The NHL season is about a quarter over in the blink of an eye. The Flyers position in it is…complicated.
They currently sit just one point out of a Wild Card playoff spot, two points out of divisional spot, and have games in hand on all of the teams above them. They are in the annual log jam that plauges the Eastern Conference, where parody creates chaos.
As the season goes on injuries mount, trade dominos fall, and players fall in and out of favor. One of the best ways to shake up a lineup is a call up from the AHL.
The Flyers have a really good AHL program, and they have some players who could be poised to jump up to the big club and would be ready to make an impact if called upon. Here are a few who you should be ready to see soon.
Alex Bump
He was one of the last cuts at camp, and Alex Bump has been on a tear to prove that he belongs in the NHL.
Through 15 games, Bump has produced 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) and been the most noticeable player on the ice in the majority of the Phantoms games. He's had an excellent start to his pro career, continuing to show his progression from an NCAA start. The odds are that he will probably be one of the first call ups if there is any opening at winger for the Flyers.
Denver Barkey
Another Flyers rookie has drawn praise and nods of approval for his early season performance. Denver Barkey is right behind Bump with 10 points (5 goals and 5 assists), proving so far that his scoring touch is jumping up from juniors to the pro game.
He's a touch smaller than Bump, and might lose out on being a top choice as a call up depending on what spot in the lineup needs to be filled.
Devin Kaplan
A 2022 3rd round draft pick, Devin Kaplan made his NHL debut last season after completing his college season at Boston University in a late season one-off.
The Hockey East product is now an every day AHL player, and so far has looked well adjusted to the pro game. With his size (6'3 200 pounds), he's looked at as a future power forward prospect, and he's produced some offense (3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points in 14 games). He’s also put up 20 penalty minutes early in the year. Not shying away from the action is a positive, and he'll learn how to avoid racking up PIMs as he matures.
Kaplan could earn some time in the bottom six if he's willing to play a fast physical game between his offensive opportunities.
Helge Grans
Once a favorite to win a bottom pair or 7th defenseman job, Grans ended up on the wrong end of the training camp battles and is in the AHL to start the year.
At 6'4', 205 pounds, Grans draws eyes on the ice, and has clear offensive gifts. His play last year put him in the running, but he appeared a touch more one dimensional than his counterparts, so he's still refining his game.
His early offensive work (5 points, 2 goals and 3 assists) show that he's going to contribute, but you'd want to see his plus minus be on the plus side, not where it sits at -4.
If he shows he can be a top pair minutes-eater, keep scoring, and hover around even or better, it'll be time for Grans to get his shot. The Flyers are clearly looking for defensive fits, and Grans has the chance to put himself in a spot to benefit.