Flyers News: Bobby Brink activated, Lycksell loaned back, more
By Scott Cole
2023 is just a handful of days old and the Flyers have been pretty active with some minor, but yet important roster moves. Each of these moves could be part of the Flyers’ future in the next year or so. So, let’s see what the team is up to.
Flyers News: Bobby Brink Activated and Loaned to Lehigh Valley
Bobby Brink was the Flyers’ second-round pick in 2019. He played in 10 games last spring and had four assists. This was after a stint with the University of Denver where he scored 14 goals and 43 assists.
Brink is 5’8″ and 166 lbs. That is smaller than a Flyer typically is (remember the good ol’ days of Bobby Clarke as GM where the Flyers were averaging 6’0″ and 200 lbs). But in his few games at the tail end of last season, he seemed to impress the team management.
Then during the summer, he was one of three Flyers who were injured in offseason training programs. Brink injured his hip and needed to have surgery. Likewise, Joel Farabee injured his neck and prospect Jay O’Brien also injured his hip.
Brink has been activated by the Flyers and has been loaned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Instead of being able to showcase his talents for new coach John Tortorella, he had to sit on the sidelines and get healthy. Now, he can go to the Phantoms and get back into the groove. While he could be called up later this year, it might be best for him to get his time in down in the AHL and strengthen up for next year.
Flyers News: Olle Lycksell Sent Back to Phantoms
After joining the big club for their California trip, the Flyers are sending Olly Lycksell back to the Phantoms. Lycksell, in three games this year, has managed to rack up a penalty but did not rack up a point.
He is being sent back to the Phantoms where he has scored five goals with 13 assists in 19 games. Not bad for a sixth-round pick. Lycksell has bounced back between the two clubs a few times this season, so perhaps getting back to the AHL will be good for him to get some ice time and stretch his legs.
Flyers News: Flyers Sign Ethan Samson
Ethan Samson may not be a name you are familiar with, but that will soon change. The 19-year-old defender was a sixth-round pick in 2019. On Monday, the Flyers signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Playing for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL, Samson has really stood out. Last season, his third in the WHL, and first that wasn’t affected by COVID, the young blueliner scored 15 goals and assisted on 28 others. This season, in 28 games, he has scored 11 goals and added 16 assists.
Samson will finish out this season in the juniors but should break in with the AHL team next season. He could end up becoming one of the core group of young defenders the Flyers will depend on in upcoming seasons.