The Flyers' prospect pool has taken a much-needed turn, providing the organization with key talent as they continue their rebuild. While new players are becoming the talk of the town, others need to put themselves back in the conversation.
Rookie camp will be the first chance to make an impression on a new coaching staff. Everyone is entering on a fresh slate as there are no holdovers from the main coaching staff. Rick Tocchet and company may lean on Danny Briere and Keith Jones at times, but they will let the players do the talking.
There are not many players entering rookie camp who face a steep challenge. However, there are two who, for different reasons, need to show the Flyers that they can still be a viable option. And both come into the 2025-26 season on the last years of their deal.
Samu Tuomaala
It has been a rocky journey for Samu Tuomaala since being drafted in 2021. He made a brief debut for the Phantoms the next season before heading back to the Finnish league. He struggled upon his return to Liiga, unable to find a role, until he was loaned out to Ketterä in Mestis, Finland's second-highest league. With 26 goals and 46 points in 29 games, he had to feel confident.
Returning to North America in 2023-24, Tuomaala put up rather decent numbers over his rookie season. He was a large part of the offense, finishing third in points (43) and fourth in goals (15). It looked like it was going to be the same this year, but an injury cut Tuomaala's season short in March. To that point, he had 11 goals and 32 points.
Scoring hasn't been the problem with Tuomaala's game, though. It's been his play without the puck and staying focused and engaged when it isn't on his stick. With a new crop of prospects entering the organization, Tuomaala needs to keep himself on the Flyers' radar. With one more year on his contract, there is no time for slow starts or rough endings. Playing NHL games this season should be a goal.
Alexis Gendron
Gendron debuted with the Phantoms in 2023-24, but was clearly overmatched despite showing some flash, which wasn't surprising as a 19-year-old. The decision was made to loan him back to the QMJHL to continue developing and find his confidence. And find it he did. After the Drummondville Voltigeurs acquired his rights, Gendron put together a strong second half, posting 10 goals and 18 points in 16 games.
Following that, Gendron excelled in the playoffs. He helped the Voltigeurs capture the QMJHL championship, though they fell short of a Memorial Cup Title. Gendron had 11 goals and 19 points in 15 games, but the most important part was the ability to work on other parts of his game in a better-suited environment. Gendron returned to the AHL this season as a much more mature player, and it showed. He reached the 20-goal mark, stepping up when the Phantoms needed him most.
Other parts of his game saw improvement, and he was relied upon more as the year went on. The reason he faces some pressure is different from Tuomaala's. His growth has been evident, but there is still a climb to separate himself from some of the other similar options the Flyers have. He certainly showed that he can be a game-breaker, but he will need to continue building on that in the final year of his entry-level deal.