Mike O’Connell brings experience and insight to Flyers organization

Isaac Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe is coming off an extremely tough year where injuries followed him throughout the entire season. A fractured rib and a collapsed lung forced him to miss the Flyers condensed training camp. A late season ankle injury also cost at him the end of his sophomore season with the Phantoms.

He was only able to appear in 22 games this past year. It took him awhile to feel healthy during the year but he felt he got into a groove during his last six or seven games. And right now, Ratcliffe believes he is the strongest he’s ever been after a solid off-season of training. He’s been able to bulk up, coming in at 225 pounds.

"“Enthusiastic, he’s got great range, has an NHL body. And so far what I’ve seen with this, I think if we can really help define his game, what we feel is gonna be best for him to have the best impact on not only his career but the success of the Flyers. I think that’s what we have to help him with, just identify his game…But so far, so good for me. He’s an extremely likable young man and works hard.”"

Ratcliffe does feel he is ready to compete at the NHL level, but it’s more than likely he will still need some seasoning with the Phantoms. A healthy season especially is something that Ratcliffe could benefit from.

Cam York & Egor Zamula

Both York and Zamula had a chance to make their NHL debuts this season. The former signed his entry-level contract after his sophomore year at Michigan. The two have numerous differences to their games but could find themselves paired together if both head back to the Phantoms to start the year.

Zamula’s biggest focus this past off-season was to work on his strength and becoming faster in his game. As for York, he is continuing to work on being stronger on the puck. His game is more about speed and agility so he wasn’t necessarily looking to add on the weight.

Regardless of where they will be, O’Connell believes that both are outstanding prospects and have what it takes to have very successful careers down the line.

"“They’re both high IQ players. They both see the ice very well. Different skill sets, of course. Egor is a much bigger player, stature wise, very smooth with the puck. Probably not as dynamic as Cam is. Both very smooth. Cam is a little more dynamic, quicker hands probably. More of a compact player of course. But both extremely smart. One has length, one doesn’t have the length but I think Zamula’s length is gonna really help him defending and Cam’s foot speed and agility getting in and out of those tight situations and being able to make the quick plays are gonna be very effective.”"

York still has confidence and believes in himself in regards to earning himself a spot on the roster despite the Flyers additions on defense. Zamula has much more of a dark horse chance to make the team. But his confidence level did grow after his short two-game audition. It gave him the knowledge of what to expect at the NHL level.

Morgan Frost

Frost is another one of the Flyers prospects that is knocking on the door for a permanent spot on the NHL roster. It looked like he was going to do just that last season but a shoulder injury two games into the year cost him that opportunity.

But after surgery and plenty of rehab, he is back for another shot. With this being the last year of his entry-level deal, there is no better time for Frost to show the team that he is ready for a permanent promotion.

"“Very, very quick, sees the ice extremely well. He looks like he’s gonna be a point-producer to me. Whether he’s rusty or not, I don’t know Again I haven’t been following his career but I’m digging in a little bit, watching his games from last year. And watching his practice habits so far this year and I like what I see. He’s a young player, he has all the tools and we just have to do what we can to get him in those situations where he can show them off and help the team.”"

Frost has the confidence in himself that he can become an NHL player. He will just have to battle even harder once more after the addition of players such as Nate Thompson and Derick Brassard. Learning from them will help, but at the end of the day, Frost believes he has what it takes.

Samu Tuomaala

Tuomaala will be making the jump to the North American game after spending all of his young career over in Finland. The AHL is his first goal but he may also find himself in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves.

Tuomaala has a tremendous shot and can fly in certain situations. But become stronger physically and learning how to defend better are some of the things he’ll need to work on. While he appeared in Finland’s top league, it was a very short stint and Tuomaala saw limited minutes there. It likely wasn’t enough time for him to be able to make the jump right to the AHL.

"”He is a fun player to watch. Every time he gets on the ice, he kind of brings me out of my seat watching this kid go. Very enthusiastic and we just want to educate him as much as possible in a short period of time. He’s gonna be a fun player to watch and fun player to develop…Hopefully we’ll send him the right message when he leaves us. And we’ll get to spend a little bit of time with him over the course of this year, watch how he develops and help him develop. But we’re looking forward to having this young man in the organization for a long time.”"

Wade Allison

Allison was yet another Flyers prospect who got an opportunity to make his NHL debut. It was his shot that has impressed most. His 14-game audition certainly gives him an inside track on a roster spot this fall as he more than showed he is able to able the competition at this level.

Everything about his game points to a player who is ready to contribute at the NHL level. He opened eyes with four goals and seven points in those 14 games. That was after four goals and nine points in 10 games at the AHL level. After spending four years at the collegiate level, it is finally time to see what Allison is capable of.

"“Right off the bat, watching his first couple workouts, it was really his shot that impressed me. He’s got an incredible release, NHL shot. And those are my first impressions after watching him for a few times in some of the drills. He’s got some things that I think we can really help him with. I think experience will really help him but he’s a hockey player. Looks the part, he looks in great shape. We just have to make sure we put him in the right situations to give him the necessary confidence that young players need.”"