Philadelphia Flyers: Preseason Winners and Losers
By Mickey Walsh
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The NHL preseason is a little more than a week old, and, in that span, the Flyers have played four games and held some very intensive practices with new head coach Dave Hakstol.
Out of those games have come some real standouts and players who have a bit of an uphill battle to climb, whether it’s in regards to cracking the roster or showing the new coach that they have something to offer. We take a look at some of the winners and losers of the preseason thus far.
1) Winner: Travis Konecny
Sep 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Travis Konecny (80) during a preseason game against the New York Islanders at PPL Center. The Flyers defeated the Islanders, 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The guy seems like a born winner, and was all over the ice in a very good way in the two preseason games he played in earlier this week. Despite being sent back to his junior club, the Ottawa 67’s, as part of the first round of cuts after those games (where he’s been putting up points and doing very well), Konecny made sure the Flyers and their fans wouldn’t forget him on his way out the door.
Ivan Provorov may have been the big story of this year’s draft haul, but, based on his camp and preseason action, Travis Konecny may have established himself as the most exciting player in the prospect pool.
2) Loser: Brayden Schenn
Sep 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (10) in a game against the New York Rangers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Despite putting up points at his usual clip, Schenn the Younger has been stuck out of position for the duration of the preseason as a winger on a line with Nick Cousins and Chris Porter, both destined for the AHL.
If head coach Dave Hakstol and General Manager Ron Hextall are trying to send a message to Schenn, who has not yet been signed to a contract extension, it’s being heard loud and clear– a Bobby Orr-type goal in the last game and a strong effort on every inch of the ice may help to turn the heads of the GM and bench boss.
But he’s had to work hard to prove a case that should have already been proven, and it’ll put a lot of pressure on him going into the regular season.
3) Winner: Evgeny Medvedev
Sep 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Emerson Etem (96) attempts to knock the puck from Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Yevgeni Medvedev (82) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The 33-year-old KHL transplant was a big question mark coming into the season as analysts wondered if he could adapt to North American ice and the pace of the game in the NHL. He hasn’t failed to disappoint: Medvedev has often looked to be the best defenseman on the ice for the Flyers, and has been growing more confident with each game, starting to take more risks on offense.
The number of words he knows in English can be counted on one hand, and it’s still unclear who he’ll be paired with in the regular season, but it’s becoming apparent that this preseason standout will be an upgrade on a weak Flyers blue line.
4) Loser: Scott Laughton
Sep 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton (49) and New York Rangers right wing Kevin Hayes (13) face off during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Scott Laughton has long been the “next Flyer”, the prospect in the system most likely to make the Flyers’ roster as a full-time member. But Laughton is a center, and so are most of the Flyers’ forwards– so many, in fact, that some of them are playing out of position, like Brayden Schenn and, oftentimes, Vincent Lecavalier.
He had an extended look with the team last season and has been doing well this preseason, but with so many centers already on the team, it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll stick unless someone gets traded.
5) Winner: Michael Raffl
Sep 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Michael Raffl (12) during a preseason game against the New York Islanders at PPL Center. The Flyers defeated the Islanders, 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sport
The undrafted Austrian has been outstanding this preseason, getting more time on the Flyers’ fantastic power play and scoring some well-timed goals.
He may be the Mikael Renberg on the top line with Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek, but it’s starting to look like, in the top line void left by Scott Hartnell, Raffl is truly the left-winger for the duo that Flyers brass have been looking for– they’ve had him all along.
6) Loser: Shayne Gostisbehere
Sep 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) during the third period of a game against the New York Rangers at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
“Really? Gostisbehere, a loser? He’s looked fantastic!” I’m not disagreeing with you! The Flyers’ highly touted defensive prospect has put his offensive prowess on display this preseason, scoring three goals and impressing with his pure speed.
Unfortunately, though, Gostisbehere missed nearly the entirety of the previous season– in which it was determined he wasn’t quite NHL ready– with a torn ACL, and hadn’t played for months. Sent down to the Phantoms yesterday, it’s likely Hextall wants Gostisbehere to work on his defensive game and get some actual time playing in Allentown before bringing him up to the big club, which may not be before long.
Next: AHL is the BEST Place for Gostisbehere, For Now