The Philadelphia Flyers’ 2023 rookie camp has officially closed, and with it we have some winners and losers to declare in the aftermath. There were some good surprises, some bad surprises, and some players who were in between both. Either way, the Flyers’ rookies will now have to maintain their performances or step it up when the rest of the roster hits the ice on Thursday.
Loser: RW Tyson Foerster
Regrettably, Tyson Foerster was a clear loser after rookie camp, but it’s not the end of the world either. The future star makes the “Loser” list simply because he didn’t play his best, and he has more to give in Orange and Black.
GM Danny Briere isn’t worried, AGM Brent Flahr isn’t worried, and Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach Ian Laperriere isn’t worried, so from a Flyers perspective, there’s no cause for concern. Inconsistencies frequently plague young players, and Foerster is no exception no matter the level of competition.
Given his draft status, skill level, and past production, the 21-year-old will be given the first, second, and third opportunities to make the Flyers’ roster this season. Foerster will certainly need to clean it up to stay in head coach John Tortorella’s good graces over the course of a season, but the panic meter is very low.
The Flyers won’t have much to play for, and they need to see what their prospects can do at the pinnacle of competitive hockey. Yes, Foerster needs to be better, but getting there eventually is what counts the most.