#1. Yegor Zamula vs Nick Seeler
Yegor Zamula, like Ginning, is a big defender that just needs a chance to shine. The Russian defenseman had that last year when he played against the New Jersey Devils on opening night; he was second amongst Flyers defenders in power play time that game and played more minutes than Nick Seeler. Now, he needs to beat out Nick Seeler to see a reasonable amount of NHL playing time again.
Zamula was in and out for the Flyers and Phantoms last season, and ultimately went down with a shoulder injury that required surgery. Now he’s back and healthy, but York is now in the picture and Seeler and Travis Sanheim haven’t gone anywhere.
Seeler is 30 years old and could be a trade candidate as a UFA at the end of the season. The wily vet is already a limited player, and could be better suited as a seventh defenseman or injury fill-in elsewhere whilst the Flyers give more time and attention to their young guys, like Zamula.
For now though, Seeler remains a member of the Flyers and Zamula will have to earn his spot in the lineup back the hard way. The team has a ton of left-handed defensemen ready to pounce, so if Zamula can’t stand out, it will be another long season for him.