Lehigh Valley Phantoms Top 14 Prospects For The 2021 Season

Number 14:  Pascal Laberge

How Acquired: Drafted in 2016′ Round 2, #36

Stylistically Laberge’s game is reminiscent of Brayden Schenn. Laberge saw limited time in the AHL but he made good use of the opportunities he was afforded. While he was mainly in the bottom-six, he showed that he can make plays and is one of the better effort players for the team every time he stepped over the boards.

With some players moving up to the Flyers he should be able to suit up for the Phantoms more regularly in the 2020-2021 NHL season. Perhaps he can crack the Phantoms power-play lineup, provided he can improve his shooting.

The size of Laberge is fine, but he could stand to put a muscle on his body. He plays the game’s power forward style. Laberge likes forechecking, getting in quickly and putting pressure on his rivals. He reaches the front of the net and sets up his spot. He is not afraid to push the net with the puck on his stick, and has the hands to finish close by.

With decent acceleration, Laberge is a fast skater. He has the ability to adjust speeds and can fool defenders as a consequence of the rush, and is very dangerous. He has the pace and speed to take defenders out and then cut them to the net.

At the defensive end, Laberge demonstrates effort, carrying the non-stop engine and strong work ethic that distinguishes him in the offensive zone. His overall defensive game, however, is a work in progress. He will have to focus on his positioning to stop over-committing himself to the physical play and getting out of place.

To play both center and wing, Laberge has the versatility. He does seem ideal for playing in the center of the ice with his playmaking skill and quick skating. He must continue to work on his defensive game, however, and learn the duties of a centre going forward. At times, he even wants to be a little bit more selfish. As reported, on his shot, Laberge has an outstanding release, but just doesn’t shoot the puck enough.

Number 13: Matthew Strome

How Acquired: Drafted in 2017 round 4 #106

Strome is a big, skilled winger who plays a game that is full and consistent. It fights hard for possession of the puck and is relentless on both the power play and the killing of penalties. It plays a hard-nosed game and uses its size to build its net presence. It has good hands, a precise shot, and a sense of zero compromise hockey. That being said, his vision is exceptional and his offensive ability is evident; he can play at a rapid pace. A big part of that is being able to keep up and, going forward, he has the ability to grow into a versatile two-way winger that is tough to play against and can be counted on in all situations.

Upon being assigned Lehigh Valley, for a taste of his professional action once his OHL season ended in 2019. In the last six games of the Phantoms’ regular season, Matthew Strome showed some promising early signs of life with two apples. After he scored a new OHL career-high in points with the Hamilton Bulldogs this season, nothing really stops this train. Without the puck, he would do better to concentrate on his skating and, to a lesser degree, his game. All aspects taken into account, he is improving nicely.

The following year began his first official professional season splitting time between the Reading Royals and the Phantoms. This i believe is where if the ECHL had a season that Strome would fly and truly progress his game. It’s though to think that head coach Scott Gordon would put him in a Top 6 role on this team but it certainly could happen. Strome was a beast with the Royals posting 20 points in 25 games with nine goals and 11 assists. Serving as a huge role with Kirk McDonald he earned himself a call-up after progressing smoothly in the Double A league of hockey. He saw 19 games with two goals and two assists earning 4 points total before the season ended.

Number 12: Linus Sandin

How Acquired: Signed ($792,500/$70,000)

The latest Flyer that I think fans are most excited about seeing. Sandin was so good in the SHL and definitely could be placed in the Flyers Top 9 coming within the next few years. He could be Raffl’s replacement or Laughton depending on what management wants to fully do. I think it’s important to note that Sandin is able to play in the NHL. His 6’1 “, 209-pound frame gives him a body of professional calibre. There isn’t much about Sandin’s abilities, but since he was a teenager, he has been a solid goal-scorer for different teams in Sweden. He has an exciting pedigree as well. Also a fun fact He is the older brother of current Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Rasmus Sandin. His name recognition is worth something in addition to his respectable stats in Europe.

Number 11: Tanner Laczynski

How Acquired: Drafted 2016 round 6 #169

Laczynski with scoring-line upside, an intelligent, qualified forward that could make a big impact for the Phantoms this season. Although he did not break out as planned, he was really successful. While as some hoped, he did not make a convincing argument for the Hobey Baker Prize, he was quietly excelling what one usually expects from a previous sixth-round pick.

Although he can contribute defensively, at the professional level, his leadership and playing along the boards would most likely be his largest selling points. What selling points am I talking about? After being drafted just like the career path that the likes of Bobby Brink and Cam York are taking he decided to go back to school where he would tear it up. He finished fifth among 2019-20 NCAA skater and became the third Buckeye in school history to average more than one point per game.

Laczynski brings the answer to one of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms questions this year. Scoring. Over four years he would pile up 143 points in 138 games, ranking 22nd (tied) in school history in points. Which in return proved his two-way game is just fine.

Number 10: Maxim Sushko

How Acquired: 2017 round 4 #107

After wrapping up his shortened first professional season with the Phantoms, The Flyers management and scouting department could agree all on one thing, Sushko needed to be placed overseas for more seasoning and that’s exactly what they did. After finishing his season in the AHL posting 21 points (11G, 10 A) in 53 games, Sushko stayed healthy and started his season with the Dinamo Minsk of the KHL. Keeping his legs moving putting up five points (2G, 3A) in 30 games played we shall see if the different size in ice will improve Sushko’s game going into the AHL season. I believe he won’t see any NHL action for at least another three to four years and might be in Philadelphia’s trading cards in the future.