Philadelphia Flyers: Lehigh Valley Phantoms Offseason Review
By Wes Herrmann
While the Philadelphia Flyers had a mostly quiet offseason by making a few minor changes, their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, have been busy.
The second-year team made numerous fixes in its roster and on the bench in an effort to end a six-year playoff drought, which could come to an end in 2016.
KEY ADDITIONS: Tim Brent, C; Aaron Palushaj, RW; Chris Connor, RW; Colin McDonald, RW; Davis Drewiske, D; Christian Marti, D; Logan Pyett, D; Jason Labarbera, G.
KEY SUBTRACTIONS: Andrew Gordon, RW; Jay Rosehill, LW; Zack Stortini, RW; Brett Hextall, RW; Blair Jones, C; Daroll Powe, C; Oliver Lauridsen, D; Rob Zepp, G.
Sep 15, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Davis Drewiske (44) during the warm-up session before the first period against Buffalo Sabres at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The first thing most should notice in the list of additions for the Phantoms is a number of players that have experience in the NHL. Brent, Palushaj, McDonald, Drewiske and Labarbera have all had a decent amount of games in the big league. Those players will be replacing former Phantoms that never saw much time in the NHL.
Another nice thing about the changes is an influx of skilled players replacing tough, gritty enforcers. Zack Stortini, who saw first-line minutes last year, and Jay Rosehill are gone. Replacing them are Tim Brent and Aaron Palushaj, who both have scored over 50 points in the AHL in previous seasons.
On defense, stagnant, yet huge, prospect Oliver Lauridsen is gone and 135-NHL game veteran Davis Drewiske is in his place. The Flyers also signed undrafted free agent Christian Marti to a two-year deal. Chances are the 22 year old will be in Lehigh Valley for the 2015-16 season.
The Phantoms made a similar swap in net, not re-signing fan-favorite Rob Zepp and signing journeyman goalie Jason Labarbera to a one-year deal to share the net with second-year pro Anthony Stolarz.
While the additions and subtractions are clear on paper, there are some players that could jump to the Flyers’ roster from last season’s team.
2012 first-round pick Scott Laughton has a chance of making the big team and last season’s top-point producer Nick Cousins also has a shot. Veteran defenseman Brandon Manning was signed to a one-way contract but with the Flyers’ logjam on defense, he could be back in Allentown this season. However, the 25-year-old would have to pass through waivers to return to the Phantoms.
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Samuel Morin should also be in the defense corps. His mandatory junior years are done and the Flyers will want him in the AHL if he doesn’t make the team. It will also help that Shayne Gostisbehere is back after missing the second half of last season with an ACL tear.
Whether Cousins, Laughton or another player is centering the Phantoms’ first line, the team should be in better shape on offense with more skilled veterans in the system.
But the Phantoms didn’t just make changes to the roster. Head coach Terry Murray left the Flyers’ organization for an assistant coaching role with the Buffalo Sabres after three playoff-less seasons with the Phantoms.
To replace him, the Flyers hired former New York Islander head coach Scott Gordon. Gordon also coached the Providence Bruins for six years, making the postseason in each season.
The Phantoms will definitely have a new look when they hit the ice in October at the PPL Center, but it should be a look in the best direction after the team made smart moves on the ice and behind the bench.
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