As the Flyers took the ice for a quick practice before heading to Montreal, Morgan Frost remained behind. He was pulled from last night’s game after only two shifts and promptly placed in COVID protocol. Aside from Derick Brassard, the rest of the team participated, a good sign that no one else will be placed in protocol before the trip.
The testing that forced Frost out of the eventual win over the Devils was done in preparation for the team heading to Canada for a quick matchup with the Canadiens. With all other players taking the ice for practice, it is safe to say that all other tests came back negative. With Frost entering last night, the Flyers did have to re-test this morning prior to taking the ice.
There wasn’t immediate word on if Frost did end up taking another test as well. And his status moving forward is unknown as well. If he ends up as a positive case, he is likely to miss the next 10 days. Players can return sooner than that if they return two negative tests in a 24-hour span.
But it will seemingly be a few days before it is known whether or not Frost received a false positive. That is about all Mike Yeo could say on the subject before the team departed for Montreal. The situation remains fluid as numerous outcomes could follow this.
"“He’s in COVID protocol right now and unavailable for us. I’m not sure what the timeline is on that but obviously he’s not going to be with us for the next couple of days here.”"
Frost is the second Flyers player to enter COVID protocol for the team this season. Patrick Brown was there when he first came to Philadelphia. Frost is certainly not the only one around the league recently. Calgary has since seen more players and staff enter protocol as they are down to just seven players that have not currently sent back a positive result. One would assume a longer shutdown is expected for them.
The league itself has seen over 40 players enter protocol in the last 48 hours or so. It is game on, for now.
Joel Farabee a full participant, Jackson Cates recalled
In response to Frost entering protocol, Jackson Cates was recalled and will enter the Flyers lineup on Thursday. He was spotted on the fourth line along with Zack MacEwen and Patrick Brown.
While Wade Allison was a possibility to get the call, the team wanted to give him a bit more time with the Phantoms. The team was also looking for a different type of player to fill the role they were looking for on the fourth line. Cates also simply earned this recall as well.
"“Jackson’s earned this call up as well. From everything that I understand, the limited time that I’ve watched him play, he’s really bought into the role and the identity that he needs to have to be a pro hockey player. And we’re expecting him to come up and provide that same kind of mindset here.”"
Cates last played an actual game with the Flyers back in the 2020-21 season where he skated in just four games. He tallied his first NHL point on April 27th against the Devils. With the Phantoms, Cates has two goals and six assists in 19 games played. This isn’t his first recall to the team this season, but as mentioned above, it will be the first time he will appear in a game.
Joel Farabee has also been working his way back from an upper-body injury. He recently skated with the team on Monday in a no-contact jersey and was back out there on Wednesday afternoon. He was still spotted in a different jersey but did end up taking some contact. He also took part in all drills as well.
Yeo essentially called Farabee a full participant in the team’s practice. But he isn’t expected back just yet. He went on to say that while Farabee remains out, his ability to take part in Wednesday’s practice was a good sign. He isn’t necessarily expected back this weekend, but he is becoming a possibility moving forward as he works his way back.
Farabee has been a huge player for the team and his return will be welcomed with open arms whenever it may be.
"“It’s always awesome to see him out there. He’s a good guy for the group and he’s a great player. If we can get him back soon, it’s gonna help the team.” Oskar Lindblom said on Farabee’s recent return to practice."