Flyers Call Up Ronnie Attard to Bolster Defense
By Scott Cole
Lately, the Flyers defense has taken some hits. Jamie Drysdale injured his shoulder against the Penguins and has been placed on injured reserve. Rasmus Ristolainen, who has been snake bitten this season with one malady after another, has also been placed on IR. The Flyers have a six man rotation, but had been playing with seven defenders as of late. Likewise, the team could use someone in case someone else gets hurt.
The Flyers' next man up happens to be Ronnie Attard. This is Attard's first stint with Philadelphia this season. He played some during the 2021-22 season where he had two goals and two assists in 15 games. Last year, he appeared in two games for the Flyers.
For Attard, this is a great opportunity to prove himself. The 24 year old former third round pick could determine what happens with this team over the next week before the trade deadline and beyond.
There is a lot of speculation about whether or not the Flyers will trade or keep Nick Seeler and/or Sean Walker. Both defenders have thrived here this season and both have expressed a hope to stick around. While they have played extremely well, this team is still trying to get younger. That was one of the hopes with the team acquiring Drysdale: start stocking this team with young talent on the blueline to help make Seeler and/or Walker more expendable.
With Attard in town, this is his chance to shine. He is one of a cluster of young defensemen that the team is considering to be part of their future. Will Attard, Emil Andrae, Adam Ginning, and Helge Grans all be up patrolling the blueline soon? We'll have to see. They'll have to earn their spot first.
In Allentown, Attard has been having a great season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He leads all defenders with 10 goals and 15 assists. Perhaps he can help jump start this team's anemic power play. He was signed this past offseason to a two-year deal. This shows the team has an investment in him. They are going to want to see if he is worth it.
If Attard can't cut it, then someone else will come up and take his spot. Drysdale and Ristolainen should be out for a while. This is going to be a great time to audition for that roster spot. It's Attard's job to hold now. If he can't perform....next man up!