Tyson Foerster had been expected to miss at least two to three months with an upper-body injury. But after some further testing, the news became worse.
Foerster underwent surgery, effectively ending his season, barring an unexpected long playoff run for the Flyers. It could not have come at a worse time for Foerster. He was in the midst of what was looking like a breakout season.
Despite last playing against the Penguins on Dec. 1, Foerster is second on the team in goals (10). He had six goals in his last seven games and was a strong force on both sides of the puck. He wasn’t going to be easy to replace during his original timeline, and it’s not going to be any better with the latest diagnosis.
Carl Grundstrom has played well during his short stint and has played himself into more offensive situations. He has already posted the same amount of goals (3) in six games than he did in 56 games with the Sharks last season. It’s possible that an elevation in the lineup could spark something. But his past history doesn’t show a player who has provided a ton of offense. He topped out at 12 goals and 19 points with the Kings in 2022-23.
Can the Flyers find more out of players like Rodrigo Abols and Nikita Grebenkin? Because it’s going to take more than one player to replace what Foerster provided. Will Garnet Hathaway snap out of his offensive funk? He has not registered a point in 32 games this season, the only regular to be pointless. He’s only taken a total of 15 shots, so it’s clear the confidence isn’t there. The Flyers need to help him find it.
The Flyers do have depth on the wing, which is a positive. But it may be time for the them to look to the AHL and bring up one of their top prospects.
Flyers could look at top prospects to replace Foerster
Knowing that Foerster won’t be returning gives the Flyers plenty of time to evaluate who they want and what they can provide. With the roster freeze and holiday break coming up, the decision doesn’t have to be made right now. But there are a few players in the AHL that could be looked at as options.
Alex Bump would be the leading candidate. Reports have alluded to the Flyers wanting to give Bump more time at the AHL level. He started the season off slow before a conversation with head coach John Snowden sparked something. He’s sixth in points amongst active rookie AHL players and leads the Phantoms in the same category. He’s gotten back on the scoreboard recently after an eight-game goalless drought.
The Flyers have struggled to score, sitting in the bottom half of the league in goals scored per game. Their power play has been nonexistent recently, going five for 44 in nearly 20 games. So why not try to find a spark with a player who has plenty to prove after a disappointing training camp?
It may be too soon to give Denver Barkey a look, but he has impressed during his first season. He’s third on the Phantoms in goals and fourth in points. His high-motor and fearless nature could be a great addition to the bottom six. But just how concerned are the Flyers about his size at the NHL level? And how much have injuries and illnesses over the last few years affected his development?
The safe option would be looking at someone like Anthony Richard, who has filled in as a depth option before. Even someone like Lane Pederson, who has been a good mentor for Bump and Barkey, could get the call.
But for a team that is building toward the future, why not use this situation to get a long look at players that you expect to be a part of your next core?
We’ll see if the Flyers feel the same. But regardless, they’re going to have a hard time replacing what Foerster meant to this team on and off the ice.