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Training Camp 2017: The Flyers’ Fab Five

By Marc Polites

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Nolan Patrick, second overall pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, poses for a portrait during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Nolan Patrick, second overall pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, poses for a portrait during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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All eyes will be on this group of hungry rookies as the Philadelphia Flyers open training camp.

The Philadelphia Flyers are heading into training camp with a prospect pool that can be easily described as an embarrassment of riches.  They have depth up front, depth on the back end, and depth in goal. When was the last time you could say that about the Flyers? General Manager Ron Hextall has done a masterful job of stocking the cupboards with high-end talent. Here are the five who I believe will be pushing the veterans for ice time in 2017-18.

Must Read: Flyers' stockpile of draft picks bodes well for future

Philippe Myers, Defenseman (2016-17 QMJHL- Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 34GP 10G 25A 35P)

Hextall’s undrafted gem. He has arguably the most upside of all Flyers defensive prospects. At 6’5” and 209 pounds, the right handed shooting defenseman has the potential to impact the Flyers line up sooner rather than later. He carries the puck well, and has the speed to recover for mistakes. A top four defenseman in the making.

Sam Morin, Defenseman (2016-17 AHL- Lehigh Valley Phantoms 74GP 3G 13A 16P)

Because of his size and nasty streak, he has been compared to former Flyers Hall of Famer Chris Pronger.  That might be an exaggeration, but Morin is still a solid prospect. He is a stay at home, steady defenseman who was paired with offensive dynamo Shayne Gostisbehere in his debut last year.  And if he makes the Flyers this season, he will be the perfect complement to Ghost again.

Travis Sanheim, Defenseman (2016-17- AHL- Lehigh Valley Phantoms 76G 10G 27A 37P)

Offense had been Sanheim’s staple. But now he has developed the defensive aspect to his game as well. He has the size and skating ability to be a top-two defensive pairing. Sanheim is solid in his defensive zone, but with definite offensive upside. In short, he is exactly what the Flyers need on the blue line.

Team News: Flyers release training camp dates, roster

Oscar Lindblom, Forward (2016-17- SHL- Brynas 52GP 22G 25A 47P)

A player who could be the true steal of the 2014 NHL Draft, Lindblom will have every opportunity to make the Flyers out of training camp this year.  The trade of Brayden Schenn to St. Louis will open up a hole for him in the lineup. He is a solid two way player who will go to those dirty areas in the corner and in front of the net.  For a team that lacks offense, Lindblom will help.

Nolan Patrick, Forward (2016-17- WHL-Brandon Wheat Kings 30GP 20G 26A 46P)

Patrick was an early Christmas gift for the Flyers- a young stud center with few holes in his game. He possesses a high hockey IQ and plays both ends of the ice. And most importantly for the Flyers, he can create offense. He is not only a great passer, but he can finish as well.  He’ll likely be molded into a number one center, which is something the Flyers have lacked for a very long time.

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Flyers fans should be excited about the upcoming season.  The influx of youth and speed is going to make for a fun season on Broad Street. It’s something that has been sorely lacking for a long time.  The guard is changing with the Flyers, and the future looks very bright.

 

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