were reportedly one of two teams that last year's AHL MVP Kenny Agostino was deciding on signing with. Unfortunately, it appears the Flyers lost out to Boston in that one.

Expect some big-name AHL-level free agent forwards to sign with the Flyers for the purposes of re-loading the Phantoms with offensive weapons for another run at the Calder Cup Playoffs this year.

2017 Free Agency Live Blog - Day 1

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Follow all of July 1st's NHL/AHL Free Agency Moves Here!'

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

The calendar has reached July, meaning at noon ET unrestricted free agents can officially sign with new teams for the 2017-18 season and beyond.

Here at Highland Park Hockey (and soon to be our new website Inside AHL Hockey), in-depth coverage of the American Hockey League (AHL) and how free agent signings will affect the AHL landscape is the primary focus as the free agent frenzy is set to get underway this afternoon.

For all the latest news regarding the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, make sure you're following me on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock. 

For everything AHL, follow our website's account -> @InsideAHLHockey.

Before the signings start pouring in, here's how you can track all the AHL-related movement:

• Today's Live Blog will serve as a rolling update of AHL-level signings, with quick hits on Twitter as well as blurbs on this post below.

• For a look at all the AHL-level free agents, our massive AHL Big Board has almost 400 names on it - including our Top 20 goaltenders, Top 40 defensemen and Top 50 forwards. I'll be updating the lists throughout the day.

• To see how your favorite AHL team is shaping up for 2017-18, or to see where former players from last year's squad have signed on with for the upcoming season there's no better way than with our team lists, separated by division:

• Atlantic Division Team Lists 
• North Division Team Lists 
• Central Division Team Lists
• Pacific Division Team Lists

• An overview of the Philadelphia Flyers organization with a focus on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' team needs in free agency.

After the jump, the live blog's running transactions list for today's free agent frenzy.

Flyers After AHL Leading Scorer Agostino?

Kenny Agostino was at the PPL Center last season during the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Kenny Agostino reportedly signing with Philadelphia or Boston

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

I'm starting to think Ron Hextall and company pay attention to my annual AHL Free Agent Tracker and Big Board.

Last year, they went out and signed the free agent defenseman I had ranked #1 in T.J. Brennan.

This year, they're reportedly after the AHL's leading scorer and league MVP from last year Kenny Agostino - my #1 ranked free agent forward on this year's big board.

Obviously joking here, but it's without question how much emphasis Hextall has placed on fielding a serious contender with the Flyers' AHL affiliate - especially in recent years since the team relocated to downtown Allentown for the start of the 2014-15 season.

The Flyers might not be big players in free agency tomorrow at the NHL level, but it could be a huge day for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Stay tuned here tomorrow for all the free agency coverage and how it affects AHL teams. In addition to updating the big board and our exclusive AHL team lists posts, there will be a live blog online tomorrow morning to keep the latest news at your disposal.

More on Agostino and what a potential signing with the Flyers means for Lehigh Valley after the jump.

2017-18 AHL Free Agent Tracker

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Keep track of how free agency affects AHL teams!

Editor's Note: This will be the best way to keep up with AHL-level free agents this summer. Below are all of the AHL-level free agents with a player-by-player synopsis complete with stats and insights on each player.

I have ranked the Top 50 forwards and Top 40 defensemen as well as the Top 20 goaltenders. After that, the rest of the players are in alphabetical order by position. This will be referred to daily and updated regularly.

For an exclusive team-by-team look around the AHL on how the current rosters are shaping up and where each respective team's free agents have signed, take a look at our AHL Team Lists (by division) to see how your favorite team and rival teams are faring in free agency:

Atlantic Division Team Lists 2017-18 

North Division Team Lists 2017-18 

Central Division Team Lists 2017-18 

Pacific Division Team Lists 2017-18

It's that time of year again. The NHL's free agency period opens Saturday, July 1st at noon ET. Below are all of the AHL-level free agents in a complete, accurate, easy-to-navigate list.

After the jump, the high-prized AHL-level free agents starting with my top 50 forwards, top 40 defensemen and top 20 goaltenders.

What Will Flyers Do With RFA?

Which restricted free agents will receive qualifying offers today? Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Flyers have qualified all of their pending RFAs except Pettersson

Editor's Note: Since Highland Park Hockey's website is going to be transitioning to a subscription-based site, Inside AHL Hockey, over the course of this summer, from now on I will note which articles will be considered premium content (for paid subscribers only at $3/month) in the future once the new site is launched.

This story, and all exclusive reporting-type stories will be part of our premium content for subscribers only. 

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

A source close to the situation has informed Highland Park Hockey (and soon to be Inside AHL Hockey!) that the Philadelphia Flyers have reached out to restricted free agent forward Cole Bardreau, expressing interest in retaining his services for the 2017-18 season. Bardreau is reportedly already in Voorhees, New Jersey at the Flyers' training facility.

Expect Bardreau and several other of the Flyers' restricted free agents to be tendered qualifying offers this afternoon. (EDIT: The Flyers announced all of the teams' pending RFAs received qualifying offers besides defenseman Jesper Pettersson).

UPDATE: Alex Lyon received his qualifying offer from the Flyers last week according to his agent, confirming Dave Isaac's report earlier this afternoon.

Lyon suffered a sprained MCL during the first round of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' playoff series against Hershey, but according to his agent Lyon has fully recovered and it hasn't affected his regular off-season plans.

"He is feeling great, training and preparing for the season."

Monday marks the deadline for teams to submit qualifying offers to retain the services of their restricted free agents (RFA).

Swavely Re-Signs AHL Contract With Phantoms

Steven Swavely sticks with the Phantoms organization for 2017-18. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Reading, Pa. native returns 'home' to Lehigh Valley

Editor's Note: Since Highland Park Hockey's website is going to be transitioning to a subscription-based site over the course of this summer, from now on I will note which articles will be considered premium content (for paid subscribers only at $3/month) in the future once the new site is launched.

This story, and all 'first-reports' & 'breaking news' type stories will be part of our free content! We want you coming here to keep ahead of the game when it comes to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and AHL hockey news/coverage.
Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

According to those close to the situation, Highland Park Hockey has learned that forward Steven Swavely has re-upped with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on another American Hockey League (AHL) contract for the 2017-18 season.

It will mark the beginning of his second full season of hockey at the professional level.

Although the organization's depth at the forward position relegated Swavely to mainly ECHL duty in 2016-17 with the Reading Royals, the former Maine University standout known for his defensive game and strong play in the face-off dot really broke out offensively with the Phantoms' ECHL affiliate this past season to the tune of 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 40 games.

2017-18 AHL Team Lists - Atlantic Division

Both the Penguins and Phantoms hope to rebuild their roster and remain atop the Atlantic Division in 2017-18. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey.

Our AHL Team-by-Team Lists are Back!

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

EDIT: Our Atlantic Division Team Lists post has been updated to reflect all signings through July 20th at 6:30 p.m. ET.

It's that time of the year! With the expansion draft, the NHL Entry Draft and the restricted free agent deadline rapidly approaching it won't be too long before the start of free agency.

Here at Highland Park Hockey (and soon transitioning to a brand new AHL website!), we aim to be the source for all AHL-related off-season news/notes/transactions throughout the summer.

Back again this summer is our team-by-team lists, now broken down by division for a clearer look at each of the 30 AHL clubs and their free agents (both NHL and AHL, RFA/UFA etc.)

As soon as all four divisions' team lists are published online, I'll add links to the others below.

North Division Team Lists
Central Division Team Lists
Pacific Division Team Lists

After the jump, fans of Atlantic Division teams - Bridgeport, Charlotte, Hartford, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Providence, Springfield and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton - can take a look at how their favorite team is shaping up for the 2017-18 season prior to the start of free agency on July 1st.

Flyers, Phantoms to Announce NHL Preseason Game at PPL Center?

The PPL Center to host Philadelphia Flyers NHL Preseason contest this fall. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey.

Phantoms' home rink to host Flyers vs. Islanders on Sept. 20

Editor's Note: Since Highland Park Hockey's website is going to be transitioning to a subscription-based site over the course of this summer, from now on I will note which articles will be considered premium content in the future once the new site is launched.

This story, and all 'first-reports' & 'breaking news' type stories will be part of our free content! We want you coming here to keep ahead of the game when it comes to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and AHL hockey news/coverage.

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

ALLENTOWN - In a joint press conference at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, Pa on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms announced that the Phantoms' home rink will once again be hosting an NHL preseason game on Wednesday, September 20th when the Flyers host the New York Islanders.

"Working with the Flyers, we've had first round draft picks, second round draft picks, third round - all the way," Phantoms' co-owner Jim Brooks said during the press conference. "All our developing prospects come to Lehigh Valley and play in front of us every night, but more than that - they live in our communities. They're shopping in the same stores, banking in the same banks. That's something special for us."

In just the three seasons in the Lehigh Valley, the fans have seen 19 Phantoms' players move up to the NHL with the Flyers.

In addition to the Brooks brothers, Rob and Jim, Flyers president Paul Holmgren and Gunnar Fox, General Manager, Spectra Venue Management at PPL Center, were in attendance and spoke briefly about hosting the event this fall.

EDIT: This first-report was confirmed at the press conference inside of PPL Center at 11 a.m. ET. Tickets for the event will go on sale to the general public on Friday. Phantoms' season ticket holders will get an exclusive pre-sale to secure their tickets beginning today. Phantoms' PR director Dan Fremuth commented that the communication to season ticket holders would be made shortly following this morning's presser.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms Off-Season Guide - Part 1

The Phantoms have a solid group of players returning to the team in 2017-18.
Photo property of Highland Park Hockey

What does the Flyers' roster situation mean for Lehigh Valley?

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL) have been in off-season mode for five weeks now, and while a few of the team's free agents heading into the summer have found new homes overseas business will begin picking up in June.

Not only does free agency loom, but this summer the NHL's Expansion Draft for the new Las Vegas Golden Knights takes place just days before the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. With both the NHL and AHL in their respective championship rounds, hockey on the ice will soon end and the business side of the game off the ice will heat up.

Here at Highland Park Hockey, the focus is and will be providing daily, year-round coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers' top minor league affiliate with news, notes and more you can't get anywhere else - especially in the off-season.

As the transition to a brand new website is currently underway (hopefully a launch in mid-July), Highland Park Hockey will cease to exist. But before that occurs, there will be plenty of AHL-wide content here at HPH to give readers an idea about what the future coverage plan will entail.

In addition to this 'Phantoms' Off-Season Central' - a complete one-stop shop for all the news, player movement and more surrounding the team this off-season - the work is already underway to have our annual AHL Free Agent Big Board back and live later this month leading up to the start of free agency.

After the jump, important dates to keep an eye on as well as a look at the Phantoms' roster situation/free agents heading into the 2017-18 season.

Flyers or Phantoms for Lindblom in 2017-18?

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Lindblom much improved since last stint in North America

Written by: Alexander Appleyard - Twitter

Those who follow the Lehigh Valley Phantoms closely will already be somewhat familiar with Oskar Lindblom. After all, just 14 months ago the young Swedish winger made his way across the pond to suit up in eight games for Lehigh Valley as their 2015-16 campaign wound down.

It was a brief window for fans in North America to see the Flyers prospect up close, and he did not come up lacking. He hit the ground running on the smaller ice and provided seven points through eight games in the AHL. What was more impressive than just the production was his overall play in all three zones. It really did seem like the cliché thrown around since he was drafted - that his game would ‘suit smaller ice’ - rang true.

If that whet the appetite of fans at the PPL Center, they might just be in for a treat at the start of the 2017-18 season as with Lindblom signing his ELC with the Flyers this week it is well within the realms of possibility he could be plying his trade in Allentown in the not so distant future.

It is no guarantee though. Lindblom proved himself to be one of the best players in Sweden’s top tier, the SHL, over the past season - finishing fourth in the points race, second in the scoring race and being named the league’s best forward. The SHL is a similar level league to the AHL, and it is therefore envisionable that the Gävle native makes the jump to the NHL straight out of training camp this fall.

Monday's Catch Up & Links 5/29/17

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Keep up to date on all the latest AHL & Phantoms news, coming to you in a brand new way next season!

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

Here at Highland Park Hockey, the sole focus of our coverage is hockey - nothing else but hockey articles year-round! A main point of emphasis here is the American Hockey League (AHL) and more specifically the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

The plan moving forward is to expand our hockey coverage to give our readers not only the best and latest information about the Phantoms, but to also provide plenty of exclusive content to keep you - the reader - more informed about happenings from around the AHL.

While the future remains murky as to how exactly we will accomplish our goal of better overall coverage of the league, I can say that the plan is for this website to cease to exist before next season begins. Not to worry though, our Phantoms and AHL coverage will continue on in a completely new independent website that is in the beginning stages of creation. Rebranding our coverage and changing the new of our future operation was a difficult decision to make, but it's believed to be for the best.

In addition, readers will need to create an account (for free) to view basic articles such as Phantoms' game previews and home game recaps. However, I'll be introducing premium content that requires a subscription (very inexpensive in the $3/month range) to read our exclusive coverage of Phantoms' road games as well as weekly features, prospect profiles and monthly prospect development reports.

Full details on the new website, including it's expected launch and the new name we will be working under moving forward sometime later this summer. Feel free to ask any questions or voice any concerns you have in the comments here, on Twitter (@TonyAndrock) or by emailing me (tonyandrock@gmail.com).

Stay updated on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' off-season news, player movement and more in the only place you'll find dedicated coverage of the team. I plan to have a 'Phantoms Off-Season Guide' online later this week for a clear view of how the team's off-season is going from all angles.

Does Samuel Dove-McFalls Have A Future With Flyers Organization?

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Dove-McFalls could be newest addition to Phantoms' roster

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

With all the buzz surrounding some of the Philadelphia Flyers' top prospects, a down year for forward Samuel Dove-McFalls - the Flyers' 4th round draft pick in 2015 - had taken him all but off the radar heading into the 2016-17 season.

A knee injury limited Dove-McFalls to just 29 regular season games in 2015-16, but a full season in his fourth and final year in the QMJHL with the Saint John Sea Dogs - including a trip to this year's Memorial Cup - might be enough to earn the 6-foot-1, 202 pound two-way forward an entry-level contract with the Flyers. And in just the nick of time.

According to CapFriendly.com, the Flyers have until next Thursday - June 1st, 2017 - to sign McFalls to an entry-level contract or they will no longer own his rights and he'll be free to sign with other teams.

Overseas Exodus - Zengerle Leaves Lehigh Valley For Sweden

Mark Zengerle is moving on to pro hockey in Sweden in 2017-18. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Zengerle: "I always thought Europe was going to be a destination for me."

Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook

After just one season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and three total years of professional hockey in North America, Mark Zengerle is looking forward to the next chapter of his pro hockey playing career in the fall.

Zengerle signed a one-year deal with Linköpings HC last week to play in Sweden's top pro league for next season, following his Phantoms' teammate and good friend Andy Miele (Malmö - SHL) overseas.

It was a little different for Zengerle than Miele, whose move overseas was well in the works even before the Phantoms' season came to an end. For Zengerle, it 'happened quick'. A week to week and a half later the deal was done.

"All of a sudden at the end of the year, I got a few phone calls and heard that they were interested," Zengerle explained of how quickly his deal with Linköping came to be. "With Miele going over and getting to talking, I always thought Europe was going to be a destination for me in my career at some point. I figured it would be a good time to get at it now and try to work my way up the ladder over there."

AHL Thoughts 5/21/17

Is Jakub Vrana's future in the Washington Capitals organization in question? Photo: Amanda Statland/Highland Park Hockey

Editor's Note: Now that the main source of content for this website - the Lehigh Valley Phantoms beat - has entered its off season, there's going to be a different look this spring/summer before our annual AHL Free Agent Big Board starts to get put together leading up to free agency in July.

New content starts with my 'AHL' Thoughts - a new feature I might roll with weekly/bi-weekly if it receives positive feedback. Let me know in the comments below, on our Facebook page or tweet at @TonyAndrock/@H_P_Hockey with your thoughts.

Since the first AHL Thoughts post I wrote at the beginning of the month went over well with the majority of readers, it's back for a second time - new and improved with a full 30 thoughts around the AHL similar to Elliotte Friedman's oh so popular 30 Thoughts for Sportsnet.

After the jump, my 30 thoughts with news around the AHL. This edition focuses on the AHL's Conference Finals, coaching/management changes around the league and more!