If you have the opportunity to add even more bottom of the lineup depth to your lineup, you should absolutely do it. At least that’s what Chuck Fletcher seems to believe as the Flyers have claimed forward Lukas Sedlak off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche. Revenge for the Avs taking Nicolas Aube-Kubel? Likely doubtful.
Sedlak had just signed with the reigning Stanley Cup Champions after spending the last three years in the KHL. He only appeared in three games, playing a small role on the penalty kill, before Colorado decided to make a change and sent him to the waiver wire. That’s when the Flyers swooped in and added him to the team. If things don’t work out, he’d have to be waived again and the Avalanche would have first dibs.
Before Colorado and even before the KHL, Sedlak was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets. See the connection yet? Yes, he was coached by John Tortorella during his time with Columbus. Mostly seen as a depth player, he spent three seasons with the team. In 162 career games, he posted 15 goals and 27 points. He’s not going to be a flashy player, but that’s not expected of him in his role anyway. But he will add some more depth to the bottom of the lineup.
He did produce during his time in the KHL, especially last season where he posted 43 points in 49 games for Traktor Chelyabinsk. In the last three seasons for said team, he recorded 57 goals and 131 points in 164 games.
Sedlak bring some physicality, blocks shots, heavy on the puck, versatility to play C or W. Plays limited minutes at the NHL level (pretty much strictly a 4th liner) but Tortorella dressed him fairly regularly and Shaw mixed him in PK rotation at times.
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) October 19, 2022
With this move, the Flyers sent Olle Lycksell to the AHL. Lycksell had impressed during training camp and earned a call up, but would only appear in one game. This move, plus the recent recall of Zack MacEwen essentially edged him out of the lineup. But this is only his first professional season so there is still plenty of time for him to grow and develop. Better to get the minutes at the AHL level instead of sitting and watching like he was likely to do in the NHL.
The Flyers are in Miami tonight to take on the Panthers so it’s doubtful that Sedlak checks into the lineup. His debut with Philadelphia could come on Saturday against the Nashville Predators.