While training camp is where roster battles will begin, it isn't where they end. Many things will change during the season. Players will emerge, while others may falter. Camp is the place to make a first impression, but is has to continue from there.
With the Flyers aiming to take the next step as a team, they will need everyone to be on board. Most of the lineup is set, but there is always room for change. As a team trying to rise back up, no one's spot on the roster is safe. Regardless of whether you're a veteran or a rookie, everyone will be treated the same.
With that, there are a few specific battles that fans should keep their eyes on, starting at training camp.
Goaltending needs to be better
Presumably, it is Sam Ersson's net to lose. However, the Flyers cannot have the same subpar goaltending they did a season ago, which is why Dan Vladar was brought in to provide a more stable situation. And while his numbers are rather average, Philadelphia could use league-average goaltending.
Vladar has primarily served as a backup goaltender throughout his career. He hasn't played over 30 games in a season. Vladar gives Ersson a veteran presence and someone he can lean on throughout the season. But he is also someone who will try to challenge for the starting role during the course of the year. He played well down the stretch for the Flames, trying to help drag them into the playoffs.
That is the kind of competition Ersson needs. Not to mention that after the trade of Ivan Fedotov, Aleksei Kolosov will be challenging for NHL starts as well. With the faith of the organization behind him, he has the chance to perform. And while that may start in the AHL, one minor hiccup by either Ersson or Vladar could change that.
The goaltending room is more open, but the battle for the starting role will be close.
Rookies who have a chance to crack the roster
The Flyers' prospect pool has grown in size over the last few years and features some who could turn into household names. There are not many available spots on the roster, but that doesn't mean some cannot be forced open. This battle is expected to be just as fierce due to the limited spots and the large number of players vying for them.
The frontrunner is Jett Luchanko. Despite missing the rookie portion of camp, Luchanko's injury scare appears to be behind him. Considering the team must send him back to Guelph if he doesn't make the team, it's likely that he will be given every opportunity to do so. It won't be handed to him, but don't be surprised if he battles up until the very end. Playing at center will work to his advantage.
Alex Bump will be right behind him. His confidence alone shows he means business about capturing a permanent roster spot on the Flyers. He can dictate play and has a physical side to his game. The offense is there as well, something he showed off during his brief stint with the Phantoms last year. He's had a strong start, and even if he doesn't make the opening roster, there's a good chance Bump will make an appearance at some point.
Speaking of playing with an edge, Nikita Grebenkin will get his first chance in Flyers camp. Admitting to losing some weight and feeling faster, he should be more of an NHL-ready player. He has a big body and uses it to his advantage, especially in front of the net. He has quite a loud shot and played rather well with the Phantoms after the trade. He might be a dark-horse candidate, but he should also get some NHL games at some point.
Karsen Dorwart, Devin Kaplan, and Samu Tuomaala are just a few of the other forwards who will be vying for playing time throughout the year.
On the backend, Rasmus Ristolainen will miss the start of the season, confirmed by Danny Briere on Tuesday. That leaves an open spot. Similar to the forward group, there is a large number of players who could fill this role. Oliver Bonk is the biggest name. He earned some preseason time last year, before it was clear that he was overmatched. It might be best for Bonk to get some AHL development under his belt, but keep an eye on him.
One of the more likely names is Emil Andrae. Andrae has stepped into an NHL role before, but is running out of time to prove he deserves one. With Noah Juulsen and Dennis Gilbert competing for playing time, Andrae needs to find a way to stand apart from the crowd. The shuttling between Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley may not have helped last season. But Andrae will have to clean up the inconsistencies in his game before it's too late.
Other candidates such as Adam Ginning, Helge Grans, Ethan Samson, and Hunter McDonald will be hanging around. The chances for them are much more slim. But anything can happen.