Comparing the skill sets of Flyers’ Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink

As we already know, both Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink made the Flyers roster to start the regular season. However, as it stands right now, the team is carrying 13 forwards. This could become interesting to see how head coach John Tortorella is going to use the two young forwards moving forward.

Last season, we saw glimpses of brilliance from Tyson Foerster with the Flyers. In eight games, the former Barrie Colt scored three goals and had seven points in eight games. Foerster earned the call up due to the way he was lighting up the AHL. In 66 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Foerster scored 20 goals and assisted on 28 for 48 points.

Bobby Brink would play 10 games in the NHL back in 2021-22. Brink showed some early signs of being able to fit into an NHL lineup. While he only recorded four assists, it looked as if he could make a push to earn a spot in training camp the next year. However, he would end up injuring his hip and having surgery the following offseason. The former 34th overall pick returned to Lehigh this past season and played in 41 games. Brink scored 12 goals and had 28 points. He seemed to have found his stride and slowly returned back to the player many Flyers fans thought he would be.

What could this mean moving forward for the Flyers?

John Tortorella has two young players who GM Danny Briere and President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones are hoping will develop into major pieces to this puzzle moving forward. Each player brings their own skill set, but how will they be used?

Tyson Foerster is a sniper. However, we have seen his playmaking ability take a leap alongside his skating ability. His biggest question mark coming out of the OHL was if he was going to be able to skate with pros. However, he was highly compared to Steven Stamkos. Foerster has shown his willingness to improve and drive to get better. His skating has taken a leap forward along with the rest of his skill set. A lot of fans are hoping that Foerster has a major turn in his play and can be the top line winger of the future alongside Maitev Michkov and Cutter Gauthier.

Foerster likes to play around the left faceoff circle in the zone and can unleash a quick one timer. Match that with his great vision and hockey IQ, and he could excel depending on who he slots in next to. I also shouldn’t fail to mention his ability on the defensive side of the ice. Foerster has an extremely active stick and typically ends up in the right spot. Unfortunately, he did not have as strong of a preseason as his counterpart. As of right now, it appears he will be the odd man out on opening night based on recent practice lines.

If Bobby Brink gets the nod to start the season, what will he bring to the roster? Brink’s skill set could be more compared to a Cam Atkinson. Before the draft, he was compared to T.J. Oshie. Being compared to either one of them isn’t bad at all. Brink has some speed with an explosive first step and he is willing to get into the dirty areas and seems to have gotten stronger over the last few years. Pair all of this with good IQ and a lightning quick release and you have the makings of a top six forward. Brink’s vision and playmaking ability is something that stands out. However, his improving shot could help him solidify a top role down the line.

If a pure goal scorer is what Tortorella is looking for, then Foerster will slot into the lineup more often than not. If it’s an all-around player who has a chance to mix in on the top lines with the likes of Couturier and Konecny, Brink will get the nod as it appears he will to start. However, by the trade deadline, I believe both will be everyday players.