Flyers had a ton of rookies play last year and have had camp surprises over the years (Zubrus, Williams, Sbisa, Couturier, Bobrovsky, etc.). Question is will they have one this year and who has the greatest chance?
I have always liked this time of year when rookie camp fires up and someone steps up out of nowhere and turns some heads and gets folks excited etc.....Hard to say or choose who just might do that in this bunch....The Phantoms leading scorer from last year Akeson doing well may not be a big surprise ?
I got Akeson. Working out everyday with Tony Greco and Claude Giroux. The guy is going to be in unreal shape and has some skill too. I could also see Lauridson surprising one of these years, but not sure if it will be this camp
I'm going for a three pointer from center court and picking Johnston. For some almost unexplainable reason I find myself really excited about signing him.
I'm going for something out in left field. Even though he isn't on the list, I think Colin Sullentrop is going to be this year's surprise. He'll never be mistaken for an offensive workhorse, but he just seems to make the smart and safe play every time. There's a bit of meanness to him and he knows when to pick his spots to deliver a big hit. He's got the potential to be a shut down guy.
Laughton will surprise everyone and have an incredible camp, earning a 4th line C position to start the season, but will be returned to his junior team before the slide runs out.
hoping for Hoivinen simply because that means he would replace Leighton. Even if he has a good showing in camp, I'd still send him back to the AHL for at least half the season, then call him up to back-up Bryz for the 2nd half
hoping for Hoivinen simply because that means he would replace Leighton. Even if he has a good showing in camp, I'd still send him back to the AHL for at least half the season, then call him up to back-up Bryz for the 2nd half
**** Leighton
Hovinen needs to play and play a lot. Coming to the NHL this year or possibly even next year would be terrible for him. We screwed Bob by making him waiver eligible too soon and not letting him get enough time in Adirondach.
Hovinen needs to play and play a lot. Coming to the NHL this year or possibly even next year would be terrible for him. We screwed Bob by making him waiver eligible too soon and not letting him get enough time in Adirondach.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. NO MATTER WHAT, No goalies other than Bryz/Leighton. I was so against Bob in the NHL right from the start and it absolutely ruined his "year" last year, I still think his career may be OK.
Also, Just because Cooter made the jump last year, lets not assume others should. Cousins and Laughton should not be rushed. We don't need them, let em develop. IMO - Goalies should have a minimum two years in the AHL, preferrably 3. D-men should have a minimum of 2 years. Forwards should finish their junior eligibility, hopefully get some World Junior experience. At least 1 year in the AHL.
The only exception should be "elite" top 5 prospects who absolutely dominate against their peers. Sean Couturier fits that description.
P.S. Luke Schenn was ruined the same way. Hopefully, he can bounce back, but Toronto ***** him.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. NO MATTER WHAT, No goalies other than Bryz/Leighton. I was so against Bob in the NHL right from the start and it absolutely ruined his "year" last year, I still think his career may be OK.
Also, Just because Cooter made the jump last year, lets not assume others should. Cousins and Laughton should not be rushed. We don't need them, let em develop. IMO - Goalies should have a minimum two years in the AHL, preferrably 3. D-men should have a minimum of 2 years. Forwards should finish their junior eligibility, hopefully get some World Junior experience. At least 1 year in the AHL.
The only exception should be "elite" top 5 prospects who absolutely dominate against their peers. Sean Couturier fits that description.
P.S. Luke Schenn was ruined the same way. Hopefully, he can bounce back, but Toronto ***** him.
Yeah...Toronto didn't do that at all.
Schenn was dynamite in his first year...as good as a top 5 pick can be.
So the idea of the Leafs "rushing him" is not true at all. Sure it would be better in hindsight if he played @ Kelowna for another year but he was physically and mentally ready to play in the NHL.
He has had 4 years in the NHL;
1st year he played as good as a Defensive D in his rookie year can play.
2nd year...he sucked but everyone termed it the sophomore slump.
3rd year he was better but still not quite as good as his first year.
4th and last year he was terrible and you really couldn't tell the difference between him and Komisarek.
To this day, his best year has been his 1st year.
If that pattern holds true, you guys will get a good year from Schenn.
I wanted him to stick around under Carlyle but if he was bad this upcoming year, he would no longer have any substantial value.
Everyone would just throw a low 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick for Schenn.
Nick Cousins jumps up the prospect rankings after this training camp. Book it.
According to the Flyers Director of Hockey Operations, he already is up there. He said he could max out as a good second line center. Pryor stated he was our #1 in the article. It was written by Frank Seravalli I believe with the help from Pryor.
Hovinen needs to play and play a lot. Coming to the NHL this year or possibly even next year would be terrible for him. We screwed Bob by making him waiver eligible too soon and not letting him get enough time in Adirondach.
Giving Hoivinen some games at the NHL level in the second half of this year (if he looks ready) won't pose any problems in his development. Remember that the guy is already 24 years old
Ill go put there and say konan will turn some heads. 6'3 defender who put up 50+ points in the whl. Really turned he corner two years ago.
Ill also say gotsobehere will make people like him. One of the key players on a union squad that had a great year. Can move the puck AND play really good defense. Like him alot
I went with akeson. I've seen him play quite a few times and while his defensive game needs work I think his offensive skills offset his defensive short comings. Putting him on a line with Coots could work out nicely. I know he works out in the offseasons with G so I could see him coming in and surprising some people with his vision/skills.
