Flyers roster battles become clearer with latest cuts

With only two preseason games remaining, the battle for the final few spots has gotten tighter. At this point, most teams will use the final games to fine-tune their rosters. More veterans will play as lineups will nearly resemble what most will put out on opening night.

The Flyers made some of their most significant cuts to date. And it features a few big names.

While a large portion of the group was expected to begin the season in the AHL, a few had their chances of breaking camp with the Flyers. Alex Bump is the biggest name on the list as he was one of the early favorites to claim a spot on offense. While he didn't play poorly, he was outplayed by others who remain in camp. He will certainly get NHL games this season, but developing in the AHL won't hurt.

Emil Andrae also had a strong chance at making the final roster, especially with the absence of Rasmus Ristolainen. But like most others on the backend, he didn't stand out nearly enough to keep himself in the battle. The size factor may also be working against Andrae. He should be another early candidate for NHL games, though.

Helge Grans was in the same boat as Andrae. His strong season with the Phantoms last year and new contract put him in a good position heading into camp. He was even given a huge chance at the start to earn a spot. However, it became a wasted opportunity, as he had an abysmal showing during the preseason. It wasn't that any other defensemen beat him out. Grans just blew his chance.

They weren't going to make the final roster, but Denver Barkey and Alexis Gendron making it this far into camp was a good sign. Both possess offensive skills and speed, while trying to prove that size isn't as important. With proper development, both could become part of the future for the Flyers.

With these cuts official, the battle for the last few forward and defensive spots has become clearer. Rodrigo Abols and Nikita Grebenkin are in the driver's seat on offense. Jett Luchanko and Jacob Gaucher are in the mix as well. Between those two specifically, Luchanko likely has the edge, but it's good to see Gaucher continuing to make an impression on the organization.

Egor Zamula, though he hasn't played well, will almost certainly make up part of the third pairing. That leaves Adam Ginning, Noah Juulsen, and Dennis Gilbert fighting for the sixth and seventh defenseman spots. Making an educated guess, Ginning and Juulsen may end up as the winners of those roles. But this battle is hard to predict since no one is taking advantage.

This could come down to the wire and the Flyers are going to have to make some hard decision in the next week or so.