2 Flyers prospects could be impacted by looming ECHL strike

The American Hockey League, also referred to as the AHL, serves as the primary developmental league for the NHL. But it is not the only league that players can learn through on their way to the top level.

The ECHL is a step below the AHL and can be used similarly, but for players who may not be ready for the step up in competition. It's not typical to see players in the ECHL who have contracts with NHL teams. Most of the roster is filled out by those on either AHL or ECHL contracts. But there are times when an NHL team's prospects find themselves in the ECHL.

Life is much different for a player in the ECHL than in other leagues. Players' salaries are significantly lower, and the travel schedule is harsher. Which is no surprise that players are now ready to strike to get better conditions, among other things.

The previous CBA expired last summer, and the ECHL does not have the same fallbacks as other leagues, where they agree not to strike and work under the expired agreement until a new one is agreed upon. Thus, the players have not ruled out going nuclear on the league and could put it into action as soon as Dec. 23.

The ECHL put out its own statement prior, likely knowing something was coming from the PHPA. They outlined the offer they had put forward. It includes a change to mandatory off days, holiday breaks, and a travel limit.

The timing of the strike could be convenient for players with no games until the weekend, but there could, of course, be short-term and long-term consequences. With the league providing housing, some players could find themselves with nowhere to go if they weren't planning to visit family over the holiday break. And even more friction could develop between two sides that have plenty of it by the sounds of it.

Flyers prospects could face strike in ECHL

The Flyers currently have two contracted prospects playing on the Reading Royals, the team's ECHL affiliate. That is Massimo Rizzo and Artem Guryev.

Rizzo has been with the Royals all season and has already reached the same totals as his first season in the AHL last year. In 26 games, he has five goals and 18 points. Last season was a tough rookie year as injuries affected his development, as well as some inconsistent play. It's hard to find your place in a new league when you're missing significant time.

Guryev is still rather new to the Flyers' organization, traded with Carl Grundstrom to Philadelphia in the deal that sent the contract of Ryan Ellis to the Sharks. He has appeared in four games with the Phantoms and 19 for the Royals, registering no points. Guryev is not known as an offensive producer, though, and has become more disciplined over the years.

Depending on how long a potential strike may last, it's possible the two could be recalled to the Phantoms. But playing time may be hard to come by, especially for Guryev. The Phantoms' blueline is already crowded as it is before Egor Zamula was waived and sent down. With Denver Barkey's recall and Alex Bump's injury, it's possible Rizzo could sneak into the lineup.

But, would the players take the chance at playing time, while most ECHL players will be without a job? And would that even be allowed? That's a different story altogether. Hopefully, it doesn't get to that point, and the two sides can agree.

With the fact that the players are ready to strike and have made it sound like a deal isn't close, this could likely drag out a lot longer.