Philadelphia Flyers: Updates from first day of camp

The Philadelphia Flyers took to the ice for the first day of training camp and provided updates after their opening skate.

The Flyers began training camp with all 30 skates and four goaltenders taking part in grouped-out sessions. Monday was the first day teams were allowed to meet for training camp.

It was also the first day that coaches were allowed to be on the ice with the players. Previously, they had to view the Phase 2 skates from a separate location.

As expected, the first day of camp was spent reacclimating the players to the systems. The first few days of camp are typical to what a normal training camp holds. It will test out how in shape and ready to go the players are.

As we get into the latter stages of camp, the pace will pick up as teams get ready to head to their respective hub cities. For the Flyers, they will be heading to Toronto in 18 days.

While most things were status quo during each practice session, there were some updates throughout. Mark Friedman’s two-year extension was announced as the second session was beginning.

Shayne Gostisbehere spoke to the media after his session and announced he had a second surgery on his knee about seven weeks ago. This was not the same knee he had surgery on before. It was, however, also arthroscopic. He hopes to work his way back in the lineup for the playoffs.

Chuck Fletcher also took the time to address the situation going on with Nolan Patrick. As expected, he was not named on the Flyers postseason roster. The hope and focus is to have him ready for next season.

"“Our focus is on getting him ready for the 2020-21 season. We want to be prudent and prioritize his health and safety in the long run. We have a short runway here before we jump right into playoff hockey.”"

Having him healthy is the biggest focus. Patrick has not played a game in over a year, having last skated during an April game in 2019. The pace of play will be even more ramped up during this postseason. Having not played in that long, it is safer to hold him out until next year.

Fletcher also spoke on some of the other players that were under consideration for a roster spot coming into camp. David Kase, Isaac Ratcliffe, Chris Stewart, and Chris Bigras were among the names he mentioned.

The Flyers will be back on the ice again on Tuesday with the players again taking part in two different sessions.