The Philadelphia Flyers prospect development camp continued this weekend, and will conclude today with a 3v3 tournament
There was plenty of buzz and coverage around day 1 of the Philadelphia Flyers development camp. There was media availability, player selfies, and oh yeah, some hockey. We tried to sum up the highlights a few days ago.
Related Story: Flyers Dev Camp Day 1 Roundup
Things have been more subtle since. It’s mostly just been drills.
Sam Morin Returns
Big defenseman Sam Morin (1st round, 2013), missed day one of the camp due to illness. That was just the latest health injury to bother Morin, who’s had hip and abdominal surgery this summer, then an episode of strep throat. When he hit the ice Saturday, it was his first time in 2 months.
From a broader view, Morin is following the deliberate development plan the Flyers marked him for. He played a full season in the AHL last year, and will likely do so again this season. He’s keeping his game simple, and playing against top lines in the AHL. That’s probably enough for a 21-year old.
Provorov All Business
Ivan Provorov (1st round, 2015) is setting his sights on the NHL next season. He’s getting the most attention at camp from the fans, and probably the coaches.
Provorov at rookie camp shows amazingly effortless smooth skating and puck control. pic.twitter.com/NmAFpQAkWr
— Eklund's NHL Trade, Free Agent Rumors (@Eklund) July 11, 2016
Provorov speaks plainly and single-mindedly. When the prospects did their aforementioned selfies, Provorov was the only one not to use a filter or make a goofy or smiling face.
On the ice, Provorov wants to do it all. He described his game as follows:
"“I’m a two-way player. A well-rounded defenseman. I can play any type of situation, 5-on-4, 5-on-5, even strength. I can play big minutes and I’m responsible defensively and also I put up good numbers offensively.”"
His all-business demeanors also shows on the ice in his lack of mistakes. Travis Sanheim, who notably fought Provorov in a junior game last season, emphasized his Provorov’s clean, and dare I say “professional” game.
"“Well, [Provorov] doesn’t do too many things wrong. He’s a well-rounded player. As offensive as he is, he’s also good defensively. He doesn’t’ make too many mistakes and when he does, he usually makes up for it.”"
Provorov was actually recently asked about his scrap with Sanheim this season. Fittingly, Provorov casually said “there are no friends on the ice.”
This year is the 40th anniversary since Bobby Clarke and the Broad Street Bullies were the only NHL team to knock off “The Big Red Machine” of the Soviet ice hockey team. That was followed by decades of the Philadelphia Flyers notoriously avoiding Russian players. Now, the Flyers have used 1st round picks on Russians in each of the last 2 drafts, and may have a Russian machine on their blueline as early as this season.
3v3 Tournament This Afternoon
If you have some free time and are near south Jersey this afternoon, you may want to check out the 3v3 tournament between prospects scheduled for 3 to 5. As with all things at the development camp, entry is free for fans.
The prospects will “draft” teams, and then battle it out on the ice. Last year’s standout from 3v3 play was probably Shayne Gostisbehere. This year, my money is on whatever team Provorov is on.