Three of the newest rookie additions to the Flyers organization will have the chance to compete and earn a spot on the roster.
Wade Allison and Tanner Laczynski were signed to entry-level contracts after both finished out their college careers. Linus Sandin was signed after four years of professional hockey in Sweden. More experiences than other rookies to come through the ranks, the three will have an opportunity to play for the Flyers this season.
The possible addition of each of these three players adds more competition to primarily the bottom-six roles. There is plenty of forward depth in the organization and come training camp, whenever that is, there should be plenty to look out for.
Both Allison and Laczysnki could have opted for free agency as they spent all four years in college before being signed. Their willingness to sign with the Flyers is a look into their beliefs that they can crack the roster sooner rather than later. That seemed to be the reason that Wyatt Kalynuk chose to sign with the Blackhawks after deciding to not return for his senior season.
Sandin also had the choice to sign with a different organization. His situation was a little different as he was making the jump from Sweden to North America. He reportedly has other NHL options on the table, though it’s uncertain who those teams were. But he, along with the two mentioned above, join a crowded group of forwards.
Chuck Fletcher felt confident to say that each of them will get some time in the NHL this season. That could be straight out of camp or later on in the season.
"“Whether they’re ready for that, it’s up to them and their performance. At the same time, we expect them to help and challenge the internal competition. In reality I would say, I would assume that each of them are going to play games this year. Hopefully one of them grabs it and makes the best of their opportunity.”"
Allison is 22-years-old, Laczysnki is 23-years-old and Sandin is 24-years-old. Those are not the typical ages you see from players making the jump to the professional level. It does put them at an advantage, though. Players of this age are certainly more physically built and filled out than those that are coming straight from the draft or junior hockey.
Sandin has a slight advantage over Allison and Laczynski as he has played a level of professional hockey. He faired well during his time in the SHL where he is currently loaned to. But each player will certainly be coming in with the same drive to crack a spot on the Flyers opening night roster.
The team is trending onto the younger side in most areas of the ice. There is youth making contributions everywhere on their lineup. So those three have just as much of a chance as any other player.