The Flyers will finally be hitting the ice for a real hockey game this month. Well, real in the sense that fans can actually watch this game on television.
As part of a recent tradition, the Flyers and Capitals will play an exhibition game at the home of the Hershey Bears, Washington’s AHL affiliate. It will be the first of two preseason matchups between the two teams.
For many of these players, this could be their only NHL preseason game this year. Most will be heading to the AHL for the Phantoms training camp. But for someone like Matthew Gard, he’s getting rewarded for a strong training camp. Gard will head back to the WHL regardless of how he performs, but playing in the preseason is a nice honor for him.
With only four preseason games, the Flyers need to make quick decisions and iron out their lineup ahead of the regular season. The two-game limit for veterans will help get younger players more looks, but the margin for error will still be slim.
Players look to make their case in preseason opener
Lines at morning skate (d-men rotated a lot):
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) September 21, 2026
Aston-Reese - Barkey - Martone
Bump - Luchanko - Knuble
Grundstrom - Studnicka - Gard
Wilson - Thompson - Powell
Even though the lineup against the Capitals features many players who will be regulars for the Phatoms, there are still some important battles to keep an eye on. Players like Zachary Aston-Reese, Jack Studnicka, and Carl Grundstrom could fight for the 13th forward spot or put their names on the map to be the first call-up option in case of injury.
Alex Bump, who struggled at camp last season and was ultimately sent down to start the year, has come out flying this year. He has almost certainly locked down a roster spot, but a good showing during preseason will help solidify that. The same can be said for Denver Barkey, though the importance for him will be learning how to play center at the NHL level.
This game will be the most important for Jett Luchanko. While it's expected that he'll need time in the AHL, these preseason games are where he needs to shine. He's healthy from a core issue that had plagued him for a few years and likely affected his play. If he can have a strong camp and stand out during preseason, the Flyers may feel he's closer than once believed.
Flyers' defensemen rotated, but here are the guys on the ice:
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 21, 2026
96 - Murchison
3 - Grans
75 - McDonald
44 - Benoit
59 - Bonk
5 - Jiricek
The biggest battle on defense will be between Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek. Jiricek has the edge, not only because he's no longer waiver-exempt, but also because he has more experience in the NHL. The Flyers also want to use his booming shot to help jump-start the power play. He will be on the top power-play unit, so we'll get a look right away at what he can add.
Bonk has impressed with his confidence and poise carrying the puck. But with Simon Benoit in the picture as well, it seems unlikely the Flyers would want to carry Bonk and Jiricek, at least to start the season. Bonk would need to have an extremely strong camp and force the Flyers into making a tough decision on the back end. The team hasn't ruled out keeping eight defensemen, but Bonk should be playing every night and not sitting in the press box.
Decisions will have to be made quickly. This preseason opener is a chance for players to hit the ground running and turn a strong training camp into an NHL roster spot by the end of September.
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