Emil Andrae
Emil Andrae should get another chance to show the Flyers that he can handle the NHL. Andrae got his first taste of NHL action last season but faltered during his four games. It was clear that he wasn't ready for the level of play. He returned to the Phantoms where he had a rather successful year.
Andrae posted five goals and 32 points in 61 games. He was second among defensemen in goals, behind Ronnie Attard's 10, and was first in points. He also added three points in six playoff games. Not bad for his first full season in North America. He does have another year after this on his contract so this isn't a make-or-break season for him. But holding his place on the depth chart is important, especially with some of the names coming up.
Just like Ginning, Andrae likely won't make the team out of camp. Unless he blows the team away and shows he has made a drastic improvement to catch up to the NHL level, he will be back with the Phantoms to start the year. He was rewarded with a spot on the opening roster last year, but again, he wasn't strong enough to remain there.
Spots on the backend are extremely hard to come by so Andrae will have to show the Flyers that the inconsistences he had before are gone. No one is perfect, of course, but he will still need to have enough positives to outweigh them. The Flyers have three players 24 years or younger on defense so youth isn't an issue. If Andrae can prove he can hang with players bigger and stronger, he will play NHL games.