As the preseason schedule moves on, the battle for roster spots become tougher. With some of the easier cuts out of the way, harder decision will need to be made.
The Flyers have made a few of those easy cuts already, mainly sending junior players back and releasing some for tryout contracts. While they still have some easier decisions left, it won’t be that way for long. Players will need to continue standing out to keep themselves in the running.
There are more than a few players who will try to battle to the end for a spot on the opening night roster. One has seen his stock rise in the early parts of camp. Another was expected to standout, but hasn’t yet. And the third has a chance to use an injury to another as a way to nab a spot.
All three can use the matchup against the Capitals to keep themselves on the map.
Rodrigo Abols
Abols has done something that no other Flyers’ skater has done in the preseason. He has appeared in all three games, a clear sign that Rick Tocchet and company like what they have seen.
One of the challenges given to Abols was to show consistency over the course of more than one game. He had a strong opening period in the first game, scoring the opening goal, but trailed off as the game went on. His second game built off the first and his consistency held throughout the entirety of the game, despite not getting on the scoresheet.
One important thing for Abols this season is that he appears much faster than he did during his NHL stint last season. His improved foot speed is evident and something he clearly worked on over the summer.
It’s still not a guarantee that he makes the roster due to limited spots. His versatility helps and getting three straight games is another point in his favor. He’s making this battle a tough one.
Jett Luchanko
Luchanko is one of the flashiest names on the roster batting for a spot. This will be his second outing and he hasn’t necessarily stood out as much as he’d like.
He showed off his speed against Montreal and will be a problem defending with his quick bursts. However, he wasn’t able to show off much on the offensive end as the game went on. Could that have been who he was on a line with? It’s possible, but it brings up more questions on if he’s ready for the NHL.
There are still five games to go before the season begins. Maybe with more opportunities, Luchanko will ramp up. But he will need to find a way to do things quickly with other players standing out.
Helge Grans
Grans took a much needed step forward last season. Both his offensive and defensive games improved in his second season with the Flyers organization. He was rewarded with a six-game stint and largely showed poise with the puck. With a new contract in hand, the time is now for Grans
With a Rasmus Ristolainen replacement needed, Grans has the opportunity to show that it should be him. While he doesn’t have to be an exact copy of Ristolainen, adding some physicality and being harder to play against wouldn’t hurt. The other parts of his game have fit at this level. Now it’s time to add more.
Whatever Grans does, he needs to find a way to stand out above the rest. Emil Andrae and Adam Ginning have been given opportunities at the NHL level as well, and will also be fighting for a spot of their own.
Grans has a large opportunity as he’ll get a chance on the top pairing with Cam York against the Capitals. If he can handle himself in big minutes and keep the mistakes to a minimum, he’ll raise his chances of wearing the Flyers jersey in a few weeks.